Sports

Press release:

Representatives from Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel are preparing for a new generation of harness racing at Batavia Downs beginning next Wednesday, July 20^th from America’s Oldest Lighted Harness Track.

The 56-night season is scheduled to run on select Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays throughout the summer and fall.  A full schedule with post times can be found on BataviaDownsGaming.com.  With a newly renovated Clubhouse, group packages are now available and interested parties can call 585-343-3750 to book. 

“We know that Western New York Harness fans will be pleased with the time and effort that has been put into renovating the historic Clubhouse, said Scott Kiedrowski, Vice President of Operations.  “We look forward to entertaining race fans this season and for years to come.  Our new racing management team will be more focused on putting on a quality racing product with the highest integrity.”

New Director of Live Racing, Don Hoover, brings a wealth of horse racing experience at a number of tracks in the Northeast including Saratoga Harness where he spent the last 12 years.  Originally from North Tonawanda, Don left a banking career to become a successful driver/trainer at Saratoga Raceway.  He even claimed his first horse at Batavia Downs.  Over 15 years he drove and trained as several tracks along the east coast including at Batavia Downs.  He worked as an assistant Race Secretary at Vernon Downs before becoming the Simulcast Director and Race Secretary.   He then moved to Northfield Park where he headed up their racing Publicity Department while also heading up Player’s Club and taking over Handicapping Duties.

“We are so excited to welcome Don to our team, “said Henry Wojtaszek, President and CEO at Batavia Downs. Never have we had someone on our team with such an impressive breadth of knowledge in this specialized industry.  Don will bring a whole new perspective with his wealth of experience from tracks across the country.  We look forward to implementing his ideas to bring the guests of Batavia Downs the very best racing experience.”

“As we welcome back race fans, we are offering two bets that were introduced last year and proved to be really popular,” said Hoover.  “Our Pick 5 starts each night in Race 1.  If no one holds a winning ticket, the money will roll over to the next night.  Also returning is the Jackpot Super High 5 which allows patrons to predict the exact order of the first 5 horses in our last race on select nights.  Again, if no one holds a winning ticket, that money will roll over to the next night.”

Wayne Teaven is the new Race Announcer at Batavia Downs.  Wayne wanted to be a race announcer ever since he followed announcer Pete Szymanski at Buffalo Raceway back in the late 80s and 90s. This self-taught announcer worked his way up the announcing ladder in the mid-2010s before calling full races at Buffalo Raceway in 2016.  He became the full-time announcer at Buffalo Raceway in 2017. He’s called NOFA Football as well as dirt bikes, motocross, and go-kart races and is excited to be the full-time announcer.

Assistant Race Secretary and Program Director Patty Bruno has been part of the Batavia Downs team for years.  She is very involved with the New York Sire Stakes, serving as race secretary and program director for most of the county fairs in New York State.  A product of SUNY Geneseo and Nazareth College, she worked as a teacher for 34 Years.  Having retired from full-time work, she now uses her extensive knowledge and positive attitude to promote harness racing throughout New York State.

Another longtime member of the Batavia Downs Team is Mary Bucceri, now in a new role as the Administrative Assistant for Live Racing.  After working in the Marketing and Food and Beverage Departments she has assisted with many events onsite, working with many local charities and organizations to raise money via events onsite.  Mary’s family has a long history in Harness Racing with her parents both working in the industry.  Mary will be working with local groups to bring them to the newly renovated clubhouse for the upcoming racing meet.

New Track Photographer, Wendy Lowery is a newlywed who has owned and operated her own photography company for over 10 years, specializing in portrait, wedding, lifestyle and nature photography.  Her photos have been featured in the Seneca Park (Rochester) Zoo newsletters and calendar.  Wendy’s passion for equestrian photography will make her an integral part of the new Batavia Downs Live Racing Team.

