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Elba puts one in win column with no-hitter against Holley

By Howard B. Owens
elba baseball

Elba beat Holley in baseball 9-2 on Tuesday.

Captain Bing Zuber went 2-3 with RBIS and four stolen bases. Fletcher Norton went 2-2  with two RBIs and two stolen bases. Eliseo Lagunas was 3-3 an RBI, two runs scored and three stolen bases.

Sophomore Nick Scott and freshman Mason Vigiano combined for the no-hitter. Scott got the win, going four innings and fanning eight hitters.

Both of Holley's runs were unearned.

"I'm super happy and proud for our boys to get one in the win column," said Coach Andrew Boyce. "We've played some really good teams early in the season. Because of this, our record may be a little lopsided, but our boys have no quit, and I'm excited to see where this first win takes us as a group. Anytime you get outings like that from your pitchers, you're set up for success." 

Photos by Kristin Smith.

elba baseball
elba baseball
elba baseball
elba baseball

Muckdogs announce 2024 promotional schedule

By Press Release
Batavia Muckdogs June 19 2023
File photo by Howard Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs have officially released their 2024 promotional night schedule.  This season the Muckdogs will have four fireworks shows -- June 1, 15, July 3 & 20, $1 Hotdog & $2 Beer Night return, four brand new theme nights, & a blast from the past!

This season, fireworks shows will be sponsored by Graham Corporation & Batavia Downs (Sat. June 1), Oak Orchard Health, HP Hood, & Rochester Regional Health (Sat. June 15), Tompkins Bank & Turnbull Heating & Air (Wed. July 3), and O-AT-KA Milk Products (Sat. July 20). The Helicopter Candy Drop will make a return on Saturday, July 27, vs Jamestown. Dwyer Stadium will also feature some new things, as Dave’s Ice Cream will host a giveaway night, Bark in the Park (bring your dogs to the game!), Kids Free Night (July 5), and Bills Mafia Night.  The Muckdogs will also have something old but new in 2024 as well.  On Friday, June 28, Batavia Clippers Night will be at Dwyer Stadium for fans of baseball in Batavia from decades past.  The Muckdogs will have lots of other fun and giveaways this summer.  The Muckdogs will also have a free T-shirt giveaway on Sunday, June 30 & the Helicopter Candy drop courtesy of Pete Zeliff returns on Saturday, July 27. The full schedule is available at www.canusamuckdogs.com.

The Muckdog's opening weekend is set for Saturday, June 1, at 6:30 vs. the Elmira Pioneers with post-game fireworks and then back Sunday, June 2nd 4:05 vs. the Niagara Falls Americans with meet the team night. 

Season tickets are on sale starting at just $99.  585-524-2260 or visit www.canusamuckdogs.com for special promotions, season tickets, or group information.  See you at Dwyer Stadium this summer.

                                                            

 

Batavia slams Pittsford-Sutherland on way to 10-4 win on the road

By Staff Writer
Cole Grazioplene hits a three run RBI in the third ignites Devils towards win.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Cole Grazioplene hits a three-run RBI double.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Batavia piled on the runs against Pittsford-Sutherland on Monday behind a strong outing by pitcher Bronx Bucholz for a 10-4 win.

Bucholz notched a complete-game victory, going evening innings, giving up only four hits and whiffing five batters.

The Blue Devils were two 2-0 after two winnings.  In the third, Evan Alexander doubled, followed by walk to Maggio Bucholze. Carter Mullen laid down a bunt and beat out the throw to load the bases. Col Grazioplene cleared the bases with a double. Dane Dombrowski followed with an RBI single, giving Batavia a 4-2 lead.

Pittsford-Sutherland tied the game in the fourth inning. 

In the seventh, Grazioplene reached on a single. Ryan Fazio singled. Then Dombrowski singles to load the bases. Mekhi Fortes, in the clean-up spot, did just that with a grand slam over the leftfield fence.  

Jameson Motkyka also hit a bomb on the next pitch.

