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Muckdogs cling to first place after 5-0 loss to Mahoning Valley

By Howard B. Owens

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Press release:

As the race for the New York-Penn League Pinckney Division gets tighter, the Batavia Muckdogs have four crucial home games this week.

Batavia (33-24) fell to Mahoning Valley, 5-0 on Monday night as second-place West Virginia  (30-25) picked up a win to move two games out of first.

The lead was just 1-0 in the ninth as the pitching staff held Mahoning Valley in check.

Edgar Martinez who suffered the hard-luck loss, gave up one run in six innings, striking out one without a walk. He is 2-3 and his ERA dropped to 2.88

Easton Lucas had a strong seventh and finished with four strikeouts in two innings.

At the plate for Batavia, Dustin Skelton, Andrew Turner, Julian Infante, Nic Ready, Troy Johnston and Milton Smith II (stolen bases, his 17th on the season) all had hits, but the Muckdogs stranded all seven runners.

Tonight is $2 Tuesday as all general admission seats are just $2 and it's UMMC/Genesee Orthopedics Night as the first 1,000 fans will receive 16-ounce sturdy tumblers with dishwasher safe straws and lids, courtesy of UMMC. The game is at 7:05 p.m.

Also, it's Pups in the Park as dogs get in the game free.

On Wednesday, second-place West Virginia comes to town for three games.

COMING UP: The Batavia Muckdogs are holding First Responders Night at Dwyer Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 15 when the team takes on the second-place West Virginia Black Bears. 

In appreciation of area first responders, the Muckdogs will be offering two complementary general admission tickets to the game for all active police, fire, and emergency services personnel. First responders can receive their tickets by showing proper identification at the Dwyer Stadium box office during normal business hours (weekdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) leading up to the game or on game night up until the seventh inning.

In addition, first responders will have the opportunity to purchase additional tickets beyond the two complimentary at the group rate of $5 per ticket. The Muckdogs currently have a two-game lead over West Virginia for first place in a hotly contested playoff race. First pitch Thursday is set for 7:05 p.m. and it’s also Thirsty Thursday, presented by Labatt. All fans 21 and over can enjoy $2 16-ounce cans of Blue and Blue Light until the seventh inning.

Photos by Steve Ognibene.

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Frosh fillies featured in NYSS at Batavia Wednesday

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Batavia Downs will host the 2-year-old pacing fillies on Wednesday afternoon (Aug. 14) when the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) return for their fifth of nine 2019 stops and the two divisions that will compete for a combined $107,000 in purses look to be very competitive races. 

The first leg (carded as race four) goes for $53,000 and has Cash Roll (Roll With Joe-Rockonomics) installed as the 2-1 morning line favorite.

Cash Roll has won three of five starts this year, two of which were in NYSS action, and currently sits second in points and fourth in earnings. She took her lifetime mark of 1:56 last month at Yonkers in a gate to wire, 4-¼ length romp in the mud. She has outstanding gate speed and loves to cut the mile and after drawing post one for this race, must have her driver Scott Zeron feeling really good about their chances. 

Merga Hanover (American Ideal-Magic Starlight) has a similar career path to Cash Roll. She also has three wins to her credit, two in the NYSS, is third in earnings and fourth in points and also likes to be on or near the lead. The only variant to her schedule this week is she picks up Matt Kakaley to drive and he knows the Batavia oval very well. Kakaley and Merga Hanover will leave from post six.

If the front end pace between those two gets hectic, The Fun Marshall (So Surreal-Hallmark Hanover) will be close to pick up the pieces. The Fun Marshall didn’t get her year off to as fast a start of her opponents, but she certainly made a statement on July 11. After sitting a garden spot trip, she closed sharply down the lane to score a lifetime best victory of 1:55.4 at Yonkers over a sloppy track. The Fun Marshall starts from post two with Billy Davis Jr. in tow. 

In the second $54,000 division, Racine Bell (So Surreal-Ty’s Artist) brings a stellar resume to post and has been recognized as the favorite by the track handicapper at 5-2 as a result. 

Racine Bell is the top money earner among her peers and is also tied for the top in points. She has three wins in six starts, hasn’t missed the board all year and comes into this race off a career best tying 1:56.1 win at Yonkers. Her regular driver Jason Bartlett will be in town to drive once again and they will start from post seven for this event.

Turnthefrownaround (Roll WIth Joe-Knockout Pout) is the second choice at 3-1 but appears to be a real wild card. Although she has the fastest win time of this group this year from a 1:53.3 victory over the 5/8th’s mile track at Tioga Downs, she has also made two breaks at Monticello and Yonkers which are both half-milers. She will be on a half Wednesday at Batavia and will have to mind her manners to succeed. Matt Kakaley has been assigned the drive and he start that task from post five. 

Major Battle (Art Major-Savhorsrideacowboy) makes her first NYSS start but recent form shows her potential. Although she has exhibited gate speed in her first lifetime start, her last start shows her strong closing ability after she got away eighth by 15-lengths at Mohawk and paced the final five-eighths of a mile parked-out and closing to finish second in 1:53.3. Jim Morrill Jr. picks up the drive and the pair will start from post four. 

There are also three $15,000 divisions of the Excel “A” series on the card. Post time for the first race is 5 p.m.

Batavia Muckdogs to hold First Responders Night this Thursday

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs are pleased to announce that the Thursday, Aug. 15th, game vs. the West Virginia Black Bears will be First Responders Night at Dwyer Stadium.

In appreciation of area first responders, the Muckdogs will be offering two complementary General Admission tickets to the game for all active police, fire, and emergency services personnel.

First responders can receive their tickets by showing proper identification at the Dwyer Stadium box office during normal business hours (weekdays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) leading up to the game or on game night up until the seventh inning.

In addition, first responders will have the opportunity to purchase additional tickets beyond the two complementary at the group rate of $5 per ticket.

