Troy Montemayor (Baylor University) struck out all three batters he faced in the 9th inning, giving him 17 strikeouts in 13 innings this season.
The Albany Dutchmen (17-16) defeated the Utica Blue Sox (22-10) Sunday night by a score of 7-2 . Albany took advantage of six Blue Sox errors on the night to score their seven runs, six of which were unearned.
Trailing 2-0 heading into the 8th inning, the Dutchmen needed a spark having left five runners on base up to that point. Brent Alford (Augusta University) reached on an error and after J.J. Shimko (University of South Carolina Upstate) flew out to right field, Jack Gethings (Fairfield University) doubled, putting runners on 2nd and 3rd base with only one out.
Justin Childers (Ohio Dominican University) then advanced on another Utica error, which allowed Alford to score from 3rd base.
The defensive mishaps continued right after that for Utica as Malcolm Nachmanoff (Stony Brook University) reached on another error that allowed Gethings to score and move Childers to 3rd base.
With runners on 1st and 3rd, Nachmanoff attempted to steal 2nd base, drawing the throw from the catcher allowing Childers to try and steal home, and a throwing error by the Utica shortstop allowed both to be safe with Childers scoring the go-ahead run.
That wouldn't be all for the Dutchmen in the 8th as John Novenche (Canisius College) would bring Nachmanoff home on a sacrifice flyout to right field after Nachmanoff advanced to third.
Gavin Wallace (Fairfield University) got the start for Albany, going six innings, while allowing a pair of earned runs on four hits, striking out four. He was given the honor as Dutchmen Recognoize Player of the Game for his efforts.
Michael Maul (Trinity University) was given the win, however, during his 1.1 innings that he went.
Jack Owens (Bryant University) replaced Maul midway through the 8th inning, retiring both batters he faced, and Troy Montemayor (Baylor University) struck out the side in the 9th to seal the win for the Dutchmen.
Utica's defensive struggles wasted a great start by Brian Kavanagh (LIU Post) who went seven strong innings, allowing only three Dutchmen hits.
But once again Albany and head coach Nick Davey took advantage of their opponents mistakes, and did so with the help of seven stolen bases on the night, three of which came from catcher Brent Alford.
Brian Bellamy (Wright State) got the loss, as he was the victim for four unearned runs in the 8th inning.
The Dutchmen scored two more runs in the 9th as Jon Skidmore (Dallas Baptist University) scored on a sacrifice fly from Jack Gethings, and later in the inning, Malcolm Nachmanoff drove in J.J. Shimko (University of South Carolina Upstate) and Brent Alford with a double to right field.
Albany now once again floats a single game over .500 on the season, capturing their first win against the Blue Sox this season, who had the best record in the entire PGCBL heading into Sunday's game.
Utica will host Jamestown Monday night on their home field, with first pitch scheduled for 6:35.
The Dutchmen will also be at home Monday night, as they host the Saugerties Stallions at 7:05 p.m. Monday will be Senior Citizens Night and Kids Eat Free With Paid Admission Night at Bob Bellizzi field.
