By Connor Stalker, Blue Sox Staff Writer
Utica N.Y.—Coming into yesterday’s game, the Utica Blue Sox were on a roll, winning their last 5 games firmly establishing themselves in the 3rd spot in the division, while also barking at the Diamond Dawgs heels for 2nd place. Their opponent, the Glens Falls Dragons, have thus far exceeded expectations putting together a solid, if not unspectacular record of 11 wins and 15 losses.
The matchup represented a perfect opportunity for Doug Delett and the Blue Sox to continue their hot streak, and they did just that. The Blue Sox pummeled the Dragons’, recording 13 unanswered runs en route to an impressive 13-0 showing.
Daly Skees got the start on the mound for the Blue Sox as he looked to uphold his perfect 0.00 ERA. Skees worked 3 innings allowing 0 runs, striking out 6, and allowing only 2 hits and a walk, ensuring he held his spot at the top of the of league ERA leaderboard.
Lock Haven sophomore Andrew Kramer got the start for the Dragons, and he, assuredly, did not have his best stuff, as he gave up 8 earned runs, while recording only 3 outs before being removed from the game.
Will Shannon got the Blue Sox on the board first, on a ground out that scored shortstop Andre Demetral.
The Blue Sox again struck for runs in the bottom of the 2nd, totaling 7 runs off Kramer and reliever Jedediah Trudeau. Easton Brenner scored their first run of the inning by taking home on a throw down to 2nd base. Pete Adams knocked home 2 more on a line shot to left field.
Demetral and Shannon continued the rally with bases-loaded walks giving the Blue Sox a 6-0 lead. Taylor Kaufman capitalized the inning with a single off Trudeau to score 2 more, making it 8-0.
The scoring did not stop there as the Blue Sox plated 4 more in the bottom of the 3rd and another in the bottom of the 4th.
A single by Norris McClure and a one-hopper to the fence from Shannon gave the Blue Sox a 12-0 lead. Kyuss Gargett scoring on a wild pitch put the finishing touch on the blowout win.
Reliever Billy Rozakis earned the win working 2 scoreless innings, allowing no baserunners, and striking out 4. Daniel Jirgal and Greg Levin each worked scoreless innings as well.
For the Dragons, Kramer received the loss. Despite subpar pitching overall, Bryan Camaj threw 3 innings of relief, giving up 1 run and striking out 3, though the effort came far too late in the loss.
Pete Adams led all batters with a perfect 3 for 3 night, knocking home 2 runs and scoring twice, earning player of the game honors. McClure had a multi-hit night, his 10th of the season, contributing 2 RBIs and a double to the winning effort. Will Shannon and Easton Brenner had doubles, with Shannon finishing the night with 4 RBIs. Despite not getting a hit, Andre Demetral showed impeccable patience walking 3 times in 4 at-bats.
The Blue Sox pitching held the Dragons to just 3 hits, though Michael Magliocca had the best night, blooping a single into left field and nabbing a base.
The win pushes the Blue Sox closer to overtaking their division rival the Mohawk Valley Diamond Dawgs, only a game out. The Blue Sox play again today, July 13th, at 6:45 pm in Boonville. Their next home game is also against Boonville at 6:45 pm this Friday, July 14th.