By Justin Lada
SYRACUSE — Twice on Sunday, the Syracuse Salt Cats overcame a one-run deficit to the Utica Brewers. They needed to do it a third time, but couldn’t.
The Brewers got a run in the top of the ninth inning as the Salt Cats fell for the fifth straight game, losing to Utica, 4-3 in New York Collegiate Baseball League action at Le Moyne College.
Syracuse hoped to get things back in a winning direction, sending their ace, Sean Williams to the mound. Coming into the game Williams got the win in the Salt Cats only victory, back on June 2nd, beating the Brewers on opening night of the season, 7-5.
The second time around wasn’t as fruitful, even though Williams had a solid outing. The 6’5” right hander from Oklahoma-Panhandle State tossed six innings for Syracuse, allowing three runs (two earned) on seven hits. He walked one and struck out five, earning a no decision.
After an RBI single by Jerome Bright in the second inning, the Salt Cats scored a pair of runs to take the lead. The Brewers geo the run back in the top of the third inning, thanks to a rare feat.
After singling and going to third on a fielder’s choice, Brewer’s leadoff hitter, Eros Modena, with the bases loaded, stole home.
The Salt Cats plated a pair in the second, thanks to a little small ball and some clutch hitting. Designated hitter Dan Fiorito worked a leadoff walk and first basemen Andrew Mendarios sacrificed him to second. Fiorito did a little thievery of this own, stealing second and wound up scoring on an RBI single by shortstop Ethan Braddock.
Mike Mascari (Syracuse) pounded his first hit of the season into right field, sending Braddock to third, who later scored on a two out, RBI single from second basemen, Bud Morton.
The Salt Cats came back one more time, getting an RBI single from Mascari, plating Fiorito.
The Brewers bullpen shut the door on the Salt Cats after Navarro exited with seven innings on his line, allowing three runs on eight hits, walking two and striking out seven.
David Fenstermaker (1-0) and Kurt Sargent each pitched a perfect inning of relief, with Sargent striking out a pair for the save.
Kyle Cushman (Baldwinsville) took the loss, allowing a pair of singles in the top of the ninth to Stephen Dezzi and Kenny Durling, who scored on the Dezzi base hit.
Matt Larangera threw two innings of perfect relief of Williams.
The Salt Cats drop to 1-5 on the year, falling for the fifth straight time after beating Utica in the first game of the season.
Syracuse will play host to the Brewers again Monday, in the two teams’ fourth matchup of the season already. First pitch will be at 5:00pm from Rockwell Park on the campus of Le Moyne College.
Mike La Londe (0-0 0.00) will make his second start of the season for the Salt Cats.
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