By Bryan Clark
WELLSVILLE, N.Y. — A late-game error proved costly as the Wellsville Nitros (7-11) lost to the Hornell Dodgers (11-5) 2-1 in 10 innings Saturday evening at the Wellsville Elementary School.
Each team only mustered four hits as starting pitchers Steven Dooley of Hornell and TJ Hunt of Wellsville controlled the game with strong performances.
“We were fortunate to come out on top,” said Hornell head coach Tony Fuller. “We found a way to scrap a few (hits) together and push a couple runs across.”
“Those two pitchers really battled,” said Wellsville head coach Frank Jagoda.
Hornell scored the game’s first run in the top of the fifth inning as shortstop Dylan Drayton singled, scoring first baseman Dylan Dunn.
Wellsville tied the game in the bottom of eighth when left fielder Trent Whitcomb reached home as Hornell center fielder Cody Stevenson threw Wellsville center fielder Jason Webb out at second base.
The Dodgers scored the game-winning run in the top of the 10th. Wellsville shortstop Riley Goulding made an error attempting to throw out Drayton at first base, allowing third baseman Will Benenson to score.
Jagoda said not executing fundamentals played a part in his team’s loss in a close game.
“Anytime you have a ballgame like that, you need to do the little things like driving runners in with less than two outs,” he said. “Little things really make a difference.”
Catcher Luke Feisal, Benenson, Drayton and Stevenson picked up Hornell’s hits. Third baseman Nick Fornaca, designated hitter Chris May, right fielder Montana Timmons and center fielder Jason Webb earned the Nitros’ hits.
Dooley pitched seven and two-thirds innings, striking out six Nitros and only allowed a hit, an unearned and a walk in what Fuller called his best start of the season.
“Dooley was outstanding today,” said Fuller. “He pitched a very, very good game.”
Kevin Johnson (2-1) moved from left field to the pitcher’s mound, earning the victory as he struck out two batters and gave up a walk and hits three in two and one-third innings of work.
Hunt pitched nine innings, giving up an earned run and three hits while striking out seven Dodgers.
“TJ pitched an outstanding game,” said Jagoda.
“He put his team in position to win,” said Fuller. “We tip our cap to him.”
“I just went out there and did my best,” said Hunt. “Today we just didn’t have it. We were kind of flat with the bats.”
Matt Fishman (0-1) picked up the loss, allowing a walk, an unearned run and a hit with a strikeout in the 10th.
Jagoda said the loss won’t discourage his team.
“We’ve been in this position before,” he said. “We’re going to continue to bounce back.”
“The best thing about baseball is that we play again tomorrow,” said Hunt.
Wellsville hosts the Geneva Twins Sunday at 5 p.m. Hornell will welcome the Nitros to Maple City Park Monday at 7 p.m.
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