By Alicia Daddario
SYRACUSE, NY — The Syracuse Salt Cats were scheduled to host a doubleheader today as the Oneonta Outlaws came into town but mother nature had another plan in store.
The Cats were down 8-2 after five and a half innings when thunder and lightning initially delayed the game, then the field preparation after the pouring rain destroyed the field, led to more waiting. Ultimately, the Salt Cats lost 8-4 to Oneonta, leaving them at one game above .500 on the season.
The first game started at 3 pm with All-Star pitcher Zach Carlino (Mt. Union) on the mound facing off against Matthew Milburn (Wofford) . It was not Carlino’s best pitching performance, taking his first loss of the season. He pitched two and a third innings, giving up seven runs on seven hits and striking out two.
On the opposing side, Milburn got the victory as he threw a complete game, holding the Salt Cats to only four runs, six runs, and striking out five. Milburn’s run support was highly efficient, striking early and capitalizing often. Top of the first inning, Chris Pindar (SUNY Oneonta) and Derek Hirsch (Wofford) each hit singles to start things off. Next up, Brian Kraft (Grand Canyon) ripped a two-RBI double to the outfield, scoring Pindar and Hirsch.
Moving on to the top of the second inning, Howard Joe (Mercer) hit a one-out double to put himself in scoring position for Pindar. who came through with a clutch RBI single.
The Outlaws exploded with a four- run inning in the third. Kraft led off with a walk and would eventually round the bases scoring on a Brandon Stephens (University of Georgia) double. Spencer Duffie (Mercer) stepped up to the plate with a man on board and grounded to short. Anthony Massicci (Canisius) with a wild throw allowed Duffie to reach base safely and Stephens to score. Josh Treff (Northeastern) got in on the action with a single of his own. Number nine hitter Ryan Tomita (Grand Canyon) came up with two outs and lined one up the middle bringing home two. Duffie and Treff crossing the plate giving Oneonta a 7-1 advantage over the Salt Cats.
The Outlaws went on to score one more in the sixth, just before the lightning lit up the sky.
Carlos Guzman (Molloy) had a stellar game in the lead off position, further proving his All-Star selection. He went 3-3 on the evening, was a home run away from hitting for the cycle, and scored three of the four Salt Cat runs.
Mike DeCarr (SUNY Cortland) had a solid game at the plate, scoring the other run for Syracuse and knocking in Guzman in the sixth inning for his fourteenth RBI of the season. Bud Morton also contributed an RBI for the Salt Cats in the bottom of the third.
The second game was not played due to the delay and lack of lighting needed for baseball. The Salt Cats will look to avenge their loss tomorrow with a doubleheader in Oneonta against the Outlaws. Games are scheduled for 5 and 7 pm.
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