FORT EDWARD — Saratoga Catholic rising junior Ryan Gillis was perfect on the mound on July 18, throwing four perfect innings for the Saratoga Stampede 16U before the team earned an 11-0 mercy-rule victory over the 17U Northeast Hurricanes.
While the game was shortened due to mercy rule, Gillis showed no shortage of dominance, striking out 10 consecutive batters across four innings en route to the victory.
Gillis said he was “excited to go out there” entering the game, noting that he formerly played travel ball in the Hurricanes’ organization and was facing several of his former teammates.
“I used to play for that organization, and I knew some of the kids on that team,” said Gillis. “My mindset was just staying focused, locking in. It just kind of gave me a boost going out there.”
The first batter Gillis faced was retired on a groundout to shortstop, with the second batter popping out to third base. Gillis then struck out the next 10 batters in a row.
He said the key was “staying focused,” noting that his teammates helped pick him up on the offensive side.
“Not letting anyone get in your head, and just doing your own thing basically,” Gillis said of his mindset. “Just locking in. My teammates picked me up hitting-wise, and they gave me a comfortable lead. We just stayed focused.”
Gillis, who competed in his first season with the Saratoga Catholic varsity team in the spring, said the Stampede squad has been enjoying its summer season thus far. The 16U Stampede team features many of the Saints’ varsity players from this past spring.
“Everyone’s hitting the ball pretty well,” said Gillis. “We’re having a good time, just having fun playing ball in the summer.”
