Fireworks Limited as Americans Fall in Independence Day Pitchers’ Duel

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — A ninth-inning error proved costly for the Niagara Falls Americans

on the Fourth of July, as they dropped a 2-1 decision to the Batavia Muckdogs at Sal Maglie

Stadium.

Despite the two clubs combining for seven hits over the first five frames, both sides were held

scoreless.

Batavia broke the deadlock in the top of the sixth on an errant throw to first by the Americans’

defense. The Americans have now committed at least one error in 16 consecutive games.

In his fourth start of the season—and second against Batavia—Aiden Mroz tossed eight innings,

allowing just one unearned run on six hits, with three walks and five strikeouts.

With Batavia still ahead by one entering the eighth, Matthew Ganschow laced a ball off the left-

field wall and came all the way around to score. The inside-the-park home run, Ganschow’s first

four-bagger of the season, tied the game at one.

Porter Slattery came on for the ninth, looking to keep the score tied. After back-to-back singles, a

safety squeeze was laid down, and Slattery couldn’t handle it cleanly, allowing the go-ahead run

to score.

The Americans mounted a rally in the bottom of the ninth, putting runners on first and second

with one out. However, Justin Gladfelter was picked off after breaking for third too early, and

two batters later, the final out was recorded.

Slattery was charged with his first loss of the season after pitching one inning.

The first six hitters in the Americans’ lineup all recorded a hit, but the team managed just one

run. Anthony Savino doubled for his first extra-base hit of the season.

The Americans hurt themselves more than Batavia did, getting caught stealing twice and

committing three defensive errors.

With the loss, the Americans fell to 9-15, while the Muckdogs improved to 19-6 and now lead

the season series 4-1.

Links

PGCBL Box Score

Game Livestream

The Americans will return to action on Sunday afternoon, hosting the Geneva Red Wings in a

seven-inning doubleheader. This will be the second meeting of the season between these two

teams; Geneva won the first contest, 15-7, this past Tuesday. It’s Kids Free Night at Sal Maglie

Stadium, so all children twelve and under will receive free admission. Game one of the twin-bill

is scheduled to begin at 2:05 p.m.

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

July 4, 2026