Elmira, NY- The Pioneers entered into play Thursday night on a two game losing streak as they welcomed the Cooperstown Hawkeyes into Dunn Field. Elmira had picked up a win in their previous four games against the Hawkeyes but couldn’t overcome a late rally by Cooperstown as they fell 8-6.

The opening three frames of the night saw both teams total together nine runs as both starting pitchers struggled early on. Elmira starter John Melville (New Haven) pitched seven innings before giving way to the Pioneers bullpen. Melville allowed seven runs on ten hits and Cooperstown starter Raleigh Rushing (Cypress) battled through six innings allowing five runs on seven hits en route to his second win of the season.

Elmira would tie up the game at 5-5 in the fourth inning as Aaron Nardone (Delaware State) woud come through with a clutch RBI double that would send the fans at Dunn Field into a frenzy. Cooperstown wouldn’t let the game stay tied long though as they would plate two runs in the top of the fifth inning that would lead to the eventual winning run as Hawkeyes pitcher Josh Ingham (Central Connecticut State) would close out the game for his third save of the season.

Elmira will be in action again tomorrow as they welcome in the Newark Pilots for a 7:05 pm first pitch. This will be the second trip to Dunn Field this season for Newark. It will be country night at Dunn Field as fans will be encouraged to wear country attire and enjoy country music all night long with the Pioneers. Fans can order their tickets by calling 607-734-2690.
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