By Justin Lada
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — As if the final battles of the year for the Syracuse Salt Cats weren’t dramatic enough, game one of the NYCBL playoffs between the Jr. Chiefs and Salt Cats made things crazier.
The Salt Cats got 6.2 innings of brilliant work from Maso Cotton (Virginia State University), holding the Jr. Chiefs to just two runs in his work.
The Salt Cats got three RBI from Connor Thompson (Mansfield University), a sac fly and a two run double, giving the Salt Cats an early cushion.
However, a four run ninth inning that a two run double from Tim Locastro put it at 6-5, and a passed ball tied things up at sixth in the ninth inning.
Mike Rynerson (St. John Fischer) left the bases loaded in the ninth due to some unfortunate incidents and Bo Watson (St. Bonaventure) allowed the tying run to score. Watson got out of the jam and sent the game to the 11th.
After 11 innings the umpires felt that there was not enough daylight left to play on Friday, leaving the game to be completed on Saturday before the scheduled game two at 1 p.m.
The game will resume at 1pm, top of the 11th, tied at 6-6 with game two to follow.
Brilliant work by Maso Cotton!
Our Salt Cats team should be very proud. Several one run games and a couple breaks makes the numbers better, but at the end of the day this team “did work” and never quit. Each and everyone of you should be proud of your performance this summer. I would play this team against anybody….any time and any place. Good luck guys and keep working to be the best you can be! I am very proud and lucky to have coached this team. It was loaded with quality but most importantly loaded with “CHARACTER”. Chin up boys bright days ahead! Good luck with your upcoming seasons and always be responsible for your actions on and off the field. Please do well in the classroom and thank your family for the support they have given you and to our team! Keep in touch……