Elmira Generates In Geneva, Win 11-1

The Pioneers came into very familiar territory against the Red Wings as they finished their road series in Geneva, a place they had yet to win this season. The Pios saw Sunday afternoon as a statement game heading into the final week and a half of regular season play and they took to making that statement right away.

Elmira came into the game averaging five runs a game in previous matchups with Geneva, but only having found a victory one time, the first day of the regular season. Coach Burch finally found the right formula to win a game in the park that eliminated the Pioneers from post season play last year. The strong hitting of Jeff Mejia out of the leadoff spot saw spark after spark ignited for the Pioneers as they tallied runs in every inning except for the third. However, Mejia wasn't the only bright spot as one through nine all of the Pioneers did their part tonight. Andrew Sexton had a home run,  Nathan Peng went 4 for 5, Trae Harmon had 3 RBI's. 

Perhaps the only thing more impressive than the hitting was the pitching. Alex Bardo was tagged for the start, his first of the season, after having been a reliever all summer. Bardo threw seven full innings allowing just one run on four hits and striking out four. Nathan Peng would earn the final six outs, again without allowing a run. It took only two pitchers for the Pioneers to work their way to victory. 

The Pioneers will head back out on the road tomorrow as they prepare to take on the Adirondack Trail Blazers in a matchup that has huge playoff implications. Elmira is still on the outside looking in, but seem poised to strike back and climb into the playoffs yet again! The Pios return home to historic Dunn Field on Tuesday night at 7:05pm to take on the Geneva Red Wings  get your tickets now 607-734-2690!