The Muckdogs currently have a three-game lead over West Virginia for first place in a hotly contested playoff race.

First pitch Thursday is set for 7:05 p.m. and it’s also Thirsty Thursday, presented by Labatt. All fans 21 and over can enjoy $2 16-ounce cans of Blue and Blue Light until the seventh inning.

2019 Junior Golf Camp Batavia Country Club

By Thomas Tucker

 





Pee Wee Division Boys and Girls Ages 7-10 July 22nd through July 26th, 2019

Front Row, left to right: Jake Gehlert, Brooklyn Jachimowicz, Tori Davis, Maisse Yunker,

Jack Hilchey, Owen Glazier, George Sawyer

Rear Row, left to right: Coach Tom Tucker, Noah Calarco-Smith, Nicholas Calarco-Smith, Isaiah Proefrock, Hudson George, Brayden Jachimowicz, Jacob Rosenbeck, Xavier Vargas, Ben Vargas, Coach Roxanne Noeth



The Pee Wee players experienced great weather and a had great week for golf!



The Friday Tournament saw newcomer to camp Hudson George dominate the boys division with a score of 34. The girls divison was won by Brooklyn Jachimowicz with a score of 39.

 



PeeWee Tournament Medalists Hudson George and Brooklyn Jachimowicz

Really good swings captured by Coach Noath!





Closest to the pin winner on hole 13 was Brayden Jachimowicz, and on hole 17 the winner was Brooklyn Jachimowicz. The long drive winner on hole 14 was Noah Calarco Smith.



Other contests and winners were:



PeeWee Contest Winners: Maisse Yunker, Brooklyn Jachimowicz, Hudson George, Brayden Jachimowicz

 

  • Putting Contest Medalist - Boys - Hudson George
  • Putting Contest Medalist - Girls - Brooklyn Jachimowicz
  • Chipping Contest Medalist - Boys - Brayden Jachimowicz (Playoff over Noah Calarco-Smith)
  • Chipping Contest Medalist - Girls - Maisse Yunker
  • Lag Putting Contest - Boys - Jack Hilchey
  • Lag Putting Contest - Girls - Maisse Yunker
  • Aimline Accuracy - Boys - Brayden Jachimowicz, and he won a few bucks for himself and his team for the effort
  • Aimline Accuracy - Girls - Tori Davis
  • Pitching Target - Boys - Jacob Rosenbeck
  • Pitching Target - Girls - Maisse Yunker

The kids had fun, we hope to see them all next year







 





Senior Boys and Girls Division Ages 11-15 July 29th through August 2nd, 2019

Front Row, left to right: Quinton Cummings, Jada Fite, Lily Davis, Natalie Hamm, Greyson Fix

Rear Row, left to right: Coach Tom Tucker, Rhys Tanner, Will Fulton, Sam Dinsmore, Cooper Fix, Coach Roxanne Noeth



Absent from the picture with illness on tournament day was Hudson Luft, who had been coming on strong all week.

 

We had great weather all week for these kids, and they all played very good golf.



The Friday Tournament saw newcomer to camp Quinton Cummings edge out camp veteran Sam Dinsmore 37 to 38 to take the Boys Medalist honors. The girls divison was dominated by Jada Fite with a score of 37.

 



PeeWee Tournament Medalists Jada Fite and Quinton Cummings

 

Closest to the pin winner on hole 13 for the girls was Jada Fite. Closest to the pin winner on hole 17 for the boys was Quinton Cummings. The long drive winner for the girls on hole 14 was Natalie Hamm, no boys winner - no one hit the fairway.



Other contests winners were:



Senior Division Contest Winners

 

  • Putting Contest Medalist - Girls - Lily Davis (37)
  • Putting Contest Medalist - Boys - Will Fulton (38)
  • Chipping Contest Medalist - Girls - Natalie Hamm
  • Chipping Contest Medalist - Boys - Will Fulton
  • Lag Putting Contest - Girls - Lily Davis
  • Lag Putting Contest - Boys - Cooper Fix
  • Aimline Accuracy - Girls - Lily Davis
  • Aimline Accuracy - Boys - Cooper Fix
  • Pitching Target - Girls - Lily Davis
  • Pitching Target - Boys - Quinton Cummings , Hudson Luft won the shootout for $5

We hope to see everyone next year!

First time ever: NASCAR Truck Series at Middletown's Orange County Fair Speedway

By Billie Owens

Press release:

MIDDLETOWN -- Following his momentous first ever NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series (NGOTS) win at Eldora Speedway, Stewart Friesen will continue on the trail of his scheduled Northeast dirt racing events in the Halmar no. 44 Big Block Modified. One planned stop for the NGOTS number 3 in points driver is Orange County Fair Speedway's Centennial Race Weekend, the unprecedented 100-year-anniversary event that pays $100,000 to win.

Friesen's no. 52 Chevy Silverado has actually been sporting OCFS on the hood to promote the event that may shape up to be dirt track racing's biggest ever. 

When Friesen rolls into Middletown NY for the big $100K show, he'll be hauling in more than just his no. 44 modified, as Orange Motorsports & Entertainment (OME) has just revealed that Friesen and Eldora runner up, NGOTS driver Sheldon Creed, will run at Middletown's Legendary "House of Power" in a special 10-Lap exhibition.

Their trucks and haulers will be on display starting Friday, Aug. 16th, to all Centennial Race Weekend attendees, then on Saturday the 17th (before the big $100K race) Sheldon Creed will get his rematch with Stewart Friesen, 10-laps to make it happen. This will be the first time ever that NASCAR Truck Series trucks have been at Middletown.

Sheldon Creed is 21 years old and comes from El Cajon, Calif. He's an X-Games Gold-Medalist and two-time Stadium Super Trucks Series champion.  Creed is known for his diversity to drive anything with four wheels, competing in the Stadium Super Trucks (SST) Series where he has accumulated six wins in only 12 starts.

