The Albany Dutchmen took down the first-place Amsterdam Mohawks in Monday night action at Bob Bellizzi Field thanks to a three-run homerun by Will Remillard (Coastal Carolina) in the 3rd and an All-Star performance by David Stagg (Heartland CC).

While there was speculation of possible thunderstorms prior to game-time, the skies cleared allowing the entirety of the game to be played out, which worked in favor of the Dutchmen, stealing a game from their #3 nationally ranked opponents.

Amsterdam, who has already clinched a PGCBL playoff birth, entered the contest 30-9, eight games over 2nd-place Glens Falls but struggled to plate runs. Amsterdam stranded 9 on-base as Stagg (5-2) found ways to work out of multiple jams. Stagg, who will appear in the All-Star game tomorrow, was able to produce a fielder’s choice from Demarcus Henderson (Mississippi State) in the 3rd with his back against the wall and the bases loaded. Stagg worked his magic again just one inning later as he forced Jeff Limbaugh (Parkland) to ground out to 2nd base with runners on 2nd and 3rd. In the fifth Stagg once again was able to get out a bind, finding a way to get a fly out from Ed Charlton (NJIT) with 2 in scoring position.  The Mohawks would eventually get on the scoreboard after loading the bases with no out. A wild pitch put the Mohawks in a prime position to tie or take the lead but Stagg was able to give up just one run-scoring groundout to D.J. Hoagboon (UAlbany) and keep the Dutchmen ahead.

Nolan Gaige (UAlbany) led off the 3rd with a walk before he was advanced to 2nd by Jack Wietlispach (Parkland). Zach Remillard singled, setting the stage for his older brother Will’s 3rd home run of the season. The Dutchmen were efficient on-base, only stranding one runner on 3rd back in the 2nd inning.

The Dutchmen relief staff comprised of Cody White (Southern Idaho), Jake Woodward (St. John’s), Ricky Schafer (Cypress), and Trevor Lacosse (Bryant), came through in the clutch as they completed four innings of work without allowing a hit, preserving the win for the Dutchmen. Lacosse picked up his 7th save of the season and struck out 2 in the 9th.

The Dutchmen were in need of a win and picked up a big one in their efforts to claim the final playoff spot with just eight games to play.