By Bryan Clark
WELLSVILLE, N.Y. — A three-run bottom of the second inning proved to be the only runs the Wellsville Nitros (8-11) needed as they held off of the Geneva Twins (8-9) for a 3-1 win Sunday evening at the Wellsville Elementary School. The Twins left 11 runners on base during the contest.
“It feels good being on the winning end of a close one,” said Wellsville head coach Frank Jagoda. “We took advantage of some of their mistakes early. It shows that these guys have a lot of fight. We only scored three runs in one inning, but we were able to put together a good game.”
In the bottom of the second, Wellsville catcher Chandler Sidwell hit the ball through the legs of Geneva shortstop Carter Bumgardner, bringing right fielder Montana Timmons home. Next, left fielder Pete Strommen scored as first baseman Adam Hightower stole second base. Later, Geneva starting pitcher Garrett Scott walked Nitros second baseman Kolin McMillen with the bases loaded, allowing Sidwell to score.
Geneva committed two errors in the second.
“They were the difference,” said Geneva head coach Kevin Whiteside. “Without those, it would be 0-0 and we would still be playing. Hats off to them for capitalizing on our two mistakes.”
The Twins attempted a top of the ninth rally, scoring their only run of the game as Wellsville reliever Brandon Terry walked Bumgardner with the bases loaded, scoring right fielder Nick Kranick. However, designated hitter Michael Allen flew out to Wellsville center fielder Jason Webb for the game’s final out, leaving the bases loaded
Strommen and Twins third baseman Taylor Nichols were the only players to record multiple hits in the game.
Wellsville starting pitcher Evan Robaczewski (2-1) pitched seven innings, allowing zero runs, three walks and six hits with three strikeouts in a winning effort.
“The pitching staff has been great,” said Robaczewski. “I just wanted to get ahead in the count.”
“He threw strikes all day and made the big pitch when he got into jams,” said Whiteside.
Stephen Silvestri recorded a strikeout in the eighth. Terry earned the save, allowing an unearned run and two walks in the ninth.
Scott (1-1) gave up two hits, three runs (one earned) and four walks with three strikeouts in three innings, receiving credit for the loss. Max Townley allowed a hit and a walk while striking out three Nitros in three innings. Doug Beath pitched the eighth, striking out two hitters. Stephen Joe allowed two ninth inning hits.
Robaczewski said the team hopes to go 7-3 or 8-2 in the final two 10-game segments of the season.
“It feels like we’re always having close games,” said Robaczewski. “We’re just trying to meet our goal.”
Jagoda said he senses his team will continue to play hard for the rest of the season.
“These guys have really come together,” said Jagoda. “They’re going to continue to work hard.”
Wellsville will play at Hornell Monday at 5 p.m. Geneva will travel to St. Bonaventure University to face Olean at 5 p.m. Monday.
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