By KATIE FAULKNER
WELLSVILLE, N.Y. — The Wellsville Nitros beat the Genesee Rapids, 11-7, behind solid pitching from Nick Sampogna (Elmira) in New York Collegiate Baseball League action, Friday night. Wellsville improved to 5-10 with the win.
Harry Montero (Bloomfield) got things going offensively in the bottom of the second with a leadoff double. Jacob Means (Cowley County CC) then singled, moving Montero into scoring postion. A Brian Wasilewski (U of Buffalo) double brought Montero home while Means scored on an error to give the Nitros a 2-0 lead.
The Genesee offense struck in the top of the third when Daniel Lockwood (St. Edwards) led with a single. Lockwood advanced to second on an error. Isaac Holt (Nebraska Omaha) advanced to first and then to second on a fielder’s choice before a Mark McKenna (Canisius) single brought him home.
Nick Sampogna (Elmira) allowed ten hits and six runs in eight innings pitched for Wellsville. He struck out seven batters before Kevin Kirley (Nichols) replaced him for the save.
“[Sampogna] did such a fantastic job we had to go pry the ball out of his hand,” said Wellsville coach, Jason Cronin. “He got up over 110 pitches and continued to pick us up when we made a few mistakes in the field.”
The Verplanck, New York native said he trusted his defense to back him up when he needed them to.
“I was just trying to get the ball over the plate and hit my spots,” said Sampogna. “I let my defense field it and do what they do.”
The Rapids’ Wesley Brown (William Carey) allowed nine hits and eight runs in 4.1 innings pitched. Christian Jorden (Jefferson CC) gave up six hits in 2.2 innings, while Luke Tamperelli (Benedictine) gave up one hit in the ninth.
After registering 20 hits against the Hornell Dodgers on Thursday, Wellsville continued its hot streak at the plate. Montero, who is now batting a .370, went 3-for-5 with two RBI. Means has also seen improvement at the plate, as he helped pace the Nitros’ offense with three hits and two runs scored.
“We tried to get them to buy into the fact that no matter what the score, we want to take the same approach everyday,” said Cronin. “Now they’re starting to really stay inside the ball and work to the middle of the field.”
Wasilewski went 3-for-3 with three RBI and two runs scored. Pat Scholla (John Carroll) collected two hits and two RBI.
The Nitros will travel to Onondaga Community College on Saturday to take on the Syracuse Jr. Chiefs (9-7) at 7 p.m.
The Rapids fell to 3-13 with the loss and are set to take on the Olean Oilers (18-1) at Bradner Stadium on Saturday, June 18th at 7 p.m.
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