By Bryan Clark
WELLSVILLE, N.Y. — Combining for 10 runs in the eighth and ninth innings allowed the Niagara Power (7-7) to cruise to a 13-2 win over the Wellsville Nitros (8-13) Tuesday evening at the Wellsville Elementary School.
Niagara recorded nine of their 21 hits in a seven-run ninth inning. Wellsville only gathered four hits in the contest. The teams left a combined 24 runners on base.
“It’s a pretty disappointing outcome for us,” said Wellsville head coach Frank Jagoda. “We had guys on second and third all day today. We’re not hitting with runners in scoring position.
Niagara scored three times in the top of the first. Designated hitter Ryan Kiesel came home as center fielder Shakeel Newton stole second on a bad throw by Wellsville catcher Chandler Sidwell. Singles by first baseman Chane Lynch and catcher Frank Polino scored Newton and Lynch respectively.
In the bottom of the second, Nitros right fielder Montana Timmons scored on a bad throw to first base by Power second baseman Taylor Sears. Third baseman Kory Wan came home in the bottom of the fifth after Timmons advanced to second on an initial base hit as the ball went through Niagara left fielder Nick Linne’s legs.
With two outs in the top of eighth, Kiesel singled, bringing Sears home. Next, Newton doubled, scoring Kiesel. Then, Wellsville reliever Zach Fraley walked Lynch with the bases loaded, allowing Newton to score.
The Power toyed with the Nitros in the ninth. Kiesel singled, scoring Polino and substitute shortstop Jamon Hammel. Right fielder Adam Taylor also singled, bringing Sears home. Lynch advanced to second after recording a base hit on Timmons error, scoring Kiesel and Linne. Polino and Hammel both recorded RBI singles, driving in Lynch and third baseman Tyler Schweigert respectively.
Lynch went four-for-five with four RBI. Timmons was the only Nitro with multiple hits.
“Our offensive execution was consistent throughout the game,” said Niagara head coach Garrett Shively. “Some ground balls found some holes and our hitters executed some bunts.”
Niagara starter Jonathan Knapp (2-1) picked up the win, allowing two unearned runs, three hits and four walks with three strikeouts in six innings. Seth Eller pitched the seventh and eighth, giving up a hit and walk with a strikeout. Brandon Mumaw recorded a strikeout in the ninth.
“Pitching was very good tonight,” said Shively. “Knapp had one of his better starts. Great clutch performances by Seth Eller and Brandon Mumaw.”
Wellsville starter Stephen Silvestri (0-1) allowed two walks, three unearned runs and eight hits with two strikeouts over the five and two-thirds innings in a losing effort. Matt Fishman pitched two innings, giving up three earned runs and four walks. Fraley walked three batters without recording any outs. Henry Johnson gave up four hits and four earned runs and only made one out on the mound. Michael Wilkes allowed three runs (one earned) and five hits in an inning of work.
Jagoda said his team is approaching a crucial point of the season.
“Either we head in the right direction or we can take a few steps backwards,” he said. “Obviously, we’re in a hole right now, but we feel we’re in a position to control our own destiny. We just need to take care of our business.”
The Nitros travel to Hornell to face the Dodgers Wednesday at 7 p.m.
“I expect these guys to come out and battle tomorrow at Hornell,” said Jagoda. “I fully expect these guys to be ready to respond.”
Niagara welcomes the Geneva Twins Wednesday at 7 p.m.
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