By KATIE FAULKNER
WELLSVILLE — The Wellsville Nitros beat the Sherrill Silversmiths, 6-1, behind solid pitching from Sam McCumiskey (Brockport) in New York Collegiate Baseball League action, Saturday.
McCumiskey allowed one run on four hits over seven innings of work. He struck out four before Matt Hunt (Manhattanville) took over for the final two innings, allowing four hits and retiring three.
“I started out throwing strikes and I think I got a little tired at the end, but coach let me work through it and finish,” said McCumiskey. “[Hunt] came in at the end and did a great job working out of a jam.”
With no errors on the night, Wellsville’s lockdown defense took the pressure off its pitchers.
“We had a few double plays and [Max Franzone] had a really good play on a bunt to help me out,” said the Belfast, New York native. “Everyone did all of the little things right today.”
“Sam came out and changed speeds and threw strikes,” said Wellsville coach Jason Cronin. “He’s a true competitor and he works really quick on the mound and it keeps the hitters off balance.”
The Nitros struck first in the second inning when Max Franzone (Dominican) doubled. Jacob Sims (Roane State CC) walked before Cole Tracy (Finger Lakes) drove Franzone and Sims in for a two-run double.
The Silversmiths cut the lead to 2-1 in the fifth when a Darren Hasch (Ft Scott CC) single drove in college teammate, Mackay Williams (Ft Scott CC).
Wellsville extended its lead in the seventh when a Dalton Earl (SUNY IOT) single plated Michael DEletto (Central Methodist). Franzone connected on his third hit of the day for a three-run double to make the score 6-1.
Williams paced the offense for the Silversmiths going 2-for-4 with one run scored. Michael Villa (Lackawanna) went 2-for-3, while John Stanton (SNHU) added two hits.
Zachary Durant (Siena) allowed six runs on five hits in 6.1 innings pitched for Sherrill. Junior Bautista (Keystone) allowed one hit in 1.2 innings and retired four.
Timely hitting would be the key for Wellsville with just six total hits on the afternoon. Franzone went 3-for-3 with three RBI. Tracy went 1-for-3 with two RBI, while Pat Scholla (John Carroll) added a hit and scored once.
Wellsville improved to 12-16 with the win, while Sherrill fell to 8-16.
With their next game against the 28-3 Olean Oilers, Cronin likes the momentum his team is carrying and discussed the importance of continuing their style of play.
“Every team we play needs to be looked at the same way,” said Cronin. “It doesn’t matter who we’re playing if we play the right style of baseball and stick to our game.”
The Nitros face the Oilers at Bradner Stadium on Sunday at 7 p.m.
The Silversmiths take on the Cortland Crush (18-7) on Sunday at Beaudry Park at 3 p.m.
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