Stats:

  • Mekhi Fortes  2-3, RBI Single, grand slam, five RBIs
  • Cole Grazioplene 3-4 ,double, two RBIs two Runs scored
  • Dane Dombrowski 3-4, RBI, run scored
  • Evan Alexander 2-4, two doubles
  • Jameson Motyka 1-4, HR
The Blue Devils are now 2-4 (2-1 in league play). They play Sutherland again at 5 p.m. Wednesday at Dwyer Stadium.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene
Photos by Steve Ognibene
Photos by Steve Ognibene
Photos by Steve Ognibene
Photos by Steve Ognibene
Photos by Steve Ognibene
Photos by Steve Ognibene
Photos by Steve Ognibene
Photos by Steve Ognibene
Photos by Steve Ognibene
Photos by Steve Ognibene
Photos by Steve Ognibene

Field clean up at MacArthur Park is this weekend for upcoming baseball season

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Batavia Youth Baseball League is hosting a Field Clean Up to get ready for the upcoming baseball season. 

Any local families registered to play this season or community volunteers interested in helping can show up at MacArthur Park on Denio Street, Batavia this coming weekend. 

Come help on either Friday, April 19 from 4 – 6 p.m. or Saturday, April 20 from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

During Field Clean-Up times, the Batavia Youth Baseball League will also be taking any donations of used baseball equipment for youth in need this season. The league will also be offering youth baseball pants to players who need pants for upcoming practices.

Pembroke Dragons beat Byron-Bergen 9-2 in baseball

By Staff Writer
pembroke dragons baseball

The Pembroke Dragons triumphed over the Byron-Bergen squad 9-2 on Monday. 

Hayden Williams led the way from the pitcher's mound, dominating with 13 strikeouts. 

Jayden Bridge emerged as a standout player at the plate, going 3-4 with two doubles, driving in crucial runs and keeping the pressure on the Bee's defense.

Anthony Abbatiello also went 3-4.

Speed also proved to be a weapon for the Dragons, with the team racking up 6 stolen bases. Landon Santini swiped three himself.

In his first victory as the head Varsity Coach for the Dragons, Coach Lang expressed immense pride in his team's effort and dedication. The win not only highlights the talent of the players but also speaks volumes about the resilience and determination of the entire team, he said.

Photos and information submitted by Allison Lang.

pembroke dragons baseball
pembroke dragons baseball
pembroke dragons baseball

Batavia Youth Baseball opens registration for 2024 season

By Press Release

Press Release:

Registration for the 2024 Batavia Youth Baseball Season is now open until March 2nd.

Divisions available in our House League are:

  • T-Ball (Ages 4-6)
  • Coach Pitch (Ages 7-8)
  • Minor Division (Ages 9-10)
  • Majors Division (Ages 11-12)

Any youth ages 4-12 interested in playing baseball can register @ https://www.nybataviayouthbaseball.com/.

The Batavia Youth Baseball Board would like to welcome our new Board of Directors for 2024:

Kevin Rogers(President), Jenn Pacino-Lendvay(Vice President), Beth Kemp(Secretary), Jason Crater(Treasurer), Jose Arroyo, Dave D’Amico, Steve Fancher, Pat Fava, Pam Martin, Kristine McCarthy, James Patric, and Mark Sacheli.

Muckdogs announce new assistant manager and holiday hours

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Batavia Muckdogs are excited to announce Cooper French as the Muckdogs Assistant Manager for the 2024 season.

Cooper is entering his first season with the Muckdogs and the PGCBL. He found a great deal of success in the Commonwealth Collegiate Baseball League of Kentucky, leading his team to an 18 & 2 record, league championship, as well as winning the Coach of the Year Award. 

Cooper coached players of all levels ranging from Division I to Division III. Cooper enters his second season as the Assistant Baseball Coach at Hanover College in Indiana during his collegiate regular season. Cooper Primarily works with pitchers & outfields for the Hanover College Panthers & has learned a great deal from the entire Hanover staff. While coaching he plans on studying to achieve his MBA. 

The Muckdogs will have Holiday office hours all day on Thursday, Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Fans can get their favorite Muckdogs gear, get their 2024 season tickets, or pick out something special for that baseball fan in their life.

Batavia native Mike Sputore hired as Blue Devils' varsity baseball coach

By Mike Pettinella
Mike Sputore

Mike Sputore fell in love with the game of baseball when he was a young boy growing up on the southside of Batavia.

He excelled at the sport, starting as a member of the Ramblers, who were coached by his father, Paul, in the Batavia Minor League on the diamond at the corner of State and Denio Streets and continuing through two seasons as a pitcher and third baseman for the Genesee Community College Cougars.

