The Amherst Hurricanes were the best team all season long in the Pioneer Valley Youth Baseball League Sandy Koufax Division, and they proved it in a dominant run through the league’s playoffs over the weekend.

During the title game at Deerfield Academy on Sunday, Amherst gave up just one run all game and used a three-run first inning to capture all momentum – leading to an 8-1 win to capture the championship over Brattleboro.

Oliver Howard, Brady Klaes, Drew Holland, Cyrus Arwade and Oscar Reich all tallied hits in the first inning rally that gave the ‘Canes a lead they would never give up. Klaes, Holland and Nolan Ingram had multi-hit games for the champs, and Oscar Peterson came around to score the game and season’s final run after he reached on a pinch-hit single.

Reich tossed five strong innings on the bump, with Arwade coming on in relief to close the door in style. Throughout Reich’s five innings, Amherst’s defense was stellar. Greg King and Ingram made great plays at shortstop and third base to help hold Brattleboro to one run. Jesse Drinker was a brick wall behind home plate at the catcher position for the ‘Canes.

Amherst finished the season with a 20-2 overall record including both the regular season and postseason. The Hurricanes also defeated Frontier on July 18, West County No. 2 on July 19 and West County No. 1 on July 20 to punch their ticket to the finals. Winning four games in four days showcased their depth both on the mound and at the plate.

Pioneer Valley Youth Basketball Camp to take place in early August

Valley Youth Sports Association is planning its second annual youth basketball camp Monday, Aug. 5 through Thursday, Aug. 8 at Smith Academy in Hatfield. This is a co-ed basketball camp that is open to the youth ages 7-14, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (all skill levels are welcome to participate). Camp slots are limited. This is a small camp by design to allow participants more opportunities for individual coaching attention and support to work on their needed basketball skills.

The cost is $115 for all four days. For more information and to register online, visit the website www.valleyyouthsports.org or email Matt Allen at info@valleyyouthsports.org.