June 8

by Jayson O’Connell – boonvillelumberjacks.com

BOONVILE, N.Y. – After a positive two games on the road, the Boonville Lumberjacks looked to continue their momentum against the Watertown Rapids in an Opening Day rematch.

Boonville was competitive in a loss to a non-league opponent in the Syracuse Salt Cats. It then won its second game of the season at Utica on Tuesday. Confidence was also high because of the win last Thursday against the Rapids.

But the Lumberjacks lost in their return to the Robert Smith Sports Complex in a 11-5 defeat to the Rapids. Watertown was able to break the game open in the top of the sixth inning.

Designated hitter Owen Parliament hit a two-run home run over the right-center fence after left fielder Jax Miller singled the at bat before. The home run was Parliament’s second of the summer and he brought in his fifth and sixth RBI.

The third run of the inning was scored by first baseman Quinten Perilli when he scored on a passed ball. The Rapids led 7-0 after the sixth inning.

Boonville scored its five runs between the sixth and eighth inning, but the hole it dug itself in was too deep. Boonville left nine runners on base.

“We’re playing on the same field as them. We have to hit it, you know? Make contact and hit the ball,” said Boonville manager Brian Fajardo. “We just got to be more aggressive and hustle harder.”

Errors continued to plague the Lumberjacks as well. They committed three errors that resulted in three unearned runs.

Watertown continued to pile on the runs in the eighth inning which started with a triple off the top of the right field wall from Miller. Parliament brought Miller home again with a single the next at bat.

Two at bats later, center fielder Gaetan Grandelli reached on an error that allowed Parliament to score from third base. Extra hitter Jacob Parker also had an RBI single and Perilli also scored on a fielder’s choice.

Boonville’s RBI leader was Jacob Khouri who brought in two on a single in the eighth inning. Jacob Reeves and Yorby Vilomar each had an RBI as well.

Vilomar and relief pitcher Ben Bohlman each left the game early with minor injuries.

Watertown’s starter Ryan Peters received the win after allowing only three hits and one run over six innings pitched. Boonville’s Matt Gehris was given the loss.

The Lumberjacks fell to 2-3 and will stay at home to play the Amsterdam Mohawks at 6:45 p.m. tomorrow night. It’ll be Boonville’s Youth Baseball Night where players wearing their youth baseball gear will get free admission.

The Rapids improved to 3-4 and will play another road game against the Mohawk Valley Diamond Dawgs.