In 2017 Creed competed in the Trans-Am Series, ARCA, K&N, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series, totaling 28 different races with eight different teams. Sheldon won the 2018 ARCA Racing Series Championship and competes full time in 2019 with GMS Racing in the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series. 

Friesen’s opportunities in the NASCAR Truck Series have come largely from his ability to develop a complete driver’s skillset while racing 800-horsepower Big-Block Modifieds in the Northeast, where for the last few years he has been absolutely dominant. Can Creed’s adaptability outpace Friesen’s dirt modified experience when the two face off competitively in the 160-Lap, $100,000 to win big finale at the Centennial Race Weekend that follows their NGOTS exhibition? That’s right, Sheldon Creed will strap into a Dirt Modified for a real shot at redemption against Friesen (and MANY more talented drivers), on the DIRT!

In addition to this unprecedented, NASCAR approved exhibition, Orange Motorsports & Entertainment (OME) has jam packed the three-day Centennial Race Weekend with fun activities, attractions, live music and historical tributes.

With a newly resurfaced track, upgraded facilities and more new seating recently added, OCFS is poised to become the Northeast's premiere racetrack.  While the Centennial Race Weekend will be a tribute to the Speedway's rich history, it will also set the precedent for what is to come in this grassroots raceway's future.

Joey Pro extends win streak at Batavia

By Billie Owens

Photo: Joey Pro with driver Jim Morrill Jr.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Trainer John Hallett left the friendly confines of Tioga Downs with Joey Pro this week in lieu of a visit to Batavia Downs on Sunday afternoon (Aug. 11) but despite the change in venue, they came away with the same result. Joey Pro scored another win, but this time in the top-class $12,500 Open Handicap trotting feature at the oldest lighted harness track in North America. 

Joey Pro (Jim Morrill Jr.) made it quick and simple; he left, took the lead and outlasted the competition. Morrill set quarters of :29, :58.1 and 1:27 with the field pretty much single-file behind him. Going into the last turn, Wheels A Turning (Dave McNeight III) was moving up the outside first-over, two-lengths behind the leader. But he was also trotting up a storm. When the race straightened out down the lane, Wheels A Turning had drawn almost even with Joey Pro and appeared poised to motor right on by, but Joey Pro swelled up and held him off at the wire to win by a nose in 1:56.2 for his third straight victory.

Well on his way to beating his career year of 2018, Joey Pro ($10.80) has now registered eight wins in 2019 and pocketed $41,780 in purses for owner Mark Wamp. 

The $11,000 Open II Handicap trot also went to an outsider after Saratoga Raceway regular Rose Run Speedster (Jim Morrill Jr.) pulled past the half, took control of the race before the three-quarter pole and rebuffed a late bid by Fox Valley Veto (Billy Davis Jr.) to win handily by 1-¼ lengths in 1:57.4. 

Rose Run Speedster ($4.40) is owned by Simzer and Derue and trained by Brett Derue. 

Jim Morrill Jr., Shawn Gray and Billy Davis Jr. all had driving triple on the card; Davis scoring the natural hat trick in the final three races of the day. Trainers Brett Derue, JD Perrin and Steve Kiblin all had two wins apiece.

Live racing resumes Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 14) and the New York Sire Stake 2-year-old pacing fillies will be in town to compete for $107,000 in purses. Post time for the first race is 5 p.m.

Muckdogs shutdown Mahoning Valley 5-0

By Howard B. Owens

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Press release:

Just a day ago, the Batavia Muckdogs were in danger of losing the lead in the New York-Penn League Pinckney Division.

However, back home at Dwyer Stadium, the Batavia pitching staff and clutch hitting led the Muckdogs to a 5-0 shutout of Mahoning Valley on Sunday.

With the win and a West Virginia loss, Batavia (33-23) now has a 3.0 lead in the division.

Julio Frias improved to 4-2 wth the win, throwing five shutout innings with two strikeouts and one walk.

Jonaiker Villalobos struck out two in a scoreless sixth for his second hold and Geremy Galindez earned his second hold but left the game with discomfort after a pitch.

Joey Steele, the 30th-round draft pick this year of the Miami Marlins who has a perfect 0.00 ERA, was called to the mound in the seventh with one out. With a few minutes to throw and stretch, he went out and threw 2.2 innings of one-hit, shutout ball with four strikeouts and no walks for his first save.

Steele has now thrown 13.2 innings with 22 strikeouts, no runs allowed, 11 hits, one walk and a 0.88 WHIP to go along with his 0.00 ERA.

"That was huge of Joe, he really picked up the bullpen, went 2.2 innings … that was big-time of him," said Batavia catcher and Miami native Michael Hernandez. "We really needed that."

Hernandez not only handled the four pitchers for a shutout but had a basest and scored a run.

"I'm just taking it one pitch at a time and trying to hit the ball hard," said Hernandez. "We are in first place, there is no better feeling than winning. It's always a great day when you get a shut out, that means it's a combination of defense and pitching … it was a great day for us Muckdogs."

At the plate, J.D. Orr was close to an inside-the-park homer when his sharply hit single to right skipped off the glove of an outfielder to the fence. He raced around the bases, scoring three runs on the play.

Orr finished 2-for-4 with two runs, his 13th RBI and increased his NYPL leading average to .384.

Nic Ready had two hits and scored a run while Sean Reynolds ripped an RBI single and Jack Strunc had a single and scored.

Not only did West Virginia (29-25) lose, but State College (Pa.) (27-28) in third place lost and Mahoning Valley (25-30) is in fourth.

The Muckdogs have five games left in this homestand, taking on Mahoning Valley Monday and Tuesday with games at 7:05 p.m. all week.