Missy Morris is the new Batavia Downs Outrider.  Outriders often lead the post parade but also help calm jumpy horses or help track them down should a horse get loose.  Missy is a 3rd generation from the Stark family that participated in racing on the Western NY circuit. She has been outriding at the Meadows Racetrack and Casino (Pittsburgh) for the last 26 years.   Having started while still in high school her career has seen her ride at two Breeders Crowns and 7 years at the Little Brown Jug.

“I am pleased with the new team that has assembled here at Batavia Downs, “said Hoover.  “We look forward to improving on the Live Racing product with new promotions and events for our valued guests.  We hope all Harness Fans from throughout the county will come by to see the newly renovated Clubhouse or enjoy one of our $2 dollar days.  Our emphasis will be on providing families and fans with an affordable and fun experience at the track.”

Press release:

The Batavia Blue Devil Athletic Hall of Fame Committee is proud to announce the recently selected 19^th Hall of Fame class. The 2022 Hall of Fame Inductees will be introduced at halftime of the Batavia vs Pal-Mac homecoming football game on Friday, Sept. 30.  Game time is 7 p.m.

On Saturday, Oct. 1, the committee will host the Hall of Fame Dinner at the Batavia Downs Banquet Facility. A social hour will begin at 5 p.m. with dinner served at 6 p.m. and the ceremony immediately following dinner.

The 2022 Inductees:

• Benjamin Martino, 1959 --Football, Wrestling
• Paul Blossom, 1968 -- Football, Swimming, Track & Field
• Richard Saunders, 1971 -- Athlete: Swimming, Football, Baseball, Bowling; Coach: Swimming, Wrestling, Baseball
• Sandy (Samiec) Reeg, 1979 -- Tennis
• Kristie (DuRei) DeFreze, 2005 -- Gymnastics, Cheerleading, Track & Field
• Michael Chmielowiec, 2005 -- Basketball
• Boys Basketball Team, 2005 -- State Semi-Finalist
• Jermaine Henderson, 2006 -- Football, Track & Field

If community members would like to attend the event, they can purchase Hall of Fame tickets in the Athletic Office at Batavia High School or send a check payable to The Batavia Coaches Association at the address above. The cost of the Hall of Fame tickets is $40.00 per adult and $20.00 for children under 10. Tickets must be purchased by Friday, September 23rd.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Athletic Director’s office, at (585) 343-2480 x: 2003.

 

With a 5-3 win over Elmira on Wednesday, Batavia Muckdogs moved into first place, by percentage points, in the Western Division of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League.

At 20-10, the Muckdogs' winning percentage is .667. Utica is 22-12 for a percentage of .643.

In the win, tall Texan Daniel Burroway hit his first home run of the season. He had two RBIs. Medina's Brian Fry was 2-4, raising his season average to .379. Tyler Cannoe, hitting .330 on the year, was 1-3. Columbia University sophomore Kyle Corso, hitting .291, was 2-4. 

Jack Nielsen went five innings and gave up seven hits and three runs. Aidan Cooney allowed five base runners, three hits and two walks, but no runs to pick up the win. Julian Pichardo pitched two scoreless innings to get the win.

Five Muckdogs were named to the PGCBL All-Star team for the Western Division.

• Catcher – Levis Aguila
• Infield – Tyler Cannoe
• Infield – Brian Fry
• Pitcher – Josh Milleville
• Pitcher – Nolan Sparks

The league will not play an All-Star game this season.

Top photo: File photo of Muckdog's all-star Brian Fry.

Muckdogs looked to even up the last series against the Niagara Power last evening at Dwyer and did so in big fashion scoring runs in five of nine innings. 

Niagara jumped out to a 1-0 lead on an RBI by Coleman.  Batavia tied the game 1-1 with a Corso walk RBI.  After another walk RBI and throw off base Muckdogs take a 3-1 lead after one.

Kenny Dodson stole home in the second inning and Gavin Schrader brought home Josh Leadem, Muckdogs lead 5-2 after four.

