From the Hornell Steamers, GALLERY by JC’s Photography
Behind a dominant pitching performance and a timely fourth-inning rally, the Hornell Steamers earned a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Syracuse Salt Cats on Tuesday evening at Maple City Park.
The win snapped a brief skid for the Steamers and showcased one of the club’s strongest all-around pitching efforts of the young season.
Syracuse struck first in the opening inning when Mike Giamartino delivered an RBI single to score Oliver Rey, giving the Salt Cats an early 1-0 lead. Despite allowing three hits in the frame, Hornell starter Ty Vogel (SUNY Niagara) settled in quickly and never allowed another run.
Vogel was outstanding over five innings, scattering six hits while striking out six and walking just one. The right-hander worked out of several jams and kept the Steamers within striking distance until the offense found its rhythm.
Hornell finally broke through in the bottom of the fourth. Michael Duncan (Eastern Mennonite) ignited the rally with a one-out double before Emmett Heath (Pomona Pitzer) lined a run-scoring double into the gap in right-center field to tie the game at 1-1. Moments later, Taylor Joseph (North Park) delivered a clutch RBI single up the middle, plating Heath and giving the Steamers their first lead of the night at 2-1.
That would prove to be all the offense Hornell needed.
The Steamers collected seven hits on the evening, led by Will Parker (Pomona Pitzer) who finished 2-for-3, Heath went 2-for-3 with a double, a run scored, and the game-tying RBI, while Duncan added a double and scored the eventual winning run.
After Vogel’s strong start, Alex Spezzano (Hobart) was nearly untouchable out of the bullpen to earn the save. The right-hander allowed just one hit while striking out five. He struck out the side in the 6th and two in the 7th.
As a staff, Hornell pitchers combined for 11 strikeouts while allowing just one run. Defensively, the Steamers erased a potential seventh-inning threat when Rylan Stokes threw out Hector Gonzalez attempting to steal second base.
Hornell (2-3) was leading 1-0 in the nightcap of the doubleheader when thunderstorms rolled in and forced the game to be suspended.
The Steamers travel to Gensee for their first battle with the Rapids on Thursday. First pitch at Houghton is at 7 p.m.