There will be specials on food and drinks Monday and on Tuesday, all general admission tickets are just $2.

Tickets are available at muckdogs.com or stop by the Dwyer Stadium Ticket office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week. The number is 585-483-3647.

Submitted photo: Batavia Manager Tom Lawless called on Joey Steele after an injury and the pitcher threw 2.2 scoreless innings for the save. Steele has not give-up a run in 13.1 innings this season and just one walk with 22 strikeouts. Catcher Michael Hernandez called the shutout, handling all four pitchers in the win.

Muckdogs return to Batavia for six-game home stand with two game first-place lead

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs start an important six-game home stand late this afternoon at Dwyer Stadium with a two-game lead over West Virginia in the New York-Penn League Pinckney Division.

The Muckdogs take on Mahoning Valley today at 5:05 p.m. as well as Monday and Tuesday at 7:05 p.m.

The second-place West Virginia Black Bears (Pittsburgh Pirates) are at Dwyer Stadium Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, all games at 7:05 p.m.

On Saturday night, Batavia needed extra innings to fight off Pennsylvania's third-place State College, 3-2.

State College had a 2-1 lead in the ninth, but Batavia Manager Tom Lawless went to work with a series of moves to tie the game.

After Harrison Dinicola singled, Ronal Reynoso pinch ran and Julian Infante singled him to second. Lawless then called on Brayan Hernandez to lay down a bunt which sent Reynoso to third. Jack Strunc then hit a ball to the right side scoring Hernandez to tie the game.

In the 10th, the minor league rules start a runner on second. Lawless put the speedy Kobie Taylor on the bases and he scored on a fielders choice by Troy Johnston.

In the bottom of the 10th, Lawless turned to closer Evan Brabrand, who got one out on a bunt, moving the tying run to third. He struck out a batter and got a groundout to Dalvy Rosario for the win.

Brabrand, a ninth-round draft pick of the Miami Marlins this year out of Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., is 3-1 on the season with 11 saves in 15 appearances with a 1.84 ERA.

Eli Villalobos, a 14th-round pick out of Southern California's Long Beach State in 2018, had a strong start, going five innings with six strikeouts, did not allow a run and walked just one scattering three hits. Brock Love struck out three in two innings and Josh Simpson struck out two in 1.2 innings without a walk or run, lowering his ERA to 0,63.

At the plate, J.D. Orr, the NYPL's leading hitter went 2-for-5 with his 23rd stolen base as Johnston, Nic Ready (Double) , Dinicola, Infante, Strunc and Mikey Hernandez (RBI double) all had hits.

Sean Reynolds walked and stole his second base of the season.

Kids run the bases today after the game and MuckPup Kids Club members get in free. There will be autograph sessions and a chance for photos and selfies with your favorite players starting at 4:20 p.m. near the concession stand.

Tickets are available at muckdogs.com or stop by the Dwyer Stadium Ticket office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week. The number is 585-483-3647.

Visiting Saulsbrook Deputy takes Batavia Open

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Saratoga Raceway regular Saulsbrook Deputy shipped into Western New York on Saturday night (Aug. 10) for the first time and immediately laid down the law after winning the $12,500 Open I Handicap pace at Batavia Downs 

Driver John Cummings Jr. took his time placing Saulsbrook Deputy on the lead but cleared by the quarter and opened up a two-length advantage at the point. The pair then proceeded to the half in a pedestrian :58.2 split before Lucan Hanover (Billy Davis Jr.) rolled up on the outside with Iammrbrightside N (Ray Fisher Jr.) on his back to apply some pressure for the second circuit. 

The top three horses maintained their positions to the three-quarters in 1:26.2 and then around the last turn where Saulsbrook Deputy was still two-lengths clear. But Iammrbrightside N tipped three-deep around the stalled Lucan Hanover and was barreling down the middle of the track and closing with every stride. Cummings was urging his horse all the way down the lane and Saulsbrook Deputy responded and stayed game to win in 1:55.1. 

Saulsbrook Deputy ($5.70) scored his fifth win of the year for owner Kevin Quinn and brought his 2019 earnings to $49,491. Paul Zabielski trains the winner. 

In the undercard $11,000 Open II pace, Drunkonaplane (Billy Davis Jr.) scored his second straight win at Batavia Downs after a very strong performance. 

Drunkonaplane had the lead four-steps off the gate and relinquished that spot only momentarily before the quarter when he let Manceiver (Jim Morrill Jr.) clear. But he immediately retook the front and closed out the deal. Davis cut quarters of :56.3 and 1:24.4 before turning for home and holding off 51-1 shot Tullow N (Ray Fisher Jr.). 

Drunkonaplane ($4), who now has six wins this year, is owned by Vogel and Wags Nags Stable Jack Rice and Adelphi Bloodstock. Maria Rice is the trainer. 

Several horsemen and one horsewoman had very productive nights at Batavia on Saturday. Billy Davis Jr. and Jim Morrill Jr. both had four winners on the card while trainers Jackie Greene, Paul Zabielski and Maria Rice all sent two winners to the winner’s enclosure. 

Live racing resumes Batavia Downs on today (Aug. 11) Post time for the first race is 1:15 p.m.

NASCAR star Michael Waltrip to appear at speedway in Middletown Aug. 17

By Billie Owens

Press release:

MIDDLETOWN -- Michael Waltrip, two-time Daytona 500 champion and MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES driver will appear at the Orange County Fair Speedway (OCFS) on Saturday, Aug. 17th, the final day of the 100-year-old speedway’s special “Centennial Race Weekend.”

The former driver and team owner serves as an analyst for FOX NASCAR’s coverage of the MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES, NASCAR XFINITY SERIES and the NASCAR GANDER OUTDOORS TRUCK SERIES (NGOTS), the series in which occasional OCFS competitors Stewart Friesen and Tyler Dippel race.

