UTICA, NY – Needing three outs to capture a win against the second best team in the PGCBL, the Utica Brewers were unable to hold a 5-1 lead in the ninth, losing to the Elmira Pioneers 6-5.

Utica (9-12) got timely hitting from Dominick Bregar (Colorado State University – Pueblo) and Mason McClellan (Charleston Southern University) in the fifth with the game knotted at one apiece (1-1). Bregar walked in Tadarious Hawkins (Henderson State) with two outs and the bases loaded, giving the Brewers their first lead of the game 2-1, then McClellan followed on the first pitch of the at-bat with a double to left field, scoring Jared Baldinelli (St. Bonaventure), Kyle Schade (St. Andrews University) and Bregar. It gave the freshman a game-high three runs batted in, finishing 1-for-3.  

The pitching was solid too with starter Michael Messier (Bellarmine University) working six strong innings. The sophomore had only one easy inning in the first, working out of a couple jams, only allowing one earned run off of four hits and two walks, leaving the game to his pen in the seventh.

The pen did well until the ninth inning, allowing a five run rally thanks to four walks and three hits. Alec Morrison (Holy Cross) was unable to hold the lead, then Connor Gibson (University of Sioux Falls) got the loss after relieving Morrison and allowing the game-winning run to score on a wild pitch.

Earning the win for the Pioneers was Mike Stephens. He came in the seventh and didn’t allow a hit or run to score in his two innings of work. Michael Scarinci followed with the save, not allowing a hit in his lone inning pitched.

Up next for the Brewers is Mohawk Valley. The Brewers will host the Diamond Dawgs on Saturday(6/26) with first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m.