By CODY LOVE
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — In a close, four-game series, it’s fitting that a pitcher once again would dominate the story lines.
Sean Pisik (Ursinus) struck out nine in a stellar eight-inning performance as the Syracuse Salt Cats topped the Geneva Red Wings 4-1 to take the series in New York Collegiate Baseball League action at Onondaga Community College on Sunday night.
Pisik allowed one earned run on five hits and two walks, and was quick to credit the rest of his team for the victory.
“I just pitch to contact and let my fielders do it, honestly,” Pisik said. “Without them I wouldn’t have made it through the game.”
Still, he was clearly in control of several at-bats, as many Geneva hitters were fooled by his change-up and slider.
“First time in the whole year that they both worked,” Pisik said. “It was a good day.”
The Salt Cats needed that performance out of their starter as this game quickly developed into yet another pitcher’s duel.
Geneva starter Brandon Maddern (John Carroll) was excellent as well allowing just one earned run on three hits and four walks, while striking out five in six innings of work.
“He was exceptional tonight,” Red Wings manager Ryan Kassab said. “He kept the guys off balance, built up strikes, and did his job.”
The only Salt Cats run against him came in the fourth inning.
Brian Bilello (Concordia) hit a single to lead the inning off, advancing to third through good baserunning on a groundout and flyout.
A wild pitch brought him in to give the Salt Cats a 1-0 lead.
Bilello would have a crucial hit in the seventh inning after Lucas Tevlin (Binghamton) hit an RBI single against reliever Josh Appel (SUNY Brockport) and advanced to second on a throwing error to make it 2-0.
Bilello ripped an RBI triple to the warning track in right center field that scored Tevlin and gave Syracuse a 3-0 lead.
It was his team-leading 19th RBI.
“(My teammates) get on in front of me, I get my pitch and drive them in,” Bilello said. “They do their job, I’ll do mine.”
The Red Wings finally struck against Pisik in the eighth as Harry Roberson (Amherst) hit a single, and AJ Compton (Elmhurst) was hit by a pitch.
Both advanced into scoring position on a wild pitch, and Roberson scored on an RBI groundout by Tanner Ivey (Alabama A&M).
Although the tying run reached base, Pisik got out of the inning without any further damage.
The Salt Cats got the run back in the bottom half of the inning on an RBI groundout by Evan Holland (Florida International).
Pisik was the winning pitcher, and Maddern was charged with the loss.
Myles Taylor (Coppin State) came on in the ninth for his first save opportunity of the season.
Although he gave up a one-out double to pinch-hitter Matt Eastman (St. Bonaventure), he handled the added pressure and got the job done.
After dropping a 1-0 decision in extras in the first game of the doubleheader in Geneva on Friday, the Salt Cats rebounded to take three out of four, including both games in Syracuse.
Manager Mike Martinez explained that his team is taking these close games by doing all the right things.
“Good pitching and fundamental defense, and making important plays at important times.”
The Salt Cats never trailed at any point in the series.
They outscored the Red Wings 12-4, but all four games were closely contested pitchers duels.
The East Division-leading Salt Cats also gained some breathing room from most of the teams that were chasing them while the Red Wings dropped into a tie with Oneonta for the final playoff spot.
The Red Wings will look to rebound immediately as they head to Noyes Park to take on the Sherrill Silversmiths on Monday evening at 5:00.
The Salt Cats (23-13) are next in league action on Tuesday with a “home-and-home” doubleheader against the Sherrill Silversmiths at Onondaga Community College, though they will hit the road on Monday for an exhibition against the Utica Brewers of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League.
Leave a Reply