The Hornell Steamers downed the Mansfield Destroyers 7-5 as they try to secure the #2 seed in the NYCBL Western Division playoffs.
Hornell jumped on the board in the 2nd with a pair of runs. Devin Mersmann (Alfred State) stole home on a perfectly executed double steal with Connor Kiefer (Monroe CC). Kiefer scored moments later on a wild pitch.
In the 3rd, Max Schmarder (Tusculum) hit a RBI groundout and Jack Loftus (Western New England) followed with a solo homer over Adsit St.
Mansfield scored a pair of runs in the 4th to cut into the lead. In the bottom of the inning, Smith collected a RBI single.
After two more runs by the Destroyers in the 5th, BJ Arnold (Mercyhurst) hit a RBI double to make it 6-4.
Mansfield didn’t go away and scored a run in the 6th to cut it to a one-run game. They wouldn’t get any closer as Brody Burdett (Alfred State) threw three perfect innings to close the game.
Another RBI single by Smith in the 8th made it 7-5.
Smith led the Steamers with a 4 for 4, 2 RBI game. He also collected two doubles. Peyton Johnson (Indiana U of PA) was 2 for 5.
Braden Consaul (USC Upstate) earned the win with six innings of work. He allowed seven hits and four earned runs while walking three and striking out nine. Burdett retired all nine batters he faced – striking out a pair.
Hornell has Thursday off and hits the road for a 7 p.m. game vs. the Olean Oilers on Friday evening.
