As the regular season dwindles, and with the Dutchmen peering up at the Glens Falls Dragons, racing to catch them for the final postseason spot in the PGCBL, Nick Cioffi was outstanding in his start against the formidable opponent.
In the first game of a double header in Glens Falls on Wednesday, Cioffi’s complete game effort was superb. The Averill Park native scattered six hits, without relinquishing an earned run. The seven-strikeout performance is the second highest total he has amassed in an outing this summer, save for eight Ks recorded on a pair of occasions.
His only hiccup came in the 5th inning. After recording two outs, a defensive miscue behind him opened the floodgates for the Dragons, who plated three unearned runs to take a 3-1 lead.
Thanks to Cioffi’s right arm and timely hitting in the top of the 6th inning, Albany roared from behind to top the Dragons 4-3, with Cioffi earning his 3rd victory in 2015, in just the second Dutchmen victory over Glens Falls this season.
Along with two other Dutchmen, Cioffi represented Albany in the PGCBL All Star Game in Little Falls, NY on Monday. Since opening night on June 2nd, Cioffi has maintained his high status in the Dutchmen rotation. The ace of Nick Davey’s staff, Cioffi is now 3-1 with a miniscule 2.09 ERA. He is currently tied for 5th in the PGCBL in amassed strikeouts with 40, and most impressively, has allowed more than two earned runs only once this summer.
If the Dutchmen are to chase down and overcome the Dragons and earn a postseason birth, it will be because of strong efforts from all three phases in the game. In regards to the pitching, if Cioffi continues his roll after the All Star Game, Coach Davey may have to continue trotting the Towson righty out for contests with Glens Falls.
