The Geneva Red Wings scored five runs in the third inning en route to a 9-5 victory over the visiting Elmira Pioneers on Wednesday night. Starting pitcher Sean Lubreski (NJIT) struck out seven and designated hitter Brian Knapp three for four with three hits, four runs batted in, and a walk to help propel the Wings to victory.
Elmira took the initial lead in the top of the first inning when Jordan Westburg and Tanner Johnson hit back-to-back singles to start the game and would eventually score later on in the frame. Geneva would answer with one first inning run of their own when designated hitter Brian Knapp (Pomona College) singled and scored on an error to bring the Red Wings within one.
Geneva would continue to score going into the second inning when right fielder Jared Gillis (Delaware St.) doubled and scored on a fielder’s choice, tying the game at two. The Red Wings would then take the lead when Knapp hit a single to shallow right field to score second baseman Justin Etts (NJIT), giving the Wings a 3-2 lead.
The Wings would extend their lead in the third inning when Gillis hit an RBI single to score catcher Zac Miller (University of Delaware). The Wings would go on to use two hits and a walk to load the bases before Etts would hit an RBI single scoring first baseman Nick LaBrasca (Youngstown State). With the bases still loaded, Knapp would continue his hot streak with a three RBI double to push the Wings lead to 8-2.
Elmira would cut into Geneva’s lead when Westburg hit a two-run double in the top of the fourth inning.
Pioneers starting pitcher Jimmy Ramsey would make it through four innings before being pulled, giving eight runs on eleven hits with three strikeouts. After a scoreless bottom of the fifth by Elmira reliever Billy Gregory, the Pioneers used an RBI double from catcher Tanner Johnson in the top of the sixth to bring the within three runs.
Geneva starter Sean Lubreski would make it through the first six innings of the game, giving up five runs on ten hits with seven total strikeouts.
Geneva would capitalize on Elmira’s third error of the evening in the bottom of the seventh inning when right fielder Jack Harris (San Francisco State) scored on a dropped fly ball hit by Etts.
With the win, Geneva rises to 14-18 while Elmira falls to 13-17. The Red Wings return to McDonough Park on Saturday July 14th when they battle the visiting Newark Pilots, first pitch at 7:05.