Waltrip won’t be the only NASCAR presence felt at the Centennial Race Weekend, as Stewart Friesen and Sheldon Creed are set to face off in a special exhibition in their NGOTS trucks at OCFS, in a first-ever experience. With an all-new clay racing surface, drivers and fans alike are excited to see what kind of speeds a NASCAR truck does at “The House of Power” with one of the sport’s greatest legends there to see it all go down.

In 2007, Waltrip ushered Toyota into the MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES as team owner for Michael Waltrip Racing and driver of the No. 55 Toyota, leading the manufacturer’s efforts in its first year of Cup competition. Waltrip opened the doors of his one-of-a-kind race shop and fan experience in a former movie theater in Cornelius, N.C., and welcomed Rob Kauffman as co-owner in the fall of 2007.

In 2012, MWR earned its first two berths in the Chase for the NASCAR Cup with Clint Bowyer, who finished second, and Martin Truex Jr. In 2010, Waltrip segued to a part-time driving schedule and scored two top-five finishes in only four starts in 2013. MWR campaigned fulltime in the Cup Series through the conclusion of the 2015 season.

The Owensboro, Ky., native spent 33 years as a driver in the MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES. He won the 2001 and 2003 DAYTONA 500, making him one of 10 multi-time winners. Waltrip owns four Cup wins and four pole positions, alongside 11 career NASCAR XFINITY SERIES wins and one NASCAR GANDER OUTDOORS TRUCK SERIES victory – at the 2011 Daytona race in a last-lap pass.

He made his Cup Series driving debut in the 1985 COCA-COLA 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where he also won the 1996 NASCAR ALL-STAR RACE, as well as the 1991 and 1992 Winston Open and 1995 Winston Select.

NASCAR stars compete in Orange County Fair Speedway's Centennial races Aug. 15-17

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

MIDDLETOWN -- Racing’s top talents are expected to be in Middletown, Orange County, at next week’s “Centennial Race Weekend” on Aug.15, 16 and 17. Among the hundreds of competitors from the northeast will be a number of current and former NASCAR stars, all looking to make history, but also looking for that $100,000 to win check, the biggest ever purse in Modified Dirt Racing.

Hot off of a big win at Eldora Speedway, dirt racing star Stewart Friesen will be hauling out to Middletown after running with the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series in Michigan this Saturday night. Friesen hopes to roll up with 2 big consecutive NASCAR wins under his belt. As expected, joining Friesen at Orange County Fair Speedway is his fellow truck series driver and northeast dirt mod driver, Tyler Dippel, of Ulster County.

Both Friesen and Dippel race extensive schedules in both Northeast dirt racing, and NASCAR trucks, so it wasn’t much of a surprise that the two would be in attendance for this 100th Anniversary event, the big shocker however was that Friesen would also be appearing with his NASCAR Truck in a special 10-lap exhibition with Sheldon Creed at the “House of Power”!

In addition to the 10-lap exhibition, Creed will also strap into a dirt modified and throw down with best of them for that $100,000 paycheck. Can this NASCAR standout (who just finished second to Friesen at Eldora) win big against the legions of local teams who have called OCFS home for decades?

Many OCFS hometown favorites have returned to Middletown after success in NASCAR and ARCA series racing. The 2017 OCFS track champ, Jimmy Horton, had a prolific ARCA career with wins at Daytona. Now in his 60s, Horton remains a fierce competitor at OCFS with his Halmar Race Team no. 43 modified and is expected to be a top runner at the Centennial Race Weekend.

Even OCFS all-time winner and current championship points leader, Brett Hearn, branched out and competed on the national stage with NASCAR at one point in his career.

Prolific dirt modified drivers like Tighe Scott and Gary Balough have earned legend status at Orange County Fair Speedway, as well as on the NASCAR circuit. Balough, who recently appeared on Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s TV show and Podcast, will be at the Centennial Race Weekend event with his no.112 “Batmobile” -- one of dirt racing’s most dominant and innovative cars ever built.

In addition to his car(s) being on display, Balough will also hold a lecture on car building and will premiere the trailer for a documentary about his life and career as a driver and his downfall as a smuggler on Thursday, Aug. 15th, the first day of the three-day Centennial Race Weekend event. 

Since its inception in 1919, OCFS has been home to many drivers who have achieved national acclaim, many of the speedway’s first competitors were Indy 500 drivers and winners.

Even into the 1960s with Mario Andretti and Bobby Allison racing in Middletown, OCFS has always been a place where the best of the best battled it out on the dirt.

Many of these DIRT & NASCAR racing heroes and more will participate in two massive autograph sessions at OCFS over the anniversary weekend, with free posters for fans while supplies last.

The Centennial Race Weekend is a once-in-a-lifetime event, your chance to see NASCAR stars RACE at your local dirt track, and meet them for an autograph in our “Champions Plaza” a space that will pay tribute to OCFS’s rich, 100-year history.

For a full list of Centennial Race Weekend events, visit: orangecountyfairpseedway.net and check out the schedule or news sections.

Business is booming at Batavia’s Championship meet

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

The numbers are in and they’re impressive to say the least. After completing two weeks of the 2019 live harness racing meet, Batavia Downs has reported unprecedented increases in handle from every source of wagering.

Western Regional Off Track Betting (WROTB) operates Batavia Downs and released the following numbers after the first nine cards of racing.

Export betting was up 36 percent, on-track betting was up 20 percent and WROTB betting from all outlets was up 10 percent. Total betting is up 30 percent or a total of $291,351 with an average increase of $32,372 per night.

“On Monday (Aug. 5) the track handle was up 90 percent while the total handle was up 127 percent from the same Monday last year. It was the fifth largest of all time since WROTB reopened the track in 2002,” said Todd Haight, director/general manager of Batavia Downs.