Sputore’s baseball career didn’t end then, however. In a sense, it was just beginning. For the past 20 years, he has been a coach at various levels – including the past two years as the varsity head coach at Pembroke Central School.

This summer, when he heard that James Patric was stepping away from the job after two years at the helm, Sputore submitted his resume to Mike Bromley, director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics for the Batavia City School District.

“In 2022, James had reached out to me about coaching the jayvee team at Batavia, but I was committed to Pembroke at that time,” said Sputore during an interview with The Batavian on Monday at Mancuso Bowling Center, where he is employed as the general manager. “When the position did come available, I applied and was interviewed by Mike and (physical education staff members) Brennan Briggs and Nick Burk.”

Apparently, Sputore, a 1999 BHS graduate, aced the interview and was offered the job.

“We had several applicants and Mike came through as the leading candidate,” Bromley said. “He had some great experiences as a coach at Notre Dame and the last couple years at Pembroke as the varsity coach. We know that he has a love for Batavia baseball, with his family deeply involved in baseball here for a long time.

“We think that he has some of the attributes that it would take to be the next varsity coach here in Batavia – a good work ethic, great with kids and loves baseball. Just a good fit.”

Sputore credits his dad, who was president of Batavia Minor League for many years, for introducing him to the sport.

“He was a big influence when I was young and now, I’m enjoying it more and more the older I get,” Sputore said. “It’s very satisfying to help others in reaching their goals.”

After progressing through the summer youth baseball programs in the city – Minor, Little and Junior-Senior leagues, Sputore was a three-year starter at Batavia High under coaches Pep Johnson and Rick Saunders – claiming a Section 5 title in 1998 and earning Monroe County Honorable Mention status as a pitcher and third baseman.

Interestingly, Sputore’s brother, Chris, also won a Section 5 championship as a Blue Devil in 1994.

Mike Sputore played American Legion ball, before enrolling at GCC. It was there that he started his coaching career, serving as an assistant in 2003.

From there, he joined the Notre Dame High baseball program, recruited by varsity coach Rick Mancuso to run the jayvee program. In 2006, he became the varsity assistant coach under Mike Rapone and stayed in that capacity for 11 more years.

From 2018 until last season, Sputore coached at Pembroke – helping to build its program while coaching at the modified and varsity levels.

“We were very young (at Pembroke), but we made progress,” Sputore said, noting that the team won five games over the past two seasons after not winning any the previous couple years. “Going to Batavia, I feel the program has been set up for success, thanks to James, and we hope to continue the tradition built by Pep and Rick.”

Sputore said his expectations for his players start with two words – hustle and effort.

“It takes zero talent to hustle and give your best effort at all times,” he said. “We’re looking for kids to be coachable and to be motivated to succeed.”

He said he hopes to get his players on the field for some practice in October and is planning some “winter workouts” with the drop-down batting cage at the high school’s auxiliary gym. He also is excited about the “Meet the Coach Night” on Sept. 12 at the high school for all of the program’s players and parents.

Ryan Mansell, a five-year ballplayer at Brockport State, has accepted a health teacher position at BCSD and has been hired as the baseball program assistant. Other coaches are Derrick Busch (junior varsity), Greg Mruczek (modified A) and Rich Wagner (modified B).

Sputore has a son, Benjamin, a senior at BHS, and a daughter, Brooklyn, an eighth grader at Oakfield-Alabama Central School. His wife, Jillion, is a teacher at John Kennedy Intermediate School.

Muckdogs and 'Skip' come to terms for 2024 and 2025 seasons

By Press Release
Batavia Muckdogs v. Geneva Red Wings July 11 2023
Batavia Muckdogs Manager Joey Martinez during a 2023 baseball game at Dwyer Stadium.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs have agreed to terms with current Manager and coach Joey “Skip” Martinez for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.  Skip Martinez took over in 2021, the first season CAN-USA Sports took over ownership of the Muckdogs.  The Florida native and former Detroit Tigers draft pick has come to know Batavia as a second home these past few years.            

Since taking over, Martinez has led the Dogs to the playoffs in two of his first three seasons. The Muckdogs won the West Division in 2022 and fell just 1 game short of winning the PGCBL Championship that season. Under Martinez, the Muckdogs claimed the #1 seed in the regular season in both 2022 and 2023. 