Josh Leadem, co-player of the game tonight, going 3 for 3, 2 RBI’s, two runs, 2 second base hits, smacked a triple to right that brings home two more Muckdogs to increase the lead by five, 7-2 in the bottom of the fifth.

Caleb Rodriguez and Levis Aguila combine to make it 9-2 in the sixth, before Bryan Fry smashed a big triple making it 10-2. Then Tyler Cannoe brings Fry home making it 11-2 after six innings of play and eventually the final score.

Starting pitcher Joshua Milleville (pictured in second photo) was outstanding behind the plate.  Pitched seven innings allowing 2 runs with 8 K’s and is 3-0 with the win and co-player of tonight’s game.

Batavia has outscored their opponent the last two home games 23-5 and improves their overall record to 18-10, Niagara drops to 10-20.

Next game is tonight home at Dwyer Stadium, versus the Jamestown Tarpskunks with a 7pm start.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Some of the best young basketball players in the region -- about 70 of them -- are participating in an annual five-week basketball camp at Batavia High School hosted by Coach Buddy Brasky.

The program runs from July 5 to August 8.

Brasky said most basketball camps during the summer last for only one week.  He favors five weeks because that gives the players more time to work on their skills.

"Repetition is the mother of learning," Brasky said.

Numbers are good in camp, he said, with 70+ kids. It’s about average compared to other years.

He's been hosting the camp for 25 years.

"I wanted to help raise the level of basketball in the glow region," Brasky said. "Plus I wanted a place where the best players in the area had a place to compete against each other throughout the summer. I expect the players that come to camp to significantly raise their skill level by the end of the camp, and to also raise their competitive spirit."

Assisting Brasky this summer are Matt Shay, boys Varsity coach at Pembroke HS,  Billy Truitt, former Division 1 and professional basketball player,  Tim Sullivan, well-respected skills instructor, and Tim Stevens, boys Varsity assistant coach at BHS.

Photos by Howard Owens

It's more than just fun in the sun each of the last five summers when James Fazio has hosted his annual softball summer skills camp at Batavia High School.

It's about putting in the reps to learn the skills that leads to winning games.

The camp is open to softball players from throughout the region, not just Batavia students, and the girls work on the fundamentals of the game including hitting, throwing, fielding, base running, and pitching.

Fazio was assisted at this year's camp by Athletes Edge Coach Brian Mruczek, Batavia Varsity Assistant Coach Mike Almekinder, Batavia JV Coach Jamie Masters and Batavia Stingers Coach Stan Kaus.

"I like to open the camp up to girls from the whole area, not just Batavia girls, just so we promote the game," Fazio said. "If I can help them with their skills in any way possible, that's my main objective. Obviously, I'd like to have a lot of my Batavia girls attend, which we do have a good amount this year, and I have my varsity girls who are helping and they've done a tremendous job all week long. I'm just trying to promote the game in our area, which is very popular anyways."

Photos by Howard Owens.

Press release:

Pembroke Dragons 10U secured the All-Star Championship Wednesday evening with a 7-6 victory over Pavilion.

The undefeated #1 seed held home-field advantage at Pembroke Town Park.

Pitchers Connor and Carter Lang split the game with three innings a piece.

Jackson Loggins hit a solo home run and Cooper Senko stole home, boosting the team’s offensive play.

Ryder Metz contributed defensively with a huge catch in left field and Lukey Windnagle played a solid game behind the plate.

Carter Lang locked in the win with a walk-off single sending Owen Williams home.

Pembroke’s All-Star team included Connor Lang, Carter Lang, Owen Williams, Lukey Windnagle, Cade Weatherbee, Cooper Senko, Chase Henskee, Harlan Campbell, Simeon Calderon, Michael Gorski, Ethan Fancher, Ryder Metz, Lincoln Metz and Jackson Loggins.

This year’s coaches included Daniel Lang, Troy Williams, Luke Windnagle and Lyndsay Weatherbee.