“We were hoping to see increases as a result of our stakes programs this year, but we are ecstatic to be seeing it on our overnight product as well.”

The centerpiece of the 2019 meet is the $1.8 million New York Sire Stakes Night of Champions that will be held at the Downs on Saturday (Sept. 14) along with the track's signature stake, the $50,000 Kane Memorial Invitational pace.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs this week on Saturday (Aug. 10) with post time at 6 p.m.

Race for first place in NYPL getting tighter for Batavia

By Billie Owens

Press release:

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- The race for the Pinckney Division lead in the New York-Penn League is getting hot as August as the Batavia Muckdogs lost and West Virginia picked up at least one win on Thursday.

Batavia (31-22) has a 2.5 game lead over West Virginia, who won the first game of a doubleheader against Williamsport on Thursday.

Batavia's lone run in a 4-1 loss to State College Thursday came in the ninth when Julian Infante had a RBI double. He finished with two hits and is hitting .300 on the season.

J.D. Orr continued his tear, going 2-for-4 with a run to increase his lead-leading average to .387.

Milton Smith II, Harrison Dinicola and Andres Stormes all had hits for Batavia.

Andrew Miller threw the first five innings with two strikeouts, one earned run and two walks. Dakota Bennett went three innings with four strikeouts and one earned run.

Batavia is at State College Friday and Saturday and return to Dwyer Stadium for a 5:05 p.m. game on Sunday with Mahoning Valley.

Tickets are available at muckdogs.com or stop by the Dwyer Stadium Ticket office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week. The number is 585-483-3647.

Batavia 24U team loses heartbreaking 3-2 decision in extra innings in playoffs amid controversy

By Billie Owens

Story by Dan McComb:

Despite outhitting their opponent, North Town, 9-3, the Batavia 24U Baseball Team came out on the losing end of a 3-2 extra-inning thriller on Aug. 1.

Down 2-0 in the bottom of the sixth inning, Batavia rallied to tie the game at 2 when Burnie Jonis singled and went to second on a wild pitch.

Tristan Aldinger then doubled him home, and Jerry Reinhardt singled him home.

The game was tied at 2 in the bottom of the eighth inning when a critical play went against Batavia.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, Jonis singled with one out. Jerry Reinhardt then with two outs lined a double down the left field line all the way to the fence, and Jonis was called out at home on a controversial play. The catcher later admitted he never tagged Jonis.

In the top of the ninth inning, North Town would score the winning run when their lead-off hitter walked with one out.

Trevor Sherwood then attempted to pick off the lead-off hitter and appeared to have a successful pick-off, but in the run-down an errant throw went into left field, placing the runner on third base.

With the infield drawn and 1 out, a ground ball was hit to the infield, and despite a perfect throw and tag at home plate, the runner was called safe, and North Town delivered a 3-2 upset win over the previously undefeated Batavia squad.

Sherwood pitched a great game, allowing only three hits and striking out nine in eight-and-a-third innings.

Zeke Lynn came on in relief and struck out the two batters that he faced.

Reinhardt collected three hits and AJ Marcello and Jonis collected two hits each. Also collecting hits were Lynn and Aldinger.

Despite the heartbreaking loss the season was a success.

This squad has been together for seven years and has added key players every year.

The coach referred to this team as the best team he has ever coached, and said the players are all class acts. Although the season ended on a controversial and sour note, nonetheless it was fun and drew a lot of fans to the park.

Annual Van Hurlburt Golf Tournament is Aug. 15, benefits Crossroads House and Masonic Charities

By Billie Owens

The 19th Annual Van Hulburt Memorial Golf Tournament to benefit the comfort care home Crossroads House and Masonic Charities will take place Thursday, Aug. 15, at the Batavia Country Club.

It is hosted by Hesperus Masonic Lodge #837, Bergen.

Cost is $70 per person and includes: 18 holes of golf with cart; lunch; dinner; prizes -- men & women  / closest to the pin / longest drive / tournament winners.

Guests are welcome for a $22 fee.

The tournament is a four-person scramble. Sign in is at 11 a.m., lunch is 11:30, shotgun start is at noon.

All teams must be paid by Aug. 9th to guarantee placement in this tournament.

There will also be basket raffles, a 50/50, and Chinese auction.

For more information, contact Marty Krause at (585) 730-2809.

The tournament is sponsored by Triple-0-Mechanical Inc. Other sponsors include: Alexander Country Deli; Bergen C-Store & Dunkin Donuts; Ashley Capital; Ralph & Rosie's Deli & Pizzeria; Bonduelle USA; Jerry Hulburt & Family.

The tournament's namesake, Van Hulburt, worked for 35 years at Byron-Bergen Central School as a teacher, counselor and he coached golf for 25 years. He was a Past Master of Hesperus Lodge and a beloved member of the Masonic community.

NYSS trotters break Batavia track record twice

By Billie Owens

(Above, Bourbon Express with driver Jason Bartlett.)

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

The New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) 2-year-old colt and gelding trotters invaded Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 7) and they did some damage to the record book by breaking the local mark for their age, gender and gait in two successive series races. 

In the first $52,000 division, Bourbon Express (RC Royalty-Kasha) was sent down the road by driver Jason Bartlett and once gone, the pair never looked back. Operating with a gapped advantage, Bourbon Express went quarters of :28.4, :59.2 and 1:28.2 before rounding the last turn and heading into the stretch with a two-length lead. From there he trotted home a wrapped-up winner by four-lengths in 1:57.3. 

The time was a new lifetime mark for Bourbon Express and also a new Batavia Downs track record for 2-year-old trotting colts. The former mark was 1:58.1 set by Zack’s Zoomer in 2016. 

“This horse is very handy, he doesn’t act like a 2-year-old,” Bartlett said. “He’s a real nice colt.”

