Americans Drop Season Series to Ironbacks, Snap Three-Game Win Streak

ST. CATHARINES, Ontario — The Niagara Falls Americans drew first blood, but could not hold

the lead, falling 7-2 to the Niagara Ironbacks on Friday night at George Taylor Field.

Dominick Zangardi delivered a two-out bloop single into left-center field in the first inning,

driving in Matthew Ganschow to give the Americans a 1-0 lead.

After two scoreless innings, the Ironbacks answered in the fourth, scoring two runs on a pair of

sacrifice flies to take a 2-1 lead.

In just his second appearance of the season, Nate Kroll made his second start for the Americans,

tossing five innings while allowing two earned runs on four hits. He walked three and struck out

seven.

Owen McCandless relieved Kroll in the sixth for his third appearance of the season. The

Ironbacks tacked on five runs in the next two innings, using the extra base hit to their advantage

with three doubles across the sixth and seventh innings.

McCandless fired two innings, allowing five runs (four earned) on four hits, with two walks and

three strikeouts.

In the eighth, Evan Shank and Cooper Rowell drew walks before Tyler Foxcroft punched a

single through the left side, scoring Shank to make it 7-2. However, that was all the Americans

could manage.

Jackson Learner pitched a scoreless ninth inning in this team-high 13th appearance of the season,

allowing no hits while striking out one.

Nate Kroll took the loss, his second of the season, dropping his record to 0-2.

The Americans finished with seven hits, all singles, including two by Tyler Foxcroft.

David Harris finished 1-for-4, extending his hitting streak to 15 games and his on-base streak to

20.

Defensively, the Americans committed one error, and allowed four stolen bases. Niagara Falls

has allowed 10 stolen bases over its last three games.

With the loss, the Americans dropped to 12-25, while the Ironbacks improved to 16-16-1. The

Ironbacks clinched the season series, now leading 6-3 with one game to play.

Links

PGCBL Box Score

Game Livestream

The Americans take on the Auburn Doubledays tomorrow at Sal Maglie Stadium for Faith and

Family Night. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. The season series between the two clubs is

tied 1-1.

For single-game tickets, call (716) 215-6161 or visit www.niagarafallsamericans.com. For

sponsorship opportunities or to organize a group outing, contact General Manager Marc Witt at

mwitt.canusa@gmail.com.

By: Tom Rook

July 17, 2026