Larsen Burch’s Complete Game Shutout Provides Pioneers the Split Versus Ironbacks

By Anthony La Bonté

ST. CATHARINES, Ontario—Larsen Burch’s 11 strikeout performance in the second game of the Elmira Pioneers’ Canadian doubleheader with the Niagara Ironbacks splits the series on Sunday afternoon.

Game one saw the Pios fall behind early with little offensive momentum. Dylan Miles (1-0), right-hander for Niagara would strike out ten batters while only allowing one hit. In the game’s entirety the Pios only recorded two hits—both off the bat of Alex Davis with a single and double. Lucas Hail (0-2) went four innings and was pinned for the loss after striking out six but allowing five earned runs. The final score was 7-0 in favor of the Ironbacks.

Game two started as a pitching duel between Burch (1-0) and Cal Noonan (0-1) until the fifth inning, when Ryan Gabinalli started the inning with a single. The next batter, Tysan Gingerich, would hit a dribbler back to Noonan which the southpaw looked to turn a double play on, but threw an errant pass into centerfield. Then Michael Ferranti would knock a two-run single giving the Pioneers the lead that would not be relinquished. Burch would end the seventh retiring the side in order for a 3-0 victory.

The Pioneers are now 3-3 on the season, with their next game being on the road against the Newark Pilots Tuesday, Jun. 9. The next Pioneers home game is scheduled for Wednesday, Jun. 10 with the Newark Pilots, and is going to be “Free Hilliard T-Shirt Night”. For ticket information, contact (607) 734-2690.