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Dunkirk’s Jagoda Earns 350th Career Win

DUNKIRK — Head coach Frank Jagoda earned his 350th career victory as Dunkirk beat Allegany-Limestone 12-2 in Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Athletic Association Division 1 West play at Al Stuhlmiller Field on Tuesday.

Next up in the record books is Stuhlmiller, the legendary Marauders head coach who finished his career with 360 wins.

“The first thing is, it’s very nice to do it with a group of kids who are playing so well,” Jagoda said. “We didn’t back into it. We’ve worked hard to get to where we are. I’m very happy to do it with this group of guys, this coaching staff and the guys I have around me.”

Dunkirk (9-1, 6-0) scored in the first four innings Tuesday to take a 9-1 lead. After Allegany-Limestone put up a run in the fifth, the Marauders answered with a three-run sixth to end the game.

Phil Messina went 3 for 3 while Alex Ahlstrom, Mike Norton, Donovan Lockett and Bryson Travis each had a pair of hits in the win. Messina had a pair of doubles while Norton and Javy DeJesus each added a double. Lockett and Nick Zatorski each tripled.

“We hit a lot of gaps tonight. We had some really quality at-bats. Everybody really hit the ball hard,” Jagoda said. “Donovan Lockett really showed a lot tonight. He had a base hit up the middle with two outs and a triple. He also played an outstanding defensive game.”

DeJesus threw 3 1/3 innings of two-hit ball with seven strikeouts before Tanner Schrantz and Mike Porpiglia each had a strikeout over the final five outs.

Jayden Gustafson had a double and an RBI for the Gators (1-5, 0-5).

Jagoda’s first win came against Salamanca in 1993 and now 28 years later he seems to have another one of his better teams.

“There’s been a lot of huge wins for a lot of different teams. We went back-to-back 12-0 seasons at one point. We’ve had some really good teams,” Jagoda said. “When I first started and we played such a tough schedule, ending up above .500 was very, very important to us because of our schedule.”

This year’s schedule is a strong one for the Marauders. It continues tonight — weather-permitting — with a visit from Class AA Orchard Park.

“We playing really well. We’re 9-1. I’m sure Orchard Park is going to bring it,” Jagoda said. “They haven’t played since last week and they’ll probably want to get their best pitchers out there.”

Even with Stuhlmiller’s mark within reach, Jagoda isn’t looking at the end of his career.

“Every year is different,” he said. “I know what my family wants me to do. … I didn’t quit when my kids were done and I don’t intend on quitting when I reach another milestone.”

WESTFIELD TRIMS T’BIRDS

MAYVILLE — Westfield topped host Chautauqua Lake 4-2.

Brad Babcock threw all seven innings for the winners, striking out 13 and walking two while allowing four hits.

Ethan Perdue was 1 for 3 and struck an RBI in the sixth inning for the winning run.

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