"Joey has done a great job for us here in Batavia, and we are pleased to have him back," said Muckdogs Owner Robbie Nichols. 

“I am very happy to be back to my second home and continue to be part of the Nichols family and our Muckdogs Mafia, I hope to be here amongst family for a long time. Thank you for the continued support for our organization, We will be back, and we will be better,” said Martinez.

Season tickets are on sale as low as $99 for the 2024 season.  If you are interested in tickets, sponsoring the Muckdogs, or hosting a group event next year at Dwyer Stadium, call 585-524-2260.  For the latest news throughout the offseason, check out their website at www.canusamuckdogs.com. The Muckdogs will be hosting the Battle of the Badges this Saturday at 6 p.m. at Dwyer Stadium and will be hosting Muckdogs Trick or Treat on Saturday, October 21st 3 to 6 p.m.

Doubledays score four runs late to sneak past Batavia in first-round playoff game

By Howard B. Owens
muckdogs final 2023

The Auburn Doubledays erased a two-run deficit with two-run rallies in the seventh and eight innings on Sunday to beat Batavia in a first-round playoff game at Dwyer Stadium, 4-2.

Ryan Kinney, who has been perhaps the Muckdogs ' best starter of 2023, took the loss, going 6 1/3 inning, giving up four earned runs and six hits. He had not previously surrendered more than two earned runs and three hits in a game.  He finishes the season at 4-1. His season ERA doubled after today's loss, from 0.84 to 1.64.

The Muckdogs scored both of their runs in the second inning.  Kyle Hetherington reached first on an error after striking out. Matt DeStefano followed with a double to right, scoring Hetherington. Trey Bacon singled. Chad Falcon reached first on an error by the first baseman, and DeStefano scored.

But with Auburn's rallies, the season came to an unexpected early end for the Western Division's #1 seed/

Photos by Nick Serrata.

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muckdogs final 2023
muckdogs final 2023
muckdogs final 2023

Muckdogs repeat as Western Division champions

By Howard B. Owens

With a convincing win over Niagara Power on Saturday and loss by Elmira, the Batavia Muckdogs clinched the Western Division in the regular season finale at Dwyer Stadium.

Batavia won 9-2.

This is the second consecutive Western Division crown of the Muckdogs, coming in their third season in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League. The team has posted winning records in all three seasons while being managed by Joey Martinez.

Michael Pedraza came on in relief with one out in the fourth inning with Batavia up 6-0 and got credit for the win. Pedraza went 3 2/3 innings, giving up three hits, one run, and striking out four.  He finishes the regular season at 4-2 and a 3.85 ERA.

Hilton resident Preston Prince started, going 4 1/3 innings, surrendering three hits, five walks and one unearned run.

Caleb Rodriguez went 2-3 for the team's only multi-hit game.

Matt DeStefano, from Westbury, went 1-4 and drove in four runs.  DeStefano ends the regular season with a .321 average, smacking 21 hits and driving in 13 runs while gathering 11 walks.

The playoffs for the Muckdogs (27-16) start at Dwyer Stadium this evening (Sunday) against the Auburn Doubledays (23-19), who knocked off Elmira on Saturday, to help Batavia get the #1 seed in the Western Division postseason.

Muckdogs spilt twin bill, division crown on the line in season finale

By Howard B. Owens

The Batavia Muckdogs close out the regular season at Dwyer Stadium tonight with a chance to repeat as Western Division champions on the line.

Trailing the Elmira Pioneers by mere percentage points, the Muckdogs need a win against Niagara Power after a doubleheader split on Friday against Newark.

Batavia won the first game 2-0 behind the pitching of Rijnaldo Euson and Garrett Beaver.

Euson tossed six innings of shutout ball, scattering five hits and fanning eight. Euson finishes the regular season with a record of 3-1 and an ERA of 2.48. He amassed 35 strikeouts.

Beaver picked up his second save in 12 relief appearances. He's 3-0 with a 1.22 ERA.

Lucas Lopez reached base three times, twice on a walk and once with a hit in three plate appearances.

Newark took the second game 4-2.

For Batavia, Lopez was 2 for 3 and Kyle Hetherington went 2-3 with an RBI and a run scored.

