By Dan Lonky ( @danlonky )
ONEONTA, NY – Oneonta starter Matt Milburn (Wofford) was absolutely dominant on the mound as the Outlaws took down the Sherill Silversmiths in their home opener Saturday evening, 6-0.
Milburn went the distance, throwing a complete game shutout while allowing only two hits, an infield single in the second and a bloop hit to center in the third. The Texas native gave up only two walks while striking out an impressive 11 Sherill batters.
“I wanted to go fastball-changeup early in the game and save my curveball for later, and it ended up working out pretty well,” Milburn said of his approach on the mound. “I was just trying to attack them early in the count.”
On the offensive end, Milburn received run support early and often. The Outlaws put up fourth runs in the first as eight of the nine batters in the lineup managed to reach base safely.
Leadoff hitter Jake Levine (Brown) got things started in the first with a double down the left field line. Following suit, Brian Kraft (Grand Canyon) doubled to the left center gap, scoring Levine. The two-bagger parade continued as Brandon Stephens (Georgia) and Oneonta native Christopher Pindar would both contribute RBI doubles later in the inning.
Silversmiths starter Collin Laguzza (St. John Fisher) didn’t have his best stuff, as he was battered to the tune of 2 IP, 6 H, 5 R (2 ER), 1 BB, and 2 HBP. The Sherill defense, however, sure didn’t help Laguzza out as they committed two errors behind him.
The Outlaws added another run in the second on an Evan Harasta (UAlbany) RBI double over the left fielder’s head, driving in Kraft. From there on though the story was the performance put on by the right-handed sophomore Milburn, who went to retire 17 of the final 19 batters he faced after allowing a softly-hit single in the second.
An official attendance of 2,230 fans watched as the Outlaws started their season off on the right foot with a victory at Damaschke Field. Oneonta and head coach Joe Hughes will look to continue their early success as they face the Silversmiths again tomorrow, June 9th, at Damaschke at 5:00 PM.
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