Early Batavia Fireworks Down Americans 7-2 on 4th of July

        NIAGARA FALLS, NY - On a special night at Sal Maglie Stadium, the Americans were not able to overcome early sparks by the Muckdogs, and fell by a score of 7-2. This loss now ties the teams again at 17-9 records, as well as putting them back in a tie for first in the PGCBL West Division. Batavia's win was their first against the Americans this season, with the overall season series sitting at 3-1 Americans. The teams will rematch again tomorrow night in Batavia to decide a sole leader of the division.

        The Americans' offensive efforts were headed by Gavyn Boyle, Tommy Mathay, and Nick Paszt. Boyle batted 2-of-3, hitting a solo home run and a triple, as well as walking once. This homer was Boyle's second of the season, and he has now hit both of them in his last three games. Mathay hit a RBI single in one of his three at bats, as well as tallying a walk. Paszt reached base twice across his three at bats, once by single and once by walk.

        Three Americans stepped on the bump in the contest. Keegan Bazinet, the pitcher tagged with the loss, pitched the first 5.0 innings. Bazinet allowed five runs, just three earned, striking out two and allowing just one walk across 25 batters faced. Brady Toney entered to pitch the next 2.2 innings, allowing two earned runs on three hits, two walks, and three strikeouts. Hudson Boring pitched the final 1.1, recording an out on all four batters he faced.

        With double-digit hits in the outing, several Muckdogs had shining statlines. Justin Espinal, Sean Mindas, Brayden Horton, and Brian Fry were among the best of the night. Espinal hit two singles in his four at bats, tallying one RBI and two runs scored. Mindas also tallied two singles, one RBI, and two runs scored, but doing so with five at bats. Horton reached base in four of five plate appearances, once by error, once by single, once on a hit by pitch, and finally once by double. Additionally, Horton stole a base and scored two runs. Fry batted 1-of-4 on a double, and was the only Muckdog with two RBIs.

        Batavia matched Niagara Falls' total, throwing throwing three pitchers. Eric Woodley pitched 7.0 innings of one-run baseball. Woodley, the game's winning pitcher, allowed no walks, five hits, and struck out four of his 25 batters faced. Tyler Castrataro and Reed Mercum each pitched 1.0 inning to finish the game. Castrataro was the first reliever, allowing one hit and one walk, but striking out two. Marcum allowed one run on one hit and one walk, also striking out two batters.

        The visiting Muckdogs jumped on a quick opportunity to take the lead against a team that has had their number so far this season. On the second pitch of the game, Brayden Horton reached and advanced to second on a throwing error by the Americans' second baseman. During the next at bat, Horton advanced to third base on a wild pitch. With the first run of the game just 90 feet away, Sean Mindas hit a ball through the left side to score Horton. Another wild pitch followed by a walk of Tyler Castrataro, put two runners on with no outs. Another single, this time by Justin Espinal, scored Mindas. A well-placed bunt by Cooper Fesh loaded the bases with no outs, and two runs already scored. James Bolton continued the production, but ending the on-base streak, by hitting a sacrifice fly to center field that scored Castratar and moved Espinal to third base. With runners on the corners and one out, a groundball to the second baseman spelled trouble for Batavia. The Americans got the out at second, but could not make the throw to first to complete the double play, allowing Espinal to come home and score the fourth and final run of the inning.

        The top of the 3rd saw Batavia tack another run onto their lead. After recording outs on two of the first three batters of the inning, it appeared that Espinal's single in the inning could be the only damage for Niagara Falls. Instead, back-to-back hits would give Batavia a larger lead. James Bolton kept the hopes for the inning alive by singling through the right side, putting runners on 1st and 2nd. Brian Fry took advantage of his opportunity, hitting a double down the left field line and scoring Espinal.

        The bottom of the 4th saw Niagara Falls chip away at Batavia's lead for the first time. Leadoff batter Gavyn Boyle hit a home run to right field on his second pitch faced of the at bat. Despite the quick fireworks to start the inning, and even a single by the next batter, a caught stealing and two fly outs ended the inning with just one run scored for the home team.

        Batavia built back to a five-run lead in the top of the 7th. Despite a leadoff flyout, the Muckdogs soon found themselves with runners on the corners on the back of a Horton double, followed by a Mindas single. Castrataro hit a groundball to the second baseman, and while the Americans were able to get an out at 2nd base, they again could not turn the double play, allowing Castrataro to reach first and score Horton.

         In the top of the 8th, Batavia scored another run, and their final of the game. A hit by pitch on Fesh, followed by a walk of Bolton started the inning before a strikeout and fielder's choice on Cooper Romich put runners on 1st and 2nd with two outs. Travis Hammond hit a ball down the right field line that scored Bolton, and gave Batavia a 7-1 lead.

        After a 1-2-3 inning for the Americans defense, the offense came out needing six or more runs to keep the game alive. Batavia responded by entering Reed Marcum to pitch. Marcum started fairly efficiently, recording a groundout, walk, and strikeout across his first three batters faced. With backs against the wall, the Americans first kept hopes alive when a hit by pitch put runners on 1st and 2nd. With one runner in scoring position, Tommy Mathay gave the home crowd some hope with a single up the middle that scored Boyle. Marcum locked back don after the run, striking out the next batter to finish the game.

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        The Americans will travel to Batavia to play in a rubber match against the Muckdogs. Tune into our broadcast, scheduled for 6:30pm, alongside the first pitch. Catch the next Americans home game July 7th, when we host the Newark Pilots in a contest scheduled to start at 6:30pm. It is Johnnie Ryan Soda Night, so come to the stadium and enjoy an iconic Niagara Falls beverage and cheer on your Americans! To purchase single-game or season tickets, call 716-215-6161 or visit niagarafallsamericans.com for more information. Season tickets start as low as $99! If you or someone you know is interested in sponsoring the Americans, or organizing a group outing to an Americans game, please contact General Manager Marc Witt at mwitt.canusa@gmail.com.