PIONEERS LOOK TO TURN AROUND LOSING SKID IN JAMESTOWN

Last night, the Pioneers took a 15-4 loss to the Oneonta Outlaws, their third loss in a row. They previously lost the second game of a double-header to Watertown, then lost an agonizing 7-6 game to Auburn. 

The Pios currently stand 5th in the West Division standings with a 11-15 record. They currently are 2.5 games back to the Geneva Red Wings, who are in fourth. 

Elmira as a team is currently hitting .229 with a .649 on-base plus slugging (OPS). Their pitching staff has a 5.75 average ERA, and have 187 strikeouts to 153 walks.

Frank Wayman (U-Mass Lowell) has a .319 average, leads the team in OPS with .918, and also leads in RBI’s with 17. Bobby Marsh (Penn State) has started to heat up, with a .291 average and is second on the team in RBI’s with 12. 

The Pios rotation has been solid this season, spearheaded by Tristian Ciampa (Northern Essex CC) who has a 2.90 ERA and 35 strikeouts in 31 innings.

Mike Sokol (Chippola) has also done well, with a 3.77 ERA in six starts. However, he hasn’t gotten much run support, and currently has a 1-4 record with a no-decision.

Despite the current losing skid, the team still is confident for the rest of the season. Max Mandler (Seton Hill) said,

“This team is ready to rip the souls out of our opponents!”

With a positive locker-room atmosphere intact, the Pios remain focused as they travel to Jamestown tonight to face off against the Tarp Skunks. The Pios and Tarp Skunks have faced each other a few times, with Jamestown leading the season series, but the Pioneers will look to get a win tonight and get back in the playoff hunt.

- Taylor Stolworthy