ELMIRA, NY-Action got underway early in a big way as the Elmira Pioneers took on the Albany Dutchmen for the second time this season. In the top of the first, Albany scored three off some inconsistent pitching from Will Zirzow (Florida State), and a two-run shot by Michael Bollmer to left centerfield.

Albany would extend this lead in the top of the second, Sean Aspinall hit a double and Jesse Cooper would follow after a walk. Eric Mueller then moved Aspinall and Cooper over on a fielder’s choice. Greyson Lewis then reached on an error by Elmira third baseman Keegan Maronpot. Aspinall and Cooper would both score on this error.

A wild pitch by Zirzow would move Lewis over to third. A sack fly by Patrick Hisle would bring Lewis home, extending the Dutchmen lead to 6-0. Zach Remillard singled on his first pitch, and quickly stole second. Tyler Nelin would hit a double that scored Remillard, and brought the Dutchmen their last run of the game.

In the bottom of the second, the Pioneers with three runs of their own. Sam Clark stepped up to bat and singled, and after a failed pick-off attempt by Jake Welch, Clark moved to third. Clark would then score off a passed ball. Tommy Mirabelli, who was hit by a pitch early in the inning, moved to third on a fielder’s choice made by Troy Squires. Keegan Maronpot then hit a double and brought Mirabelli in. Justin Hayes then hit a double to score Maronpot, making the score 7-3.

The third would bring a run for the Pioneers as well, as Christian Santisteban singled to reach first. Santisteban would move to third on a failed pick-off attempt from pitcher Jake Welch. Santisteban came home on a fielder’s choice from Sam Clark.

Ultimately, poor pitching from the Dutchmen gave Elmira the win, after a four run sixth inning. Justin Hayes hit a single to start the inning. He then advanced to second off of another failed pick off, this time from Andrew Giddens, the Dutchmen pitcher. Larue hit a single, and moved Hayes to third. Larue stole second, and then intentionally walked Santisteban.

Sam Clark then stepped up and reached base on a fielder’s choice. Dalton Hoiles advanced on a hit by pitch, scoring Larue. Mirabelli was then walked, which scored Santisteban. A hit by pitch from Troy Squires would score Clark. A passed ball would bring home Dalton Hoiles, giving us the final score of 8-7 in favor of the Pioneers.

The winner for Elmira was Garrett Schilling, who pitched two innings of scoreless ball for the Pioneers. Taking the loss for Albany was Andrew Giddens, who brought in three runs off of inconsistent pitching.

The Pioneers play at home again tomorrow night against the Syracuse Salt Cats. The game will be One Dollar hot dog night, and free pom-poms will be handed out courtesy of Arnot Health. For tickets, contact the Pioneer front office at 546 Luce St, or by phone at 607-734-2690. For additional information on the Pioneers, visittheelmirapioneers.com.