Red Wings lose pitchers duel at Hornell
The Hornell Dodgers took game one of the NYCBL West Division Playoffs 1-0 with a bases loaded walk in the tenth.
Jared Fisher (Quincy University) and Hornell Dodgers starter Jordan Backes both threw complete game shutouts, but got no decisions.
Hornell became the first team to shut out the Wings this season. Backes got a game high 11 strikeouts and gave up only three hits.
Fisher matched his college teammate throughout, getting solid defensive plays when necessary.
Centerfielder Mike Blanchard (Austin-Peay University) made a terrific catch in the sixth and doubled up designated hitter Craig Shaefer at second base. Shaefer ran on contact, rather than waiting to see if Blanchard would make the play.
Will Hebard (Villanova University) replaced Fisher for the tenth, but did not record an out.
Hornell right fielder Andrew Jesse hit a leadoff single, and then second baseman Thomas Zurliene reached base on a throwing error by first baseman Dan Pembroke (Dowling College).
Pembroke fielded the grounder in the infield grass, but his off balanced throw to second baseman Gordy LaHann (UT-Permian Basin), who covered first, bounced past him into foul territory.
The Wings opted to intentionally walk the bases loaded and bring in closer Ryan Kassab (Long Island University).
Kassab got first baseman Jeff Lockwood to ground into a 6-2 fielder’s choice, getting the lead runner at home. However, Kassab walked the next batter to bring in Zurliene for the winning run.
The Wings look to even the series in game two tonight at McDonough Park at 7:30 p.m. It is a must win game, as the NYCBL Playoffs are best two out of three.
Lefty Casey Rana (UT-Permian Basin) is the probable starter.