LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. – The Saugerties Stallions (11-9) scored seven runs in the second inning and defeated the Albany Dutchmen (11-9) 9-5.
The Dutchmen started the scoring in the first. Justin Bench (Ole Miss) was hit by a pitch, stole second base and advanced to third after a fly ball. He came home to score on a wild pitch. That was the last Dutchmen run until the eighth inning.
Ian Murphy (St. John’s) started the game for Albany and struck out the side in the first. In the second Murphy walked four hitters, allowed three hits and hit Jake Skrine (Indiana) with a pitch. He was relieved by Brandon Roberts (St. John Fisher) who recorded the last two outs. Murphy allowed seven runs, six earned and took the loss.
“He just lost it too quickly tonight,” said Dutchmen Head Coach Nick Davey. There were some timely hits but you can’t give up five free bases.”
Saugerties’ Billy Black (Columbia) went seven innings and struck out three hitters. He allowed only one run which came in the first and got six fly outs and eight groundouts.
“We needed to put more pressure on them,” said Davey. “We needed better at bats.”
The Dutchmen got good outings in relief from Roberts and Ryan Greco (Brockport). Combined they went 6.1 innings and allowed only two runs.
“Our bullpen can’t be taxed like that,” said Davey. “But I’m happy with both of them. They solidified us in the middle we just couldn’t get runs.”
The Dutchmen did score four runs in the last two innings. A groundout to the pitcher from Josh Hall (Ole Miss) and an RBI single by Mitchell Henshaw (St. John’s) scored two runs in the eighth. The third came off a fielder’s choice off the bat off Mike Handal (Fairfield). In the ninth Nick Melillo (Siena) doubled and was brought home by Hall on a groundout. Bench flew out to third for the final out.
The Dutchmen will play four games over the next three days. After tonight’s loss, Albany is now tied for third in the PGCBL East standings.
The Dutchmen’s next game is Friday, June 28th against the Amsterdam Mohawks with first pitch set for 6:45 p.m. Albany’s next home game is Saturday, June 29th again versus the Amsterdam Mohawks. For tickets and more information, visit dutchmenbaseball.com.
