With rain hitting the area once again, three of the eight scheduled games were postponed, but the five games played still brought the excitement we all wanted.
Batavia Muckdogs 11, Elmira Pioneers 4 (GAME 1)
Batavia’s (21-9) strong offense carried them to a victory over the third-place Elmira Pioneers (17-11).
After a scoreless first inning, the Muckdogs broke out in the second, putting four runs on the scoreboard. Among these highlights was a 2-run single from infielder Victor Alongi (Genesee CC), who had a big game, finishing with three hits and three RBI. Batavia centerfielder Rashad Robinson (Bishop State CC) also played well, compiling two hits and two RBI. Batavia would tack on three more runs in the fourth inning, two in the fifth, and two in the sixth to give them 11 for the game.
The scoring for the Pioneers would start in the bottom of the fifth inning on a sacrifice fly by second baseman Nick Bisaccia (Seton Hall). Elmira’s top hitter for the game was shortstop Blaze Fadio (Lafayette), who picked up two hits.
The winning pitcher for the Muckdogs was righty Jack Keeler (Fort Lauderdale), who went four scoreless innings with six strikeouts to pick up his third victory of the season.
Elmira Pioneers 5, Batavia Muckdogs 3 (GAME 2)
Elmira (18-11) pitched well and took advantage of errors to split the doubleheader with Batavia (21-10).
After a 1-1 tie after four innings, Elmira had their big inning in the top of the fifth to take command of the game. After a passed ball scoring run number one in the inning, an RBI single scoring EH Jake Kelleher (ETSU) and an RBI putout by centerfielder Matt Granato (St. Thomas) gave the Pioneers a 4-1 advantage. Kelleher would pick up three hits in the game, while Granato had two RBI to lead the team.
The Batavia bats were never able to consistently get going, and two more runs in the sixth left them with three for the game. Second baseman Lucas Lopez (St. Thomas) and first baseman Chad Falcon (St. John’s) were responsible for the team’s two RBIs.
The winning pitcher for Elmira was righty Max Zentil (Ottawa), who went 5.1 innings, giving up one earned run and striking out an impressive nine. This brought his ERA down to 3.11 for the season. Gardner Meeks (Roanoke) came on for the save, his first of the season.
Geneva Red Wings 2, Auburn Doubledays 1
Geneva (7-20) picked up a big win in this pitching duel against the Doubledays (12-16).
After two innings of no runs, Auburn struck first in this game, taking a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third on an RBI double by Hazel Martinez (Union), who would reach base twice in this game. Emil Sander (Oswego) picked up two hits for the Doubledays.
After falling into a 1-0 deficit, the Red Wings would tie the game in the top of the fourth on an error, scoring Andrew Eppinger (NJIT). Then, in the fifth inning, Geneva would take the lead on a wild pitch that brought home Brennan Staubley (Franklin Pierce).
The Winning pitcher for Geneva was Ethan Fulton (St. John Fisher), went five innings, allowing one run and striking out three. John Tully (Bates) was excellent in picking up the three-inning save, striking out five in his scoreless effort.
Niagara Power 8, Newark Pilots 6
A late push by Newark (6-20) wasn’t quite enough to overcome a strong offense performance by the Power (16-11-1).
The big inning for Niagara in this big offensive game was the sixth, with their four runs giving them control of the game. In that inning, an RBI single by left fielder Jackson Strong (Canisius) brought home shortstop Zach Evans (Lenoir-Rhyne) to push the Niagara lead to 3-1. After tacking on three more runs in the inning, the Power would add on one more in each of the final two innings to give them eight for the game. Evans and Strong each finished with two hits to lead the team.
Down 7-3 in the bottom of the eighth, the Pilots showed signs of resilience, adding three runs to their total on one play. With the bases loaded, first baseman Mitchell Kelly (Cortland) brought home all three to cut the lead to 7-6. Unfortunately, their offense would be held there. Kelly finished with 3 RBI of the game, while catcher Gage Boatman (East Central) reached base three times right before him in the order.
The winning pitcher for Niagara was Bryan Aduddle (Canisius), going 5.2 innings and allowing two runs to pick up his third victory of the summer. Tom Bednarski (Niagara U) got the final out to pick up the save.
Amsterdam Mohawks 7, Oneonta Outlaws 1
Amsterdam’s (29-2-1) incredible season continued on Thursday in this victory over the Outlaws (12-18).
The Mohawks shined at the plate this this game, putting up two runs the third and fifth innings and another three in the seventh to total seven for the game. EH Jaxson West (Alabama) lead the team with two RBIs, and centerfielder Jalen DeBose (Fl. Atlantic) and DH Carlos Martinez (Pittsburgh) each picked up two hits.
Oneonta’s one run was brought in by catcher Caden Marsters (Erskine), who reached base twice. Left fielder Christopher Baillargeon (Holy Cross) lead the team with two hits.
The winning pitcher for the Mohawks was Carson Pierce (Oklahoma), who picked up his second victory of the year and lowered his overall ERA to 1.80, giving up no runs and striking out three.