By Jason Patterson
NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — The Niagara Power (9-7, 8-7 NYCBL) returned to the friendly confines of Sal Maglie Stadium last night to begin a very important four game homestand against division foes. Fortunately for Power fans, they brought the lumber back with them. The Hyde Park Crew picked up right where they left off in Wellsville on Tuesday scoring 11 unanswered runs in Wednesday night’s shutout of Geneva’s newest baseball offering.
Lead-off man Ryan Kiesel continued to swing a hot bat, going three-for-three with three runs scored. Neil DeCook lit the fire with a two-out two- RBI single in the first inning. Adam Taylor continued to contribute later in the game with a couple of two-out RBI hits of his own. Every member of the Power lineup was involved in the first true complete performance both at the plate and in the field for the Power this season.
The Niagara pitching staff used an exceptional outing from Angola native R.C. Hubbard (6.0 IP, 0 ER, BB, 6K) and tremendous relief work from the bullpen to extend the pitching staff’s season high scoreless innings streak to 13. Numbers like these are creating a feeling in the Power clubhouse that this team is really beginning to hit its stride. With the pitching staff and the lineup coming to life simultaneously, this ballclub has the look of a group ready to go on a major run.
It was the first trip to Niagara Falls for the newly formed Twins, who replaced the Power’s long-time rival Geneva Redwings in the Western Division. A win over the Twins on the road sparked Niagara’s only multi-game winning streak earlier in the season. Head coach Garrett Shivley is hopeful tonight’s win will follow the same trend.
Niagara is back in action on Thursday versus Rochester with games against their two remaining division rivals on Friday and Saturday Night. All games are at Sal Maglie and first pitch for each game is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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