Seven games were scheduled for Independence Day 2023, and for the first time in a short while, the weather held up and all were completed. There was a solid combo of big offensive performances as well as impressive pitching, a great way for fans to celebrate the holiday.

Jamestown Tarp Skunks 6, Elmira Pioneers 2

The two teams came into this game virtually tied in the West Division, making this matchup particularly noteworthy.

The Tarp Skunks (13-7-1) scored 2 runs in each of the 3 innings to jump out to a 6 run lead over Elmira (12-9). In the first, centerfielder Zack Kent (Wagner) scored the first run of the game on an Elmira error. This was then followed up by a RBI single by catcher Henry Juan (Williams) to make the score 2-0 after one inning. In the 2nd inning, a bases-loaded walk from second baseman Aiden Dunlap (Youngstown State) forced in a run to make it 3-0, while a hit by pitch 2 batters later gave the Tarp Skunks their fourth run. In the third inning, a 2-run single from DH Jared Muñoz (UMass) pushed the score to 6-0.

The Pioneers got their first run of the game in the top of the fourth when second baseman Aidan Blake (UMass-Boston) grounded out to bring a run in. In the 8th, Pioneers centerfielder Matt Granato (St. Thomas) pushed the score to 6-2 on an RBI single.

Jamestown’s Ryan Bilka (Wagner) and Joe Reitebach (Gannon) both pitched four innings, allowing one run each, however Reitebach ended up securing the win. Ryan Rafalski (Mercyhurst) finished off the game in the ninth.

Mohawk Valley DiamondDawgs 11, Saugerties Stallions 1

The DiamondDawgs (17-9) showed why they’re one of the top teams in this one, showing off their skills in this win over Saugerties (11-9).

The Stallions took a 1-0 lead in the second inning when catcher Kyle Pollack (Marist) recorded an RBI single. Unfortunately for Saugerties, the game would shift right after.

Mohawk Valley catcher Mitch Balint (Carson-Newman) and DH Sebastian Mueller (Quinnipiac) each recorded 3 hits in this game to lead the team. Mueller and shortstop Justin Hackett (Bryant) each had 2 RBIs to lead the team. Hackett’s highlights included a 2-run triple in the sixth inning to break open the game.

Mohawk Valley pitcher Colin Ruddy (George Washington) got the win in this one, pitching five innings, surrendering one run and striking out three. Aidan Colagrande (Fairfield) got the save, pitching the final three innings and striking out eight.

Batavia Muckdogs 3, Niagara Power 2

In this West Division matchup Batavia (16-8) prevailed over Niagara (11-8-1), in a game that could have playoff implications moving forward.

Niagara scored their only two runs of the game in the bottom of the first inning on an RBI double by third baseman Vincent Mauro (Niagara University), followed by an RBI single by second baseman Billy Morris (D’Youville).

After a couple of scoreless innings, Batavia scored three runs in the fourth inning to take a 3-2 lead. Second baseman Giuseppe Arcuri’s (Saint Leo) 2-run double tied the game at 2, and he would then score on left fielder Cristian Bernardini’s (St. John’s) groundout to make it 3-2 Batavia.

Great pitching would follow from here, as the score held until the end. Ty Woods (Genesee CC) got the win for Batavia, pitching 6.2 innings, giving up two runs and striking out four. Rijnaldo Euson (Georgia SW St) picked up the save. Tommy Peltier (Canisius) pitched solid in the loss, tossing five innings for Niagara.

Oneonta Outlaws 2, Albany Dutchmen 1

This game was defined by great pitching, and a couple of errors ultimately caused Albany (8-15) to fall to Oneonta (9-14) in this matchup.

Albany took a 1-0 lead in the third inning, when a shortstop Vince Venditti (Saint Rose) single lead to a run after an Oneonta error.

Oneonta would then come back and tie the game the next inning, when first baseman Ethan Duda (Herkimer) would come home on a passed ball. Oneonta then took the lead in the bottom of the eighth on a DH Anthony Barone (Oswego) RBI single, his second hit of the night.

Kyle Mahady (St. Peter’s) pitched great for Oneonta, going 5.2 innings with zero earned runs. However, the win went to Ryan Packard (Dayton), who pitched the final two innings perfect to secure the win.

Geneva Red Wings 3, Auburn Doubledays 1

In another great pitching duel, Geneva (5-13) prevailed over Auburn (10-11).

Auburn took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third when second baseman Riley Brawdy (Ithaca) hit a home run, his first of the season and his fourth RBI in his last three games.

However, Geneva would rally in the bottom of the fifth to take the lead and push the score to 3-1. An RBI single by shortstop Cameron Boardman (U of Hartford) tied the game at one. This was then followed by another RBI single, this time by DH Tyler Cerame (Finger Lakes CC). Geneva would then add on one more run on a single by catcher Ethan Swidler (Lafayette).

Nick Pappas (Umass Dartmouth) picked up the win for Geneva, pitching two perfect innings. Griffin White (Wagner) closed out the game with a perfect ninth inning to secure the save and win for the Red Wings.

Utica Blue Sox 11, Watertown Rapids 10

In an incredible back-and-forth game, Utica (10-10) got the win over Watertown (8-16) in walk-off fashion.

After a back-and-forth first eight innings, Watertown trailed 7-6 entering the ninth inning. On a wild play that started with a single by Rapids catcher Quinten Perilli (Elizabethtown), three runs would come in to give Watertown a 9-7 lead. This wouldn’t last long, as Utica would tie it up in the bottom of the ninth, after a couple of errors would bring in two runs on a play that started with a right fielder Taylor Kaufman (Hamilton) single.

In the 10th inning, Watertown re-took the lead on an RBI single by right fielder Colin Hageman (UW-Stout). Once again, the lead wouldn’t last, with the big moment of the day being a walk-off two-run home run by Utica EH Will Shannon (Hillsdale), who finished with four RBIs for the game. Watertown left fielder Gaetan Grandelli (West Chester) shined for them, picking up three RBIs.

Utica’s Kris Giangreco (Mount St. Mary’s) picked up the win, pitching the final three innings with two strikeouts.

Amsterdam Mohawks 18, Glens Falls Dragons 0

Amsterdam (24-1) showed why they can repeat as champions, giving their best effort against Glens Falls (9-12).

Glens Falls second baseman Johan Sandoval (Bryant & Stratton) reached base three times, including two hits.

Amsterdam left fielder Dakota Duffalo (Utah) had an incredible day at the plate, going 4-4 with 3 RBIs, which included a 2-run single in the top of the seventh inning. Mohawks catcher Bryce Hubbard (Mississippi St.) and shortstop Marek Houston (Wake Forest) each picked up two hits, combining for six RBIs.

Brandon Peterson (NJIT) showed why he’s one of the Mohawks’ most reliable pitchers in 2023, picking up the win. He went five innings, giving up no runs and striking out five.