by Dan Lonky (@danlonky)
ONEONTA, NY – The Oneonta Outlaws (15-9) were able to beat the Syracuse Salt Cats (12-12) in game one of Sunday’s scheduled doubleheader at Damaschke Field, but game two was called after only two innings due to rain and lightning in the area.
It took an extra inning, but the Outlaws were able to take game one from the Salt Cats by a final score of 6-4. It was Brian Kraft (Grand Canyon) who, after taking an 0-for-6 in yesterday’s doubleheader, came up big for Oneonta Sunday evening, going 3-for-4 and driving in what would eventually be the game-winning run in the eighth inning.
With the game tied at four in the eighth and Sean Pisik (Ursinus) on the mound for Syracuse, Kraft stepped to the plate and crushed a double to the left field wall, scoring the seemingly always-on-base Jake Levine (Brown) and giving Oneonta a 5-4 lead. Josh Treff (Northeastern) would also deliver a run-scoring base hit later in the inning, giving the Outlaws some breathing room.
“Brian is one of our most consistent hitters, he’s had good at-bats almost every game. He keeps a real level-headed approach to the game and doesn’t ever get too high or too low,” Coach Joe Hughes said of his All-Star left fielder.
Tsuyoshi Horibata (Binghamton) made his first start of the season for the Outlaws and pitched well enough to keep his team in the game, allowing two runs on five hits through four innings pitched.
Down 2-0 against Syracuse starter Zach Tucker (Le Moyne), Oneonta got a big rally going in the fifth inning. After walking Kraft and Heath Holder (Georgia) both on four pitches to start the inning, Tucker was lifted for reliever Kyle Cushman (Onondaga CC). Josh Treff (Northeastern) then greeted Cushman by blooping a run-scoring single to center field.
Oneonta kept the momentum on their side as Howard Joe (Mercer) doubled to right center, scoring Holder and Treff. Mitch Hollander (Cortland) then kept the rally going with a run-scoring double of his own. Oneonta put together a 4-run fifth inning, taking the lead for the first time in the game.
Corey Kafka (Mercer) came in to pitch the bottom of the fifth, having yet to allow an earned run on the season. After two Salt Cats reached base on a infield hit and an error, Mike DeCarr (Cortland) cut the deficit to pne with a sacrifice fly. Colton Montgomery (Georgia Col) then tied the game up with an RBI single to left field. Kafka escaped further trouble by stranding the bases loaded, but he was finally given an ERA, albeit a miniscule 0.42.
The Oneonta closer Brandon Agar was asked to pitch more than his usual inning, as he tossed the last 3 innings of the game, allowing just 2 hits and earning his 2nd win of the season.
“Brandon’s been consistent all year, we always feel confident with him on the mound. He’s very poised, he has control of all of his pitches, and he’s a real nice kid but he’s also a tough competitor. He’s pitched extremely well for us all year,” said Coach of his right-handed closer.
With their victory and the Olean Oilers loss to Sherrill on Sunday evening, the Outlaws inched closer to first place in the NYCBL, as they’re now a mere two games out at 15-9 on the season. Meanwhile, the Salt Cats fall to .500 and remain in fifth place in the standings.
The All-Star break is now upon us, as the Outlaws will be sending 6 players to Geneva to participate in Tuesday’s All-Star Game and other activities. After the break the Outlaws will be at home, hosting the Geneva Red Wings (11-12) on Wednesday, July 10th.
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