Geneva Takes Down Pios 8-6
The Pioneers came into a two game home and home set against the Geneva Red Wings with a three game losing streak in tow. In order to shut down the top ranked team in the division the Pios turned to recently named All Star starter Noah Rubino to try to get Elmira going.
Rubino came in dealing, but was matched inning for inning by Elmira native, Kobie Punchard for the first two, but the third inning saw the first runs of the game as Rubino pitched to contact, but three singles and an error led to three innings coming across the plate. The teams continued to roll through five complete before the Red Wings put up four more runs in the sixth inning to give Geneva a 7-0 lead in the top half. However, Elmira did what they have done so well this season, responding in the next half inning.
The Pios surrendered two quick outs before Nathan Peng walked, Trevor Henneman walked, Garrett Schultz reached on an error by the centerfielder, and then Mason Ruhlman doubled to bring the score to 7-3. The seventh inning came and went as relievers Chase Austin and Matteo Avalone both went 1,2,3 through their half of the seventh. The eighth saw a 1,2,3 for Alex Bardo before Peng came to bat again and singled and Schultz drove him in.
Geneva responded in the top of the ninth regaining their four run lead before the Pioneers came up for their final three outs. Kyle Richardson grounded out to first before Brennan Dorighi hit a no doubt home run over the fence in right field. Quinn Buffington came in and walked and as Brody Moore singled driving in Buffington, the final score was tallied at 8-6.
The Pioneers go on the road for a 2 game stretch up to Geneva and then to Utica before closing out the pre All Star Break session at home on Sunday against Watertown at 4:05 pm. Get your tickets now 607-734-2690!