Americans Lose Two Straight for First Time in Two Weeks

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — In just the second-ever meeting between the two clubs, the Niagara Falls Americans fell to the Olean Oilers, 11-6, at Sal Maglie Stadium on Friday night. Olean jumped out to an early lead in the top of the first, scoring one run on two hits against Americans starter Josh Kandefer. With two outs in the bottom of the frame, the Americans loaded the bases on two walks and an error. Adam Weiss then put Niagara Falls on the board with a two-run single, scoring Matthew Ganschow and Derek Gesmondi. The Oilers would go on to score in the next four consecutive innings, while the Americans were held scoreless until the sixth. Josh Kandefer tossed four innings, allowing five runs (four earned) on seven hits, with one walk and three strikeouts. He was credited with the loss, his second of the season. Jackson Learned relieved Kandefer and pitched two innings, allowing one earned run on three hits while recording no walks or strikeouts. In the bottom of the sixth, Alexander Glasscock laced a bases-loaded single up the middle that scored three runs after an errant throw. The hit was Glasscock’s first of the season and made the score 6-5. Dominick Zangardi fired a clean seventh inning for the Americans, his second game in a row on the mound. He walked one batter and did not give up any hits. Olean added onto their lead in the final two innings against Matthew Ganschow, who allowed five runs on two hits with four walks and four strikeouts. Justin Gladfelter delivered a two-out RBI single in the bottom of the ninth that scored Tyler Foxcroft. However, that was all the Americans could push across in the final inning. The Americans finished with five hits, recorded by five different players. Defensively, Niagara Falls made two errors, their tenth straight game with at least one error. After Friday’s contest, the Americans are now 0-2 against Olean this season. Both teams are 8-10 overall.

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The Americans will face off against the Jamestown Tarp Skunks tomorrow night at Russell E. Diethrick Jr. Park. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. Following Saturday’s game, the Americans will host the Elmira Pioneers for a seven-inning doubleheader on Sunday. First pitch of game one is scheduled for 2:05 p.m. at Sal Maglie Stadium. It is Military Appreciation Night, with free admission for all active or former veterans. For single-game or season tickets, call (716) 215-6161 or visit www.niagarafallsamericans.com. Season tickets start as low as $99. For sponsorship opportunities or to organize a group outing, contact General Manager Marc Witt at mwitt.canusa@gmail.com.

By Tom Rook

June 26, 2026