OBSERVER Photo by Lisa Monacelli Fredonia shortstop Reid Tarnowski scoops up a grounder and throws to second base for an out Friday against Chautauqua Lake.

The Chautauqua Lake Thunderbirds played the Fredonia Hillbillies toe to toe for the entire game, but the Hillbillies got a clutch hit in the bottom of the seventh to win 2-1 by walk off on Friday night.

Fredonia concluded its season undefeated at 12-0 in the CCAA West 1 division. This is the third time in recent years that the Hillbillies completed the task in league, matching the 2014 and 2016 baseball teams.

“This is a great accomplishment to be able to play this way for the entire year,” said Fredonia coach Vince Gullo. “It is nice to be consistent throughout the year, but we have some nice non league tune-ups in preparation for the sectional playoffs upcoming.”

Through the first 4 1/2 innings, Chautauqua Lake pitcher Kyler Majka and Fredonia pitcher Trey Swartz were in perfect control with very few offensive threats from either lineup. During that time, Fredonia’s best chance to score was in the first, but Chautauqua Lake catcher Bryce Rowe threw out a Fredonia baserunner attempting to steal third to end the inning. The Thunderbirds had a threat to score in the third with runners on first and second, but Swartz had two strikeouts and a groundout to get out of the jam.

“Chautauqua Lake came to play today,” said Gullo. “They are a well-coached team that gives a solid effort. It was a great, well-played game and is nice to be part of.”

Fredonia was finally able to push the first run of the game across in the fifth inning. Anthony Gullo led off with a single and was able to advance to second on an error from the right fielder. Majka did a perfect job of retrieving a bunt from Fredonia’s Alec Schrader to throw out the pinch runner, who hesitated when trying to advance to third. Schrader was then able to steal second and his older brother, Seth, brought him home with an RBI single.

“Seth has done a good job all year long at the plate,” said Gullo. “He takes a smart approach and has really been making solid contact with the ball, making himself a tough out.”

The Thunderbirds (3-8) would remain competitive throughout the game as they never gave up to put together a rally in the top of the seventh. After Luke Waters led off with a walk, Noah Webb hit a single. Later in the inning, Devin Pope received a free pass with two outs to load the bases. Majka drew another walk to bring Webb home to tie the game. However, relief pitcher Derrick Walters caught a pop up just off the mound to prevent any further damage.

Fredonia would respond with their bats in the bottom of the inning. Alec Schrader hit a single to left field with one out. Kyler Majka had to be replaced at that time due to his pitch count where Nate Engdahl came to the mound. After Seth Schrader received a walk, Reid Tarnowski then hit into a fielder’s choice to put runners on the corners. Swartz followed with an RBI single up the middle where Chautauqua Lake second basemen made a great play to get to the ball, but Tarnowski quickly made it to the bag to make everybody safe and bring Schrader to the plate for the winning run.

“I was happy with the bats today,” Gullo added. “The bottom of the order did a great job. Majka did great and got us to pop up the ball which is frustrating, but overall, I am pleased with how they batted.”

Walters received the win for Fredonia after blowing the save as he pitched two innings, surrendering one run on two hits and three walks while striking out three. Trey Swartz started the game for the Hillbillies, pitching five scoreless innings, giving up just one hit while fanning five.

According to Gullo, “Trey did great on the mound. He was solid and hit his spots on the plate. Derrick had a rough go, but we asked a lot out of him and he found a way to fight through.”

Majka pitched great for the Thunderbirds, giving up two runs on five hits in 6.1 innings of work while recording six strikeouts. Engdahl gave up one hit while recording one out.

“Kyler was phenomenal today,” said Chautauqua Lake coach Bryan Bongiovanni. “Fredonia has a deep lineup where they can hit 1-9 in the order. Kyler challenged them and was able to keep them off balance. We just have to find a way to manufacture a few runs on offense for him.”

Seth Schrader had the lone multiple hit game for either team with two singles. Walters, Swartz, Gullo and Alec Schrader also had singles for Fredonia. Devin Pope, Majka, and Webb had the three hits for Chautauqua Lake, all singles.

“We took a great team to the brink today,” Bongiovanni stated. “Fredonia is so talented and well-coached. This is our fourth league loss by one run in the final inning, so we are right there. All we have to do is flip one or two plays in our favor and we can be very successful.”

Fredonia starts its competitive non league sectional tune up at Orchard Park today while Chautauqua Lake travels to Maple Grove on Monday to finish up its league play.