Pios Return from All Star Break, Fall to Rapids 9-4
The Pioneers came back from an extended All Star Break after a rain out Wednesday night, as they made the trip to Watertown's Alex T Duffy Fairgrounds. Watertown has been a place where Elmira has not only felt confidence, but continued to find ways to win. That was a streak that would be broken on Thursday night.
The Pios came into the game looking for answers to holes created by some players having to leave the team after the All Star break. All Stars Nathan Berg, Preston Moore, and Mason Ruhlman all left big holes to be filled and now the coaching staff is trying to do just that with the lineup that remains with just 15 days left in the season. On the mound the Pioneers looked to Kevin Teschko who had a rocky start entering the season, but has shown marked improvement in his development since.
Watertown jumped on Teschko in both the first and second inning for 2 runs apiece as Teschko was able to pitch just an inning and third before being relieved by Connor Takacs. Takacs settled things down through 2 and 2/3 innings of relief which gave the Pios a chance to come back, which they did in the top of the fourth inning. Home run champion Trae Harmon hit a single to start things off, came around after Craig Corliss walked and Bryce Moskiewicz singled. Corliss came across on a Mejia single later in the inning and Zach Turner, who reached on a fielders choice, also scored on a Brody Moore single to close the gap to 4-3.
The scoring would stop there until the seventh inning as Chase Austin, who had pitched two solid innings of relief, began struggle in his third inning of work. The Rapids would make both Austin and reliever Neftaly Severino Cronier work hard to get out of the inning in which they tallied 5 more runs. The Pioneers did not give up and tried to use their remaining at bats to get back into the game finally succeeding in the top of the ninth to drive in Nathan Peng with the bases loaded on a passed ball to close the gap to 9-4.
The Pioneers are back in action tonight from Utica as they take on the Blue Sox for just the second time this season. Elmira comes home on Saturday for a double header against the Newark Pilots beginning at 5:00 pm at historic Dunn Field! Get your tickets now 607-734-2690!