By Jason Patterson
HORNELL, N.Y. — Early indications are that the All-Star break (and the only three consecutive days off during the summer league season that come with it) was just what the Boys in Blue needed to get rolling again. Fresh off receiving high marks from both its fans and the rest of the NYCBL for a memorable hosting of the league’s All-Star Festivities for the first time in franchise history, the Niagara Power were given a job just as difficult.
The Hyde Park Crew were forced to open the stretch run of the season, on the road, against the division leading Hornell Dodgers. They responded Friday night in a manner that can often turn an entire season around. The Power took control of the ballgame early and never looked back, cruising to an impressive 12-2 victory.
Niagara (16-15, 15-15 NYCBL) put together its most complete road performance of the year from start to finish. They defeated a Dodger team that had handed the club four consecutive losses, including arguably its toughest loss of the season just a couple of weeks ago. In doing so, the Power served noticed to the rest of the league that they plan on making some noise with the balance of their 2012 schedule.
Newcomer Jamie Suggs picked up his second win of the season with seven strong innings of work and every spot in the Niagara batting order was responsible for either driving in or scoring a run. Friday night’s win was a true “team victory” in every sense of the phrase.
Fans have the opportunity to be a part of the playoff push tomorrow night as Niagara returns home, in the hunt, with only 10 regular season games remaining. A double-header vs Wellsville is scheduled for Sal Maglie stadium. The first pitch of game one will be thrown at 4 PM with the second game scheduled to begin at 7.
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