Hunter Boose (Georgia Regents) swings against Amsterdam.
ALBANY, NEW YORK—Against the 3-time PGCBL Champion Amsterdam Mohawks (3-1), every member of the Albany Dutchmen (3-1) starting lineup recorded a hit in a 10-1 rout at Bob Bellizzi Field, taking possession of first place in the PCGBL East Division.
After Amsterdam took a 1-0 on a bases loaded walk in the 2nd inning, Albany responded with 10 unanswered runs to put away the Mohawks. Picking up where he left off from a three-hit night Thursday against Glens Falls, third basemen Michael Fitzsimmons (Ole Miss) collected three more hits and drove in two runs while batting in the cleanup spot.
Along with Fitzsimmons, the ever-versatile Tyler Nelin (George Mason) also collected three hits and two runs batted in from the catcher position. Nelin also nailed Drew Freedman (Wake Forest) trying to steal third base in the top of the 6th inning.
All in all, Albany raked in 10 runs on 12 hits, matching the offensive surge in Thursday’s win at Glens Falls.
While initially struggling with his control by walking three Mohawks in the top of the 2nd, Dutchmen starter Jon Reid (Azusa Pacific) settled down to give Albany their fourth straight great performance from a starting pitcher. Reid finished his performance with a quality start—6 innings while relinquishing the lone earned run, walking four and striking out two.
At one stage of the game, Reid retired 11 straight hitters.
Albany’s 9-run victory set the franchise record for the largest margin of victory against the Mohawks. Dutchmen Head Coach, Nick Davey, celebrated his birthday with a strong performance from all three phases.
Along with the offense and pitching, the Dutchmen defense was strong. In addition to Nelin’s hose to third, shortstop Hunter Boose (Georgia Regent) and right fielder Eric Mueller (UAlbany) both made highlight-reel plays in the field. Mueller dove to rob Andrew Rouse (Marist) of a hit in the 5th inning.
Albany will travel to Saugerties to take on the Stallions tomorrow afternoon. Amsterdam returns home to battle the Glens Falls Dragons. But, Sunday the Dutchmen and Mohawks will return to Bob Bellizzi Field to battle. First pitch is scheduled for 5:05.
A Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Fundraiser accompanies Sunday’s game at Bob Bellizzi Field, with a huge raffle. Fans can win a 40-inch HDTV, a Yogi Berra and Don Larson signed lithograph and much more. Sunday is also Family Funday at the field, where fans can receive 4 tickets and 4 food vouchers for $14. Finally, kids are welcome to run the bases at the game’s conclusion.
