Dukes Fall to Lowell 5-4, Eliminated from Playoff Contention

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The Pittsfield Dukes had a tough road to travel if they wanted to make it into the NECBL playoffs, and they fell short in a comeback effort against the Lowell All-Americans at Wahconah Park. www.necbl.com/nutshell.htm The Dukes fell behind early, as starter Bob Buskett (College of New Jersey) allowed five runs through five innings, one in the second, two in the third, and one in each of the fourth and fifth innings. Pittsfield mounted their comeback in the sixth inning as Paul Heidler (Longwood University) and Alex Hassan (Duke University) led the frame off with consecutive singles. After back to back outs were recorded, Scott Savastano (Franklin Pierce University) came to the plate with runners on second and third. Savastano grounded a ball to third that was misplayed and allowed both runners to score. Nelson Gomez (Keystone College) followed with a single that put runners at first and second. Sam Shaughnessy (Boston College) lined a single to leftfield that plated Savastano making the score 5-3. Chester Wilson (Souther Utah University) who was 2-for-4 on the night, grounded a ball to shortstop that ate up shortstop Kevin Nolan (Winthrop University) allowing Gomez to score the fourth unearned Dukes run of the night. Pittsfield would put a two-out baserunner on in the ninth in Tyler Stampone (The College of the Holy Cross), but he was left on base as Savastano popped out foul to first base. With the loss the Dukes are eliminated from playoff contention and still have three games against the Manchester Silkworms. They will play a doubleheader in Manchester Tuesday, game one at 4 and game two at 7, the first of which is the continuation of the July 9th game that began at Wahconah Park. The final game of the year for the Dukes will be Wednesday, with the location to still be determined. For tickets or information, visit our website www.pittsfielddukes.com or call (413) 447-DUKE.
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Taconic High Names Top Students of the Class of 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Taconic High School Principal Matthew Bishop has announced the valedictorian and salutatorian of the class of 2026. 
 
They will speak during the graduation ceremony on Friday, June 12, at 4 p.m at Tanglewood in Lenox. 
 
Gavin O'Donnell, son of Kevin and Colleen O'Donnell of Pittsfield, has been named valedictorian with a grade average of 103. Hunter Bentz, son of Heidi Bentz of Pittsfield, has been named salutatorian with a grade average of 102.4.
 
Throughout his high school career, O'Donnell has exemplified the values of leadership, commitment, and excellence that define the Taconic community. He achieved high honors all four years and made significant contributions to both the school and the wider community. He was an active member of the Link Crew, Green and Gold, and Class Council, just to name a few of his activities. 
 
A dedicated athlete, O'Donnell played soccer and baseball all four years and was named captain of the varsity soccer and baseball teams both junior and senior years. His commitment to service extended beyond athletics, as he volunteered with Unified Games and was a math tutor at Taconic. He has also been an active part of Pittsfield Soccer Club, where he has helped
referee youth soccer games and assisted in getting the fields ready for game days.
 
He has earned several awards, including being a member of the National Honor Society,  the John and Abigail Adams Award, and being an AP Scholar and an AP Capstone Graduate. 
 
O'Donnell plans to pursue a degree in finance at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., where he will continue to play baseball and hopes to excel as a student. 
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