By Bryan Clark
WELLSVILLE, N.Y. — An eight-run fourth inning and four errors plagued the Wellsville Nitros (3-8) in a 12-1 loss to Rochester Athletes in Action (2-5) Friday evening at the Wellsville Elementary School. Athletes in Action allowed only four Nitros hits in the game.
“We made some costly errors,” said Wellsville head coach Frank Jagoda. “In this league, costly errors are going to really hurt you.”
After Wellsville starter Cameron Langfels walked the first two batters he faced in the top of the second inning, Athletes in Action shortstop Jordan Doherty grounded out to Wellsville shortstop Riley Goulding on an unassisted double play, scoring right fielder Zachary Gilcrease. Later, center fielder Frank Dreslinski singled, bringing home catcher Zac Goodno.
Athletes in Action posted eight runs in the top of the fourth inning after Wellsville recorded two outs. Dreslinski reached first on an error by Langfels, allowing Goodno and designated hitter Matt Brynildsen to come home. Third baseman Josh Davis singled, brining home left fielder Jonathan Burkhardt. First baseman AJ Crosby hit a two-RBI single that sent second baseman Kolbe Andrade and Davis home. Athletes in Action concluded the onslaught with a third-run home run by Goodno that drove in Gilcrease and Crosby.
“One error can really create a snowball effect and that’s exactly what happened here today,” said Jagoda.
Athletes in Action scored two more runs in the game as Dreslinski scored on a sacrifice fly in the top of the fifth and after Wellsville reliever Jason Coplan tagged out Goodno that Davis reached home on in the top of the eighth.
The Nitros mustered their only run of the game as first baseman Adam Hightower reached first on a fielder’s choice, scoring second baseman Kory Wan.
Goodno led Athletes in Action at the plate, going two-for-three with four RBI, a home run and walking twice. Goulding went two-for-four for Wellsville, scoring a run.
Athletes in Action starter Joel Belk (2-0) picked up the win, striking out four batters and only giving up three hits and three walks in seven innings. Trevor Keele pitched the bottom of the eighth, allowing a hit, an unearned run and walk and recording a strikeout. Davis Patrick struck out two Nitros in the ninth.
Langfels (1-1) allowed seven hits, seven unearned runs and two walks while striking out five hitters pitching three and two-thirds innings in a losing effort for Wellsville. Michael Wilkes pitched three and one-third innings, giving up three hits, four unearned runs and a walk with three strikeouts. Copland allowed an earned run, two hits and a walk. Brad Smith struck out two hitters in the ninth.
Taylor Hargrove, Athletes in Action’s head coach, expressed satisfaction in his team’s offensive performance.
“We were just happy to execute some bunts early,” said Hargrove. I think the small-ball game opened up our offense and then we started hitting the ball well.”
Hargrove said execution at the plate makes a difference.
“We’ve lost seven one-run games,” said Hargrove. “Executing the small ball is allowing us to open up everything else, like the big hits, which give our guys confidence.”
Despite today’s pitching struggles, Jagoda said he remains confident in his staff.
“I’m always going to have confidence in our pitchers,” said Jagoda. “I’d say our starters have kept in nine of our 11 ballgames. “Sometimes, you got to put the onus on your offense. You’re not going to win many games in this league scoring one run.”
Wellsville hosts the Geneva Twins Saturday at 5 p.m. Athletes in Action welcome the Twins to Rochester Sunday at 5 p.m.
Leave a Reply