By CODY LOVE
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Syracuse Salt Cats proved themselves against a team stocked with Division I talent.
Syracuse’s Chris McGee (Binghamton) hit a tricky ground ball, causing an error that led to the winning run in the bottom of the ninth, as the New York Collegiate Baseball League’s Salt Cats edged the Elmira Pioneers of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League (PGCBL) 6-5 in an exhibition game on Monday night.
With the prospect of a tie looming, McGee wanted to take matters into his own hands.
“We weren’t going extra innings,” McGee said, “I was like put the ball in play, see what happens. Thankfully, it worked out.”
The victory was a confidence booster for the team that currently holds the best record in the NYCBL.
“We just wanted to show that we could compete with them,” McGee said, “and I feel like we did.”
Head coach Mike Martinez uniquely makes a point of scheduling extra games as exhibitions to keep his team busy.
“We’re the deepest schedule in the NYCBL,” Martinez said, “We’ll play four games against the PGCBL, and a game against the Canadian National Team.”
He wants his players to experience the grind of daily play against tough teams as much as possible.
“I want my guys to be better at the end of the season,” Martinez said, “I want them to go back to school ready, maintained, and able to report that they played some good teams and did a good job.”
The concept has caught on well with the players.
“At first I was like, it’s a lot, but it’s good,” McGee said, “You get a lot of at bats, the playing time you need, and you’re learning a lot.”
The Salt Cats used six pitchers in the game: Cameron Jack (St. Martins College) got the start. Myles Taylor (Coppin State), Eric Frontzak (Alma College), Corey Ross (St. Thomas), Brian Gerner (Wesleyan), and Jahmoy Williams (Genesee CC) got some work in too, with Williams earning the win.
Syracuse (8-3), returns to NYCBL action Tuesday with a road game against the Sherrill Silversmiths (1-9). First pitch is scheduled for 5:00 pm at Noyes Park.
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