By Justin Lada
Utica, NY — A two run home run by Connor Thompson capped off a five run, seventh inning for the Syracuse Salt Cats as they took the season opener, at Donovan Park against the Utica Brewers, 7-5.
Ethan Braddock (Manilius, New York) led the 7th inning off with a single and reached second after Utica reliever Trevor Richards hit Andrew Mendarios with a pitch. Richards wouldn’t record an out in the seventh inning, after Ed Charles (Oswego State) reached on an error by Brewers shortstop Jesse Pintado. The error scored Braddock and Mendario and Dan Fiortio (Manhattanville) followed with a triple that scored Charles, making it 5-0 at that point.
Richards was removed in favor of Jordan Sechler. Thompson found the street behind the fence in right field for a two-run home run, making it 7-0 lead.
Sean Williams pitched five shutout innings, throwing 49 of is 78 pitches for strikes. Williams (1-0 0,00) allowed five hits, two walks and recorded six strikeouts in his win.
The Brewers fought back off the Salt Cats relief corps. Adding single runs in the seventh and eighth, then taking on three in the ninth inning.
Steve Chagolla singled in Blaine Tanner in the seventh inning for the Brewers and catcher Zachary Lorraine scored on a wild pitch by Roberto Morales, making it 7-2.
Syracuse brought Bo Watson on in the ninth inning to seal the deal, but not before things got a little messy. Pinch hitter Jerome Bright struck out swinging but reached first when the pitch was dropped and the ensuing throw sailed over first basemen, Nick Carlson’s head. After Bright ended up on second, Juilane Mateo sacrificed him to third and would later score on an error by third basemen Bud Morton.
Lorraine singled in Eros Modena, making it 7-5, before another single this time by Dom Wyshinski put the go ahead run at the plate with two outs. Watson struck Tanner out swinging to record the Salt Cats win.
The Salt Cats travel to Sherrill on Sunday to take on the Silversmiths 5pm. They make their home debut on Monday against Utica at Le Moyne College at 5pm. Mike LaLonde will be on the mound to start for Salt Cats. All game can be heard live, via Teamline Radio.
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