Elmira USA Dominates Game 2, Sweeps Weekend Set

The Pioneers came out in game two of the Canada-USA series looking to sweep the set after taking game one in a home run derby on Friday night. Tonight the Pioneers would turn to SUNY Cortland Red Dragon Alex Bardo on the mound. Though Bardo made several appearances so far he has never started for Elmira.

Bardo came in and worked a perfect top of first securing a 0-0 score for the Pioneers heading into the first inning. The Pioneers came up in the bottom of the first and poured it on. The Pios hammered home seven runs in the bottom half of the inning, including a three run home run from Nathan Berg, his first of the season. The home run also got everyone in attendance a free ticket to Tuesday night's home game! 

This would not be the only runs Elmira scored as they put up runs in every inning but the 5th and the 8th to give them a total of 15. Nathan Peng had a phenomenal night for the Pioneers as he went a perfect 4 for 4 with three doubles and three RBI's. Alex Bardo pitched into the fifth inning, but had some control issues. He beaned two batters on the night and when the leadoff man came up in the fifth Bardo threw inside as the player squared to bunt for a strike the infield umpire threw out Bardo.

Tanner Melez came in in the fifth to work two innings before Connor Takacs and Brody Moore would each take an inning with Melez coming back in to close it out in the ninth. Despite the disparity in the score there were several Reds who had a great night as well. The previous nights home run derby selection Ryan Burnside went 1-4, but showed off his power with a home run for the Reds, while Michael Morgan and Edward Molinoski each earned RBI's as well. 

Overall it was a fun weekend and the Pioneers now get ready for the remainder of the regular season. The Pios take on a two game road trip as they head to Oneonta tomorrow afternoon for a 5:05 pm start and then go to Newark on Monday for a 7:05 pm start before coming back to historic Dunn Field on Tuesday night! Don't miss out! You can watch the Pios on Youtube live or listen in on Mixlr on the road and be sure to be here live Tuesday night for a 7:05 pm start! Get your tickets now 607-734-2690!