SAUGERTIES, N.Y. – The Albany Dutchmen (16-12) allow four runs in the seventh inning and drop their second game of the season to the Saugerties Stallions (17-13) 7-5.
The Dutchmen started the scoring with two runs in the second innings off two errors by Saugerties’ first baseman Jake Skrine (Indiana). His first fielding error loaded the bases, the second brought home Mitchell Henshaw (St. John’s) from third base. Chris Seng (Louisville) hit an infield single to score the second run.
The Stallions cut into the lead in the bottom of the third with a solo home run off the bat off Hayden Travinski (LSU). Aaron Roose (Azsua Pacific) restored the two-run Dutchmen advantage in the top of the fifth with a solo home run.
Saugerties tied the game in the bottom of the fifth with two runs. Travinski walked with one out and advanced to third on a Max Cotier (Virginia) single and error. Travinski came home to score on a wild pitch by Billy Price (Virginia). Cotier advanced to third on the wild pitch and came home to score on a Norberto Navarro (Webber International) sacrifice fly.
Despite allowing three runs to score, Price pitched his longest outing of the season, going six innings and allowing four hits and two walks, which both tie season lows for the lefty. The longest outing for Price before Thursday’s games was four innings against Glens Falls. He lowered his season ERA from 9.82 to 6.88 with his six innings against the Stallions.
“Tonight was Price’s best outing of the summer,” said Dutchmen Head Coach Nick Davey. “He was aggressive, in control and has gotten better as he went on.”
Luke Walter (Manhattan) began the seventh by walking the only two batters he faced. Cash Crane (Trinity) came in relief and Travinski singled off him to load the bases. Cotier then doubled to score two runs and give the Stallions their first lead of the game. Saugerties added insurance with two more runs from a sacrifice fly from Mitchell Sanford (LSU) and an RBI single from Tyler Kelder (St. Bonaventure) to take a 7-3 lead after seven innings.
“I think the lack of being on the mound hurt,” said Davey. “They have to prepare more than anybody because when you don’t play it hurts your bullpen the most”
Upcoming PGCBL East Division All-Star Starting Pitcher Lane Miller (Indiana State) relieved Stallions starter Billy Black (Columbia) in the sixth inning and shut down most of the Dutchmen bats. The lone runs he allowed came from a two-run home run from Tommy Pellis (Seton Hill). Miller struck out five Dutchmen in three innings of relief and exited the game with a 7-5 Stallions advantage.
“Miller works quick and can locate,” said Davey. “He kept us at bay today.”
Henry Funaro (UMass Lowell) struck out the side in the ninth to close out the ballgame. The Dutchmen are now 3-2 against Saugerties this season and are tied with the Stallions for third in the PGCBL East Division in terms of games behind first place.
Albany in the last five days have only played two games. Over the next four days, they will resume a suspended game and play four complete games.
“We have to play,” said Davey. “It is a game of consistency and when you don’t stay in routine it hurts like it did tonight”
Albany’s next game is Saturday, July 13th at home versus the Saugerties Stallions. The day will start with a continuation of a suspended game from July 7th that will begin at 4:00 pm with the score 9-9 in the 10th inning. After that will be a traditional nine-inning game. For tickets and more information, visit dutchmenbaseball.com.