The Muckdogs are 26-16 and Elmira is 27-16.

Muckdogs fall to Power but retain Western Division lead

By Howard B. Owens

Things did not go the Muckdogs way against Niagara Power on Tuesday, but Batavia managed to retain a slender lead in the Western Division of the PGCBL.

Batavia lost 9-2, giving up 16 hits and committing two errors.

Ty Woods was down 3-0 when he was lifted after three innings, having given up two earned runs on nine hits and two walks. 

Ben Weber was tagged for six runs and seven hits.

Thomas Blaydes stopped the bleeding with three hitless innings to close out the game.

The Muckdogs, with four games left in the season, are 25-14 with a half-game lead over Elmira (25-15).

Batavia has clinched a playoff spot for the post-season.

The Muckdogs travel to Niagara tonight. The team hosts Newark on Thursday at Dwyer Stadium at 5 p.m.

Muckdogs sweep Sunday doubleheader against Geneva

By Howard B. Owens

With a doubleheader sweep of Geneva on Sunday, the Batavia Muckdogs are 25-13 on the season and a game up in the Western Division standings of the PGCBL.

In the first game, Batavia won 12-1.

Preston Prince, from Hilton, tossed all five innings of the first game, giving up only one hit while walking three and striking out nine.

Lucas Lopez went 3-4 and drove in seven runs. Josh Leadem was 1-2 with two walks and two RBIs.

In the second game, Batavia won 9-2. 

Ryan Kinney went the distance in the seven-inning game, improving to 4-0 on the season with a 0.84 ERA. He scattered three hits and gave up two unearned runs while striking out eight.

Giuseppe Arcuri went 1-4 and drove in two runs.

The next home game for the Muckdogs is Tuesday at 6:35 p.m. against Niagara Power.

Muckdogs stage dramatic comeback to stay in the hunt for division crown

By Howard B. Owens
batavia-muckdogs-jamestown-july-19-2023
Batavia's Ty Woods delivers a pitch to Jamestown's Zack Kent in the fourth inning, who was attempting to reach base with a bunt.
Photo by Howard Owens.

A four-run ninth inning brought the Batavia Muckdogs back from a 6-2 deficit against division rival the Jamestown Tarp Skunks before the home team won in dramatic fashion, 7-6 in the bottom of the 10th inning.

In the ninth, Trey Bacon opened with a walk, followed by a Sean Ladd single. 

After Justin Espinal lined into a double play, Josh Leadem walked. Lucas singled to load the bases. 

With the bases juiced, one of Batavia's hitting stars of 2023, Giuseppe Arcuri, doubled, driving in Bacon and Leadem.

Lopez and Arcuri scored on a single by the team's leading hitter, Adam Agresti, to tie the score.

In the 10th, the Muckdogs started with Christian Bernadini on second base. The Tarp Skunks gave Brice Mortillaro an intentional walk. Matt DeStefano drew a walk, and then Bernardini scored the winning run on a wild pitch.

Bacon pitched the 10th inning and was credited with the win, walking one and striking out two. Bacon's season ERA remains 0.00.

Julian Pichardo pitched the first third of an inning, giving up one walk and one run. Ty Woods came on in the third and tossed seven innings, giving up five hits and two runs while striking out six. Woods, from Alexander and a GCC student, has a 2.41 ERA on the season.

Lopez was 2-5 with a run scored. Agresti, now hitting .341, was 2-3 with two walks and two RBIs. Arcuri, now hitting .316, was 1-4 with a walk and two runs scored. DeStefano, hitting .283 on the season, was 204 with a walk.

The Muckdogs are now 22-12 with about a week left in the season, a half-game out of first place in the PGCBL Western Division. Elmira leads the division at 22-12. Jamestown is in third at 19-13, two games out of first, and a 3.5 games out of first is Niagara Power at 18-15.

The Muckdogs fell out of first place with a loss to Jamestown on Tuesday, 7-3.

Next up, Newark (9-22) at home on Friday at 6:35 p.m.

