Elmira, NY- Another strong crowd turned out to Dunn Field as the Pioneers added to their league high attendance number as the Newark Pilots landed in town Friday night. The Pioneers battled back and forth throughout the night in a game that saw four different lead changes. The Pilots would score the eventual winning run to 6-5 final in the top of the ninth on a sacrifice flyout by Josh Crowdus (Delta State).

Elmira would get on the scoreboard first as Tyler McIntyre (Central Connecticut) grounded a ball to short that was mishandled allowing Kendall Konopka (Arizona Christian) to score from third on the play. Newark would tie up the game an inning later on a RBI single from Crowdus.

The Pioneers would show more promise from their offense in the fifth inning as Steven Patterson (San Joaquin Delta) continued his offensive tear from the plate with a game tying triple that scored Konopka from second making it 3-3. Elmira would take a 4-3 lead on the next at bat as McIntyre singled in Patterson from third.

Trailing 5-4 late in the game, catcher Spencer Brann (UC Davis) laced a ball to right field scoring pinch runner Stephen Clout (New Haven) and sending the fans at Dunn Field into a frenzy. With the game tied in the top of the ninth, James Yacabonis (St. Joe’s) entered for Elmira and would see Newark load the bases on after an error at shortstop by Patterson. Crowdus would drive home the eventual run as the throw to home plate would be offline from the outfield.

Patterson finished the night for Elmira 3-5 with one run batted in and Matt Holling (Hofstra) took the no decision on the mound going five plus innings and allowing four runs (two earned) on four hits with four strikeouts. Elmira will be home again on July 2nd for Megaphone Monday before hosting USA Weekend on July 5th, 6th and 7th where there will be fireworks and even the players jerseys to be auctioned off. To get your tickets call 607-734-2690 or visit the Pioneers front office during regular business hours.