There’s a number of reasons the home opener for a ballclub is a big deal. To welcome back the fans, to introduce new players, or maybe there’s a special deal going on at the ballpark. 

But for the Syracuse Spartans, June 8th, 2022 had a special meaning, as they made it their Challenger baseball night – a night where they connect with and dedicate themselves to the experience of mentally and physically challenged baseball fans and players alike within the community. So as the Sherrill Silversmiths came into town for their season opener, special ceremonies including players being paired with challenger athletes for starting lineups were of the focus, preceding an electric national anthem from Spartan superfan Britney Deltoro.

To dedicate their home opener toward those challenged within the community was well within the line of the philanthropic vision of the Spartans. And it paid off, as they had hit a total of over $5,500 raised in the past five years of Challenger Night donations! 

As for the Spartans on the field, they put together a well-deserved performance for their enthused challenger fans in the crowd, totaling a 9-3 win in another eclectic display of well-roundedness. Although, Nick Jessen’s home-opening outing didn’t look so sharp to kick things off, loading the bases in the top of the first inning before fighting out of the 1 out jam. After that, it was smooth sailing, as Jessen’s breaking ball paved the way to a 5 inning, 1 run, 2 hit, day at the office. 

And the Sherrill Silversmiths kept it competitive early, with a solid 1 run allowed through three frames by their starter Thomas Roefaro. That is, until the Spartans batted through the order once, a subsequent 5-run eruption occurred in the home half of the fourth. Sparked by a Jimmy Legg lead-off knock, Noah Roots 3 runs drove in matched Legg’s 3 RBI total as well with a repeat multi-hit performance once again. As for shortstop Jimmy Legg’s evening, his 3-4, 3 RBI performance earned him our Print Solutions Plus Player of the Game honors. While showing excellent ability at the plate, an errorless night on the field was present to compliment an exemplary defensive display from his entire contingent. 

Furthermore, RBIs from Jordan Goldmann, Conor Williams, and Camden New capped off what was a comprehensive production of runs. 9-3 was the final score, as the crowd brewed into a buzz following the final strikeout punched by Jack Clifford,  who stepped in for a shut down final frame. 

A handful of interviews, signatures, and handshakes later, and the Syracuse Spartans enjoyed their post-game meal as a 2-0 team. And they could very well make it 3-0 Thursday, June 9th, as the Rochester Ridgemen come into town, only 72 hours after losing 10-0 at home to the Spartans in their season opener. 

Tune in live at 7pm for a possible encore of success, as the Syracuse Spartans look to move to 3-0 on the season!