Klimtzak Leads Americans to 1-0 Win to Split Doubleheader and End Losing Skid

ST. CATHARINES, ONTARIO, CANADA - In game two of a road doubleheader against the Niagara-Canada Ironbacks, the Niagara Falls Americans defeated the home squad by a score of 1-0. Aiden Klimtzak turned in an incredible performance, leading the Americans to victory to split the doubleheader and end a three-game losing streak for the Americans. The Ironbacks fall to 4-23, while the Americans rise to 18-11 overall this season.

The Americans offense did just enough to win, scoring one run on five total hits. While no American had multiple hits, Chris Guzaldo, Carmen Panaro, and Grant Moore put up some of the most significant stat lines. Guzaldo batted 1-of-3, hitting a double and driving in the only run of the game. Panaro reached base in two of three plate appearances, hitting a double and walking once. Moore did not tally a hit in his two at bats, but did walk once and steal a base.

Aiden Klimtzak dazzled in a complete game shutout, pitching all 7.0 innings and allowing just one hit. Klimtzak entered the 7th inning with a no-hitter preserved, but a leadoff single ended the bid. Across his 24 total batters faced, he struck out four and allowed just two to walk. Klimtzak completed the full 7.0 inning game with a total of 81 pitches.

Devan Madore was the lone Ironback to record a hit in the game. Alex Kean and Andrew Bishop both tallied a walk. These were the only three Ironbacks to reach base in the contest. Bishop advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt, and Madore advanced to second on a wild pitch, but no Ironback baserunner ever made it to 3rd base.

Despite their team falling in the end, the three Ironbacks pitchers to appear in the game remained effective. The starter, Aidan Bray, threw 4.0 innings, allowing just two hits, one walk, and striking out one of his 15 batters faced. Brad Alexander pitched only the full 5th inning, allowing one walk, but striking out one of his three batters faced. Eli Thompson, the pitcher tagged with the loss, pitched the final 2.0 innings, allowing the only run on three hits and one strikeout.

Neither team was able to break the 0-0 start until the top of the 7th inning. Needing to put pressure on the home team, the Americans started the inning with Nick Paszt reaching 1st on a hit by pitch. On the first of two consecutive flyouts to center field, some heads up baserunning by Paszt allowed him to advance to 2nd. With two outs and a runner in scoring position, Chris Guzaldo hit a double to the left side infield hole, which deflected off the end of the shortstop's glove. The base hit scored Paszt, and a strikeout let the top of the 7th finish with the visitors up 1-0. Aiden Klimtzak entered the bottom of the 7th on no-hitter watch. Devan Madore ended the bid with a single to left center field before a foul out to 1st base, and then back-to-back flyouts to center field ended the game.

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Catch the next Americans home game tomorrow, 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.