By Troy Juhn

The Utica Blue Sox overall had a good week, going 4-2 with wins over Oneonta, Mohawk Valley and two wins over Watertown. In those 4 wins, the Sox averaged over 8 runs and 9 hits per game. In the Blue Sox two losses, they only averaged one run per game. Utica got run ruled for the first time this season in a 14-2 loss to Mohawk Valley on Friday. In that game, the Diamond Dawgs scored 8 runs in the seventh inning. Blue Sox reliever Andrew George walked 5 batters and allowed 2 infield hits and recorded only one out. 14 batters hit between the first and second outs in the seventh. Blue Sox pitching overall for the week was solid however. Riane Ritter became the first Blue Sox pitcher to complete 6 innings in a game this season after striking out 7 yesterday against Watertown. Ritter and Ryan King are the only starting pitchers to go at least 5 innings in a start this season. Two of Utica’s wins were come from behind victories. Thursday in Mohawk Valley, Utica trailed 5-3 in the top of the ninth, when Benny Partridge came up big with a bases-clearing double to put the Sox ahead for good. In Watertown yesterday, the Blue Sox trailed 3-2 after two Rapids home runs. In another bases loaded situation, Matthew Williams laced a two run single to left center to start what was an 8 run inning for the Sox to secure the win. 

The Blue Sox now stand at 11-11-1 on the season, good for 5th place in the west division of the PGCBL. Utica starts a 4 game homestand tonight against Boonville, Wednesday against Watertown and a doubleheader against Albany on Friday.