Elmira, NY- Over 3,000 fans filled the seats of Dunn Field Friday night on Family night as the Pioneers scored three runs in the eighth inning to come from behind and defeat the Outlaws 7-6. With family members of the Pioneers in attendance to enjoy USA Weekend at Historic Dunn Field, Elmira sent local product Matt Holling (Hofstra) to the mound looking for his first win.

Oneonta would strike first in the opening frame as Holling would walk Zac Johnson (Illinois State) with the bases loaded to make it 1-0. Both teams would trade a pair of runs in the third inning before the Outlaws would take a 6-1 lead heading into the fifth inning. Nathaniel Abel (Virginia) would start the sixth inning and lead to an Elmira rally later in the inning.

Zac Bellinger (VCU) would lead off the sixth inning taking a ball off his wrist en route to a bases loaded situation. Three batters later Clark Wise (Wofford) would draw Elmira a run closer as he legged out an infield single scoring Stephen Clout (New Haven) from third to make it 6-2. The Pioneers and Kendall Konopka (Arizona Christian) would make it a 6-4 ballgame with a two RBI single up the middle by Konopka.

With the momentum swinging towards Elmira’s favor, the eighth inning would prove to be crucial for the Pioneers. Wise with a runner on third would drive home the game tying run and his second RBI of the night to make it 6-6. With the bases loaded and two outs, catcher Spencer Brann (UC Davis) would plate Konopka beating out a throw to first base giving Elmira a 7-6 lead. James Yacabonis (St. Joe’s) would come in to close things out in the ninth inning for Elmira as he stranded the tying run on first base and picked up his third save of 2012.

With the win it’s now five in a row for Elmira as they get set to welcome in the Amsterdam Mohawks for the first time this season. It will be the third and final night of USA Weekend as player jerseys will be up for live auction concluding the game. Fans will also be treated to another fantastic display of fireworks high atop Dunn Field. To get your tickets for Saturday night’s game call 607-734-2690 or stop by the Pioneers front office.