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The Tarp Skunk's Kieran Gagnon attempts a bunt in the fourth inning.
Photo by Howard Owens.
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Lucas Lopez singled in the third inning.
Photo by Howard Owens.
batavia-muckdogs-jamestown-july-19-2023
Giuseppe Arcuri avoids an inside pitch in the third inning.
Photo by Howard Owens.
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Lucas Lopez fields a routine grounder in the fourth inning.
Photo by Howard Owens.
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The Alexander Firemen's Band provided between-inning entertainment on Wednesday.
Photo by Howard Owens.
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Alexander's Ty Woods on the mound in the fifth inning.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Muckdogs face key series against Jamestown after rare back-to-back losses

By Howard B. Owens

For the first time in more than a month, the Batavia Muckdogs have lost two games in a row, falling to Niagara Power on Monday in Niagara, 6-3.

On Sunday, the Muckdogs lost at home to Newark 4-2.

Batavia, at 21-12, still leads the Western Division of the PGCBL, but the lead has narrowed to just a half-game over Emira (20-12) and 1.5 games over Jamestown (18-12).

Jamestown hosts Batavia tonight (Tuesday) for the first of two games between the teams. 

On Wednesday, the Tarp Skunks play the Muckdogs at Dwyer Stadium.  Game time is 6:35 p.m.

There are 10 regular season games left on Batavia's schedule.

The losing pitcher for Batavia on Monday was Rijnaldo Euson, who went four innings, giving up four runs, three earned, and six hits.  He had seven strikeouts and is now 2-1 with a 3.72 ERA.

Starter Ben Weber went four innings, giving up two runs on six hits.

The Muckdogs' offense collected seven hits.

Pembroke 12U all stars bring home the champisonship win

By Press Release
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Pembroke 12U All-Stars after championship win

Press Release:

Pembroke hosted the all-star championship versus TriTown Thursday and won soundly, 11-3. Their matchups are always a battle through and through, and this game was no exception. 

The ace, Mason Weatherbee took the win with 5 strikeouts and pitching 5 innings. Connor Caleb once again dominated behind the plate for the Dragons.

Gavin Liss, Michael Gorski and Harlan Campbell were solid defensively, along with Logan Anderson who snagged two outs in right field. Carter Thaine closed out the mound for Pembroke.

Carter Lang had a 3 RBI shot to center field, and Connor Lang hit a straight shot home run over center field. Hits by Luke Windnagle, Jackson Loggins, Joe Kohorst and Charles Stringham helped secure the win.

Submitted photos by Allison Lang

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Muckdogs split doubleheader with Elmira, remain leaders in the West

By Howard B. Owens
Muckdogs

The Muckdogs split a doubleheader at home with the Elmira Pioneers on Thursday, winning game one 11-4 and dropping the nightcap 5-3.

Victor Alongi, from Greece and a GCC student, led the offense in the first game, going 3-4 with three RBIs and two runs scored.

Rashad Robinson was 2-2 with a walk, three runs scored, and two RBIs.

The winning pitcher was Jack Keeler, going four innings and giving up two hits, walking none while striking out six. He's now 3-1 with a 2.08 ERA.

In the second game, Robinson went 2-2 with a walk.

Julian Pichardo took the loss, going five innings and giving up four runs, three earned while striking out seven. He's now 3-1 with a 2.17 ERA.

Batavia is now 21-10 and still on top on the Western Division of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League.

The Knights of Columbus Kirby council 325 sponsored the night at the ballpark in honor of celebrating their 125th anniversary that was chartered on April 25th, 1898.  The assembly colorguard and members of the council attended the event.  They also held a 50/50 raffle where the winner took home $205.00.

At 6:35 p.m. tonight (Friday), the Muckdogs play a non-league game against Rochester at Dwyer Stadium.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

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Tully the Turtle with Dewey the Muckdog
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Some members of the Knights of Columbus were attended the sponsored night by the council.
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Warsaw elementary teacher Jamie Hare, was nominated teacher of the game.

Four Muckdogs named PGCBL All-Stars

By Howard B. Owens

The Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League announced its mid-season All-Stars for each division and four players from the Batavia Muckdogs made the roster.