It was the third win of the year for Bourbon Express ($5.90) who started 2019 as a winner in Excelsior “A” action. Now he has won two NYSS races. Those victories have earned $78,008 for his owners Salvatore Vullo, James De Armond and Jessica Okusko, who also trains the winner. 

Annette Roydon bred Bourbon Express. 

(Above, Barn Holden with driver Andy Miller.)

Then two races later in the second $51,000 division, Barn Holden (Conway Hall-Barn Babe) and driver Andy Miller seemed to be taking the record-breaking seriously as they were on a mission as soon as the gate released them. Barn Holden was on top by three at the quarter and that margin would only grow as the race progressed. 

After a :28.2 and :57.4 first lap, Barn Holden opened up four lengths by the three-quarters in 1:27.1 and five by the top of the lane. Miller however kept his colt to task and tapped the wheel disk twice in the straight and raised the lines mid-stretch and Barn Holden trotted away to an eight-length win in 1:57.1, eclipsing the mark set less than an hour earlier by Bourbon Bay and becoming the new Batavia standard-bearer. 

“I thought he was the best going in and I wanted the front,” Miller said. “He trotted very handily to the wire.” 

Barn Holden ($2.70) has now won three out of his last four races, all in NYSS action, and has an even $90,000 on the card for his efforts. Steve Pratt, Nancy Pratt, the Purple Haze Stable and the Out In The Country Stable own the top points and money earner in his NYSS division. 

Steve and Nancy Pratt bred Barn Holden. 

Andy Miller had a big day at Batavia winning four races on the card and posting a stout .814 Universal Driver Rating (UDR) for the six races he was in. Those wins included both $15,000 divisions of the Excelsior “A” series and those horses were both trained by the other half of Team Orange Crush, Julie Miller.     

Book Seven (Chapter Seven - Tantalizing Donna) 

Driver -- Andy Miller

Owner -- Stroy Inc.

Trainer -- Julie Miller

Breeder -- Winbak Farm

Time -- 1:59 

Mutuel -- $7

All Profit (Credit Winner -- Bambino Supreme) 

Driver -- Andy Miller

Owner -- Andy Miller Stable and Kapildeo Singh

Trainer -- Julie Miller

Breeder -- Steve Jones

Time -- 2:02 

Mutuel -- $10.20

Jason Bartlett, who just scored his 8,000th driving win this past June, added three more to his total after getting a hat trick on Monday. Like Miller, Bartlett’s percentage for his eight drives was stellar as well, as he ended the evening with a .597 UDR. 

Batavia Downs perennial driving leader Kevin Cummings was involved in a spill before the start of the third race when the horse he was driving fell behind the gate. Cummings was transported to the hospital for further evaluation and no further information is available at this time. 

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Aug. 10) with post time at 6 p.m.

Muckdogs sweep Williamsport behind dominating pitching, timely hitting

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

WILLIAMSPORT -- The Batavia Muckdogs ended a three-game losing streak with a doubleheader sweep of the Williamsport Crosscutters by identical scores of 6-3 on Wednesday night.

Despite a six-run first inning in game one and a huge clutch triple in game two, the story of the night was the dominating pitching performance of Easton Lucas. He reached his pitch limit in the fourth and did not get the decision, but Batavia Pitching Coach Chad Rhodes said he did his job.

"He did for us what we needed and plus some," Rhodes said. "He took the spirit out of them with his command and tied up some good hitters with his fastball inside."

Williamsport started the night with a six-game win streak.

"His fastball coupled with his command set the tone and made hitters have to cover the whole zone which allowed him to push and pull them with his changeup tonight," Rhodes said. "He was very crisp and in complete control."

Lucas struck out eight in 3.1 innings and walked one, gave up one hit and one run. Lucas is 1-1 on the season with 26 strikeouts in 21 innings allowing just four walks and six runs all year with a 0.86 WHIP and a 2.57 ERA.

Geremy Galindez improved to 4-0 on the mound as he threw the final two innings of the second game, striking out one, did not walk a batter and gave up three hits.

Brock Love tossed 1.2 scoreless innings, striking out three without giving up a hit. Love is a 2019 draft pick of the Marlins out of the University of Alabama.

The big hit was from shortstop Dalvy Rosario, who broke a 2-2 tie in the final inning with a triple to centerfield.

Rosario finished with two hits and run while Andrew Turner was 2-for-4 with a run to increase his average to .283 (Turner had a 2-RBI single which was later ruled a fielder's choice), Nic Ready had a RBI and scored while Jack Strunc had a RBI single and catcher Mikey Hernandez ripped a double.

Milton Smith II stole second and third, for 14 steals on the season while Rosario stole his 10th base of the season and Ready swiped his third steal.

In the first game, Batavia scored six runs in the top of the first to seal the 6-3 victory.

From there, four pitchers took over. Edgar Martinez went the first three, striking out three without allowing a walk, Josh Simpson picked up his first win of the season, going two innings and striking out two with no walks and one run, the first he has given up this season. His ERA is a minuscule 0.71. Simpson is a 6-foot-2 lefty out of Columbia and a 32nd round pick of the Marlins this year.

Joey Steele earned his third hold of the season, throwing one inning of shut out ball with two strikeouts, no walks and one hit.

Steele has a 0.00 ERA this season. The 6-foot-2 righty, a 30th round draft pick this year out of University of San Francisco has appeared in 12 games, thrown 11 innings with 18 strikeouts and one walk, not allowing a single run.

Evan Brabrand picked up his 11th save of the season, throwing the final inning, striking out one and not allowing a walk, run or hit. Brabrand, a ninth-round pick this year out of Liberty University (Lynchburg, Va.) has made the most of his 14 appearances, going 2-1 with 11 saves, a 2.03 ERA and has struck out 18 in 13.1 innings.

