Glens Falls, N.Y. – The Albany Dutchmen (26-22) are headed to the PGCBL playoffs after defeating the Glens Falls Golden Eagles (26-22) 6-5 in 16 innings in the nightcap of Wednesday's double header. This was the second time this season the Dutchmen and Golden Eagles played 16 innings, and both teams had numerous opportunities throughout the game to take the lead or end the game altogether. From inning ending double plays to runners being thrown out at home plate, the fans at East Field certainly got their money's worth in the final night of the regular season.
Even though both teams finish the regular season with identical records, the Dutchmen advance due to the head-to-head tiebreaker (6-4) against the Golden Eagles. Glens Falls took Game 1 of the non-traditional double header by a score of 9-4.
Chris Suseck (Coastal Carolina) was the hero tonight. Not only did he deliver the game-winning single in the top of the 16th, driving in Tyler Orris (Millersville), but he also tied the game 5-5 in the 8th inning with a base hit.
The first Dutchmen runs of the game came way back in the 3rd inning. A Bradley Noland (Univ of North Alabama) RBI single and two RBI double off the bat of Matt Dacey (Richmond) gave the Dutchmen an early 3-0 lead.
Glens Falls responded in the bottom of the 3rd as Bryan Ramirez (Texas Pan American) drove in two runs with a single.
The Dutchmen added a run in the top of the 5th, but the Golden Eagles put three runs on the board in the home half of the 5th to take a 5-4 lead. Ramirez tallied another RBI with a sacrifice fly, Buddy Putnam (South Florida) hit a RBI triple, and Braxton Martinez (Saint Louis) gave Glens Falls the lead with a RBI single.
However, Suseck's clutch hits in the 8th and 16th innings led to a 6-5 Dutchmen victory and a spot in the postseason.
Pitcher Jimmy Davitt (Bryant) was the much deserved winner of Game 2. The starter came out of the bullpen in the 9th inning and didn't surrender a run in seven innings of work. He finishes the regular season with a 2-1 record on the mound.
Sportsmanship was on full display as players from both teams shook hands after the game and congratulated each other on a great season and a memorable night.
The Dutchmen are on the road in Round 1 of the PGCBL playoffs on Thursday, August 1st against the #2 seed Mohawk Valley DiamondDawgs. First pitch is 7:05PM. With it being a one game playoff, the winner advances to Round 2, while the loser goes home. If the Dutchmen win Thursday night, they are guaranteed a home playoff game at Bellizzi Field on Saturday, August 3rd at 7:05PM in Round 2 of the playoffs.
The #1 seed Amsterdam Mohawks will host Game One of Round 2 on Friday, August 2nd. Game Two will be at either Albany or Mohawk Valley on Saturday, August 3rd. Game Three, if necessary, is Sunday, August 4th back in Amsterdam. Round 2 is followed up with the PGCBL Championship Series next week, which will also be a three game series.
Game 1 of tonight's double header was the continuation of a suspended game from July 7th, with Glens Falls leading 4-0 at the end of the 4th inning. The Golden Eagles went on to win 9-4.
Albany tied the game 4-4 in the top of the 6th, but the Golden Eagles broke the game open in the bottom of the inning with five runs. Justin McAllister (Yavapai) and Bryan Ramirez (Texas Pan American) had back-to-back RBI singles in the inning.