They are Julian Pichardo, Trey Bacon, Giuseppe Arcuri, and Adam Agresti.

julian pichardo
Starting Pitcher Julian Pichardo is from the University of Fort Lauderdale. He's thrown 36 1/3 innings, is 3-0, with a 1.73 ERA, has tossed a complete game shutout and has amassed 42 strikeouts (tied for the league lead).
Photo by Howard Owens.
arcuri
Giuseppe Arcuri, playing both third base and second base in 2023, is from Saint Leo University and his hitting .341 with 28 hits, 13 runs scored, 14 RBIs, and two stolen bases.
Photo by Howard Owens.
adam agresti
Catcher Adam Agresti, St. John's University, is hitting .392 with 29 hits, 18 RBIs, nine doubles, and three stolen bases.
Photo by Howard Owens.

We don't have a photo of Trey Bacon, of Santa Fe College. He is 1-1 with five saves, for the league lead, over eight innings pitched.  He hasn't given up an earned run and has nine strikeouts.

Muckdogs mount eighth inning rally for 20th win

By Howard B. Owens
Batavia Muckdogs v. Geneva Red Wings July 11 2023
Cam Carignan scores the tying run for the Batavia Muckdogs, making the game 2-2, in the bottom of the eighth inning against the Geneva Red Wings at Dwyer Stadium on Tuesday.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Entering the bottom of the eighth inning in their game against the Geneva Red Wings at Dwyer Stadium on Tuesday, the Batavia Muckdogs were in danger of dropping their second game in a row for the first time since mid-June when the team rallied for four runs and a 5-2 win.

With one out, Cam Carignan reached base on a walk. Rashad Robinson followed with a double, driving in Carignan to tie the game. An infield single by Josh Leadem put runners at first and third. Lucas Lopez singled to right, driving in Robinson to give Batavia the lead at 3-2.  Lopez stole second.

With two outs after Adam Agresti struck out, the Red Wings gave Giuseppe Acuri a free pass. 

Trey Bacon walked, scoring Leadem.  Cristian Bernadini singled to center, scoring Lopez.  Arcuri was thrown out at the plate trying to score, ending the inning.

Jacob Bruning, from Gasport, recorded the final three outs in his first appearance of the season to get the save. He struck out two batters.

Michael Pedraza (3-1)  got the final out on a strikeout in the top of the eighth, making him the winning pitcher.

Alexander's Ty Woods started and went five innings, giving up two unearned runs, three hits and striking out six Red Wings.

Lopez was named Player of the Game, going 3-4 with a run scored, RBI, and stolen base.  Robinson was 2-3 with a run scored, RBI, and a double.

Arcuri was 1-2 with two walks.

Nicholas Franceschi took the loss for Geneva, giving up four runs in 2/3 of an inning. Geneva's starter Drew Mun went evening innings and fanned seven giving up only one run.

Batavia remains atop the Western Division of the PGCBL at 20-9, 2.5 games ahead of Jamestown.

After a day off today, Batavia plays at home on Thursday against Elmira.  Game time is 5 p.m.

For more photos and to purchase prints, click here.

Batavia Muckdogs v. Geneva Red Wings July 11 2023
Batavia Muckdogs Manager Joey Martinez argues a called third strike against Justin Espinal.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Batavia Muckdogs v. Geneva Red Wings July 11 2023
Trace Florio on the mound.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Batavia Muckdogs v. Geneva Red Wings July 11 2023
Giuseppe Arcuri, who started at second on Tuesday, fielding a grounder.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Batavia Muckdogs v. Geneva Red Wings July 11 2023
In the visitor's dugout, John Ahler, a pitcher and a sophomore from Lafayette College, signs an autograph for a young fan.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Batavia Muckdogs v. Geneva Red Wings July 11 2023
Photo by Howard Owens.
Batavia Muckdogs v. Geneva Red Wings July 11 2023
Photo by Howard Owens.
Batavia Muckdogs v. Geneva Red Wings July 11 2023
Arcuri safe at second on a fielder's choice.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Batavia Muckdogs v. Geneva Red Wings July 11 2023
Trace Florio peaks at the plate with a knuckle curve grip on the ball.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Batavia Muckdogs v. Geneva Red Wings July 11 2023
Shortstop Lucas Lopez makes a putout at second.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Batavia Muckdogs v. Geneva Red Wings July 11 2023
Rashad Robinson scores the go-ahead run in the eighth inning for the Batavia Muckdogs.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Batavia Muckdogs v. Geneva Red Wings July 11 2023
Jacob Bruning, from Gasport, recorded the final three outs in his first appearance of the season to get the save. He struck out two batters.
Photos by Howard Owens

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