July 1, 2023
The Hornell Steamers won their sixth straight game as they used a five-run 7th inning to defeat the Horseheads Hitmen 11-8.
Nate Kearney collected a RBI single in the 1st to give Horseheads the early lead before Hornell came to bat.
In the bottom of the 1st, Justin Swanson (North Park) collected a RBI single before Robert Chesney (Central Connecticut State) followed with one of his own to give Hornell the lead.
In the 2nd, Jason Story (Utica) collected a RBI double, Swanson collected another RBI single to left, and Tyler Curtis (Fredonia) singled home a run to make it 5-1.
Anthony Brotz collected a RBI double in the 3rd but neither team scored again until the 5th when Swanson collected a RBI double to right center.
Horseheads mounted a comeback off of the Steamer bullpen plating three runs in the 6th and three more in the 7th to take a 8-6 lead.
In the bottom of the 7th, Chesney hit a sac fly that was dropped to plate Story and Curtis tied it with a RBI single to right. Chesney scored on a wild pitch, Logan Hoyt (Alfred State) drew a bases loaded walk, and Ryan Hill (Mercyhurst) hit a sac fly to make it 11-8.
With two out in the 8th, Horseheads was threatening but Trey Slawson (Keuka) came out of the bullpen and got a big strikeout. He also retired the side in order in the 9th to earn the save.
Swanson was 3 for 6 with 3 RBI while Story was 3 for 6 with a RBI. Chesney was 2 for 2 with 2 RBI while Curtis was 2 for 5 with a pair of RBI. The Steamers were patient and drew 11 walks in the game.
Slawson earned the save by retiring all four batters he faced. Tim McClare (Brockport) pitched an inning and earned the win. Zach Morse (Alfred State) did not factor in the decision but allowed two runs in five effective innings of work.
Brayden Michaelson led the Hitmen with a 3 for 4, 1 RBI game.
Hornell wraps up the June portion with a 8-13 overall record. They start July with a 1 p.m. contest at Olean on Sunday afternoon.