At the plate, Julian Infante, a 36th-round draft pick out of Vanderbilt University (Nashville, Tenn.) this season, went 3-for-4 with a RBI double, a run and increased his average to .304.

J.D. Orr is hitting a lead-leading .383 as he had a RBI single, scored a run, walked and stole his 22nd base of the season.

Brayan Hernandez (RBI), Dustin Skelton and Strunc (RBI, run) all had hits.

Batavia is at State College (Pa.) Thursday, Friday and Saturday and return to Dwyer Stadium for a 5:05 p.m. game on Sunday with Mahoning Valley.

Tickets are available at muckdogs.com or stop by the Dwyer Stadium Ticket office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week. The number is 585-483-3647.

Photo: Batavia pitcher Easton Lucas struck out the first six batters of game 2 to set the tone of Batavia’s 6-3 win. The Muckdogs are 31-21 with a four-game lead in first place.

Guided kayak tour of DeWitt Pond is Saturday, must preregister

By Billie Owens

Kayaking at the pond at DeWitt Recreation Area, which was cancelled last month due to the heat wave, will be offered this Saturday.

Preregistration is required on or before Thursday Aug. 8th, call 585-344-1122.

A maximum of 20 participants will be allowed.

Seize the day with a guided kayak tour of DeWitt Pond! Explore the pond by water and discover a new world.

  • Session 1 takes place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Session 2 takes place from 1 to 3 p.m.

Meet at the boat launch at DeWitt Recreation Area. No experience needed, a beginner kayaking lesson is provided! Rent a kayak or bring your own. Kayak rentals with life vests are provided by Adventures in Fitness Inc. Solo kayak rentals are available for ages 12 and up, tandem kayak rentals are available for kids under 12 and must be piloted by an adult.

Guided tour fee is $20/person without rental or $25/person with kayak rental per session. Fee for children under 12 is $12 per session. Maximum 20 participants per session.

For more information visit the website here, or contact Kayla Edmunds Park.AmeriCorps@.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.

Third Shift, Barn Holden lead NYSS frosh trotters at Batavia

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

The New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings will be in Genesee County on Wednesday (Aug. 7) to compete for their share of the $103,000 in total purses available in two divisions to be raced at Batavia Downs. 

Third Shift (Chapter Seven-Overnight Command) and Barn Holden (Conway Hall-Barn Babe) are the top two point-getters and money earners in their age, gait and gender group and will both be on hand for this stop. 

The first division (carded as race five) goes for $52,000 and has Third Shift leading the way. 

Third Shift has two lifetime wins and both were in NYSS action. He finished second in the other start after a break that set him back at Yonkers. And he just took a lifetime mark of 1:54.4 at Vernon Downs last week in a come-from-behind performance that has him coming into this race perfectly spotted. 

Trainer Ake Svanstedt will drive Third Shift from post two at 5-2 morning line.

His main threat in the race looks to be Bourbon Express (RC Royalty-Kasha) who cut the mile and finished third behind Third Shift at Vernon last week. He drew post one and will have the chance to cut the mile again and hope to hang on this week. 

Bourbon Express has Jason Bartlett aboard at 2-1 for trainer Jessica Okusko. 

The second leg (carded as race seven) has a purse of $51,000 with Barn Holden spotted as the morning line even-money favorite. 

Barn Holden also has two wins this year and is also coming in off a new lifetime mark at Vernon. Barn Holden led the entire mile and trotted away down the stretch to win by four and a half lengths in 1:55.3. His other win this year was also on the front end and it looks like that may be the strategy here with the short five-horse field. 

Batavia regular Kevin Cummings drove to Vernon to steer Barn Holden last week; Wednesday trainer Steve Pratt will bring the colt to Batavia for Cummings and last week’s winning combination have drawn post two for this event. 

Berkery J (Chapter Seven-Southwind Catlin) will look to stand in the way of another Barn Holden win and has shown he has the ability to do so. He threw a huge mile at Yonkers three starts ago, winning in 1:58.2 by over seven lengths to take his lifetime mark. That’s faster than any horse in this race over a half-mile track. He has gate speed and with a trip, could be dangerous.

Trainer George Ducharme has assigned Jason Bartlett to drive Berkery J once again the they will leave from post four at 2-1. 

There are also two divisions of the $15,000 Excelsior “A” series trots that will go in races two and four. Post time for the first race is 5 p.m. 

Muckdogs fall to red-hot Williamsport, 9-3

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs ran into the hottest team in the New York-Penn League on Monday, falling to the Williamsport Crosscutters, 9-3.

Batavia (29-21) could not overcome a four-run first inning as Williamsport won their  sixth straight and Batavia has dropped three. With the loss and a West Virginia win, Batavia now has a three-game lead for first place in the Pinckney Division and trails Lowell by 1.5 games for the best overall record in the NYPL.

Leadoff hitter J.D. Orr, who is always good for at least one hit a game, went 4-for-5 to increase his NYPL leading average to .385 while scoring a run and stealing his 21st base. Orr is a 10th-round draft pick of the Miami Marlins out of Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, and has played left and center for the Muckdogs.

Troy Johnston (17th-round pick this year out of Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash.) had two hits and a run while Albert Guiamaro is back in the lineup and belted a RBI double. Kobie Taylor, a 15th-round pick out of Texas in 2016 by Miami, came off the bench and since for the second game in a row.

Julian Infante (RBI, run), Harrison Dinicola (RBI) and Jack Stunc (RBI) also had hits.

Julio Frias dropped to 3-2 on the season, but went five innings and struck out six as his ERA is 2.79.

Edison Suriel was another bright spot, throwing a perfect ninth and striking out the side.

Batavia is at Williamsport for two more games before heading to West Virginia for three games and returning home on Sunday.

Tickets are available at muckdogs.com or stop by the Dwyer Stadium Ticket office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week. The number is 585-483-3647.

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