Hornell outlasts Wellsville in rain-shortened opener

By Bryan Clark

Wellsville, N.Y. –The Hornell Dodgers (1-0) defeated the Wellsville Nitros (0-1) 6-3 in a rain-shortened season-opening contest for both teams at Wellsville Elementary School Friday evening. Steady rain continued throughout the game before becoming a heavy downpour after the eighth inning, forcing the umpires to stop play.

“The weather conditions weren’t conducive to a ballgame,” said Nitros head coach Frank Jagoda.

Jagoda explained the teams felt they had window between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to play the game before the rain became tumultuous. He said he wanted the umpires to decide when the game ended.

“I was going to wait till the umpires made the call,” Jagoda explained.

The game marked first the Nitros have played in Wellsville since 2002.

Hornell began the scoring in the top of the first inning with an RBI single by infielder Kevin Johnson RBI single, scoring outfielder Heath Burton.

Wellsville tied the game in the bottom second as Chris May scored on a single by centerfielder Jason Webb. However, Hornell shortstop Dylan Drayton threw out Wellsville shortstop Nick Fornaca at home.

The Dodgers took the lead for good in the top of the third on a Johnson single, scoring second baseman Chris Roeder.

Hornell added two more runs in the top of the fourth on a wild pitch scoring Drayton immediately followed by a passed ball that scored catcher Luke Feisal.

The Dodgers increased the lead to 5-2 after designated hitter Tyler Stanford scored in a sacrifice fly hit by Feisal.

The Nitros pulled the score to 5-3 in the bottom of the sixth on a May solo home run and when Fornaca scored on an error by a ball hit to third by right fielder Pete Strommen.

Johnson scored on a fielder’s choice in the top of the seventh, making the score 6-3 before the umpires ended play.

May led Wellsville at the plate, hitting 2-2 with single and a home run, an RBI and reached on a walk and after being hit by a pitch.

“It’s so nice to be back on the diamond,” said May, a Florida International University junior who was a redshirt last season.

Johnson went 2-4 for the Dodgers with two singles and two RBI.

Jake Brandenberger (1-0) picked up the win for Hornell, recording four strikeouts while allowing three hits, two walks and one run in five innings. Jesse Frawley allowed three hits and two runs (one earned) in two innings of relief. Erik Eck earned the save, recording a strikeout in one inning of work.

Anthony Galan (0-1) allowed four hits, four runs (one earned) and a walk while recording two strikeouts in a four inning losing effort. Stephen Silvestri pitched two and two-thirds innings, allowing two hits, two runs (both earned) and two walks. Matt Fischman struck out three batters in an inning and a third on the mound.

“Jake (Brandenberger) came out, struggled a little bit early, but found his command and gave us five solid innings” said Hornell head coach Tony Fuller. “Offensively we played small ball, ran the bases well, and capitalized on some of their mistakes. For our first night out, I thought we did a very nice job.”

Jagoda praised in pitchers despite the losing effort.

“I thought our pitching staff really showed up today,” said Jagoda. “Anthony Galan competed very well.”

Jagoda said the team has perspective on the loss.

“This doesn’t make or break a season,” said Jagoda. “I thought we played a solid, all round game. I was very happy with the team’s effort.”

May agreed.

“I think we got a really good team this year,” said May. “We got the talent. We just got to hook it up and get ready to go.”

The Nitros will travel to face Niagara tomorrow at 7 p.m.

Hornell will face Olean at St. Bonaventure University’s McGraw-Jennings Field at 5 p.m. Monday.