Americans Bested at Geneva After Allowing 9-Run Seventh Inning

GENEVA, N.Y. — In their first meeting of the season, the Niagara Falls Americans fell to the Geneva Red Wings, 15-7, on Tuesday night at McDonough Park. Geneva jumped out to an early lead in the bottom of the first, scoring a run on a sacrifice fly. They extended their lead in the third when a runner stole third and scored on an errant throw. The Americans got on the board in the top of the fourth after Vincent Favata doubled to left field, driving in two runs. Favata later came around to score on a passed ball, giving the Americans a 3-2 lead. He was later ejected from the game after arguing a call at first base. It was Favata’s first start since June 12 at Newark against the Pilots. Angel Nova-Lopez made his fifth start of the season for the Americans, going four innings and allowing two runs (one earned) on one hit while walking four and striking out one. It was his first start since June 18 at Jamestown against the Tarp Skunks and his fourth consecutive outing with four or more walks. In the next frame, the first two Americans’ hitters reached via walks. Derek Gesmondi later laced a single to right field, scoring both runners to make it a 5-2 game. Geneva regained the lead after scoring three runs in the fifth and another in the sixth. Christian Mikulski came on in relief for Nova-Lopez, tossing two innings and surrendering four earned runs on two hits, with two walks and three strikeouts. Justin Gladfelter led off the seventh with a single to left field before stealing second and advancing to third on a balk. Later in the frame, Matthew Ganschow slapped a single to left, scoring Gladfelter. Ganschow also scored on a Dominick Zangardi groundout, putting the Americans back in front, 7-6. The seventh inning proved disastrous for the Americans. Jackson Learner entered out of the bullpen but recorded only two outs. He allowed nine earned runs on three hits while walking four and striking out one. Learner faced 11 batters, hit two, and fired just 13 strikes on 35 pitches. Over his last two outings, Learner has allowed 15 runs, walked seven, and hit six batters. Dominick Zangardi eventually came in to record the final out of the inning. He pitched an inning and a third, allowing no runs on one hit, with two strikeouts. Derek Gesmondi finished 2-for-3 with two RBIs, one run scored, one walk, and three stolen bases. David Harris went 1-for-3 with two walks, one run scored, and two stolen bases. He has now drawn at least one walk in four straight games and reached base safely in eight consecutive games. Matthew Ganschow finished 1-for-2 with an RBI, two walks, two runs scored, and two stolen bases. Ganschow leads the team with 21 RBIs this season. The Americans stole nine bases, their most in a single game this season, with five different players recording at least one steal. However, they allowed 13 stolen bases by the Red Wings, the most they have allowed in a game this season. The Niagara Falls pitchers hurled three wild pitches and hit five batters. The Americans also committed two errors, making it 14 straight games with at least one error. With the loss, the Americans dropped to 9-13 on the season, while the Red Wings moved to 7-13.

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After an off day on Wednesday, the Americans will travel back to Geneva on Thursday, July 2, for another matchup with the Red Wings at McDonough Park. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

By Tom Rook

June 30, 2026