Connor McDonough (Hudson Valley CC) runs back to first base,
GLENS FALLS, NY—A 4-run top of the 5th inning pulsed the Albany Dutchmen (2-1) past the Glens Falls Dragons (1-2) 10-7 at East Field in game two of the Subway Summer Series.
Albany scored their first three runs off of Dragons starter, Cameron Churchill (Nova Southeastern), who was chased without recording an out in the 5th inning. Against the third Dragons pitcher of the game and with the bases loaded, Dutchmen third basemen, Michael Fitzsimmons (Ole Miss) roped a bases-clearing double that pushed the Albany advantage to 7-1. Fitzsimmons finished the night with three hits, and three runs scored.
The Dutchmen sent nine batters to the plate in the inning. The 10 runs on 10 hits are season highs in offensive output.
Head Coach, Nick Davey received plenty of support from the top trio of his batting order. Sean Aspinall (Azusa Pacific), Eric Mueller (SUNY Albany), and Hunter Boose (Georgia Regent) combined for six hits atop the Dutchmen lineup card.
For the third consecutive night, the Dutchmen starter did not relinquish an earned run. J.T. Genovese (SUNY Albany) threw four innings, yielding a lone unearned run and striking out four. Genovese gave way to the Dutchmen bullpen with a six run advantage following their big inning.
But the Dragons would no go away quietly. With the help of eight walks and four hit batsmen, Glens Falls staged a rally, chipping away at the Albany lead until the ninth inning.
Glens Falls scored three times against Andrew Giddens (Ave Maria), who struggled in his first appearance for Albany this summer. With the lead down to three and the bases loaded, Giddens bore down and struck out Ryan Dodge (Nova Southeastern) looking to end the game.
A good portion of Albany’s offense came from Connor McDonough (Hudson Valley CC), starting in left field for the first time this summer. McDonough, batting in the eighth spot in the batting order, walked a PGCBL record five times in the game. The previous record was four times, set by over a dozen players.
Thursday’s victory for Albany tied the Subway Summer Series with Glens Falls at one game per side. The Dragons won 2-1 in Wednesday’s game in Albany.
The Dutchmen return home to Bob Bellizzi Field Friday to host the Amsterdam Mohawks (3-0). Jon Reid (Azusa Pacific ) will get the ball for the hometown team. Glens Falls will remain at East Field for a contest against the Saugerties Stallions (0-3).