Submitted photo

Niagara Power unleashed seven runs in the top of the second inning Wednesday evening to establish a lead that would be tough for the Batavia Muckdogs to overcome.

In the third inning the Dogs scored two runs, Levis Agulia drove home Caleb Rodriguez with an RBI double and Tyler Cannoe drove Aguila home with a shot to left.  

Bottom of the fourth, Jerry Reinhart and Gavin Schrader each scored on an error by the catcher, which cut the Niagara lead to 3.  Another run scored by Brian Fry inched Batavia to its closest margin of the game, down by two, with Niagara leading 7-5.

in the top of the ninth, Niagara pulled the plug on Batavia, scoring four more runs and held on for a 11-5 win.

Elementary school teacher Kristina Clark was honored by throwing out the first pitch and for being nominated for "Teacher of the Game."

Muckdogs travel away to Oneonta for a double header starting at 5 p.m. Thursday, then back home Friday night against Geneva at 7 p.m.

Photos by Steve Ognibene.

After an early 1-0 lead by Geneva, the Muckdogs Gavin Schrader scores from an RBI single from Levis Aguila to tie the game at one in the bottom of the sixth inning. 

Bottom of the seventh, Schrader sends a ball just fair of third base line deep into the corner on a two-run RBI, of which Jerry Reinhart (pictured above) slid into home to give the Dogs a 3-1 lead.

Geneva ties the game in the bottom of the ninth inning to add an extra inning and score two more in the top of the tenth.  Schrader helped cut the lead to one but the Muckdogs fell 5-4.

The Knights of Columbus #325 council sponsored a bicycle raffle.  The girls bike was won by 5-year-old Brooklyn Burns and Mark Whitehair won the boys bike for his grandson.  All the proceeds were given to local organization All Babies Cherished in Batavia.

Post game fireworks were celebrated after the game in honor of Independence Day.

The Muckdogs travel away to Niagara today for a 1 p.m. start, and back home on Wednesday for $1.00 hotdog weenie night at Dwyer Stadium. Game time is 7 p.m.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

To view or purchase photos, click here.

The Colorado Avalanche captured the esteemed Stanley Cup on Sunday night, defeating the two-time defending National Hockey League champion Tampa Bay Lightning, 2-1, to take the best-of-seven series, four games to two.

Residents of the Centennial State will be celebrating their Avs’ first NHL title since 2001 with a parade and rally in downtown Denver on Thursday morning – and among the participants will be a Batavia native who holds the title of the franchise’s Director of Video Scouting.

Mike Battaglia, a standout goaltender for the Batavia High Ice Devils from 2004-2007 who went on to play at the collegiate and professional levels, has worked for the Avalanche for the past six years.

Speaking by telephone today from his apartment in Denver, Battaglia said he has had the opportunity to scout some of the young men who led the Avalanche to the NHL crown – players such as left winger J.T. Compher, right winger Logan O’Connor, center Nico Sturm and defensemen Cale Makar and Bo Byram.

“I did quite a bit of scouting, but I must clarify that none of these players fall directly on me,” he said. “We are a team and it was a group effort. I am just a small piece to the puzzle of a Stanley Cup winning team.”

An essential piece, at that, as Battaglia has put in countless hours traveling throughout the United States and Canada evaluating potential prospects for the team and working with the analytics’ department to compile pertinent data and statistical information for management.

ALL-STAR GOALIE IN HIGH SCHOOL

An All-Greater Rochester first team goaltender and New York State Second Team All-Star in high school, Battaglia went on to play club hockey at Niagara University – earning most valuable player honors – before moving on to Division III hockey at Geneseo State College.

After graduating in 2011, he took a summer internship with the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets in the marketing department and also ventured into video scouting and even was used as a practice goalie on several occasions. Battaglia tried out for the Cincinnati Cyclones and signed a pro contract with that team, staying there for a short time.

While at Columbus, Battaglia actually signed an NHL contract – for one day – when star goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky became ill before a game and was unable to play.

“We needed an extra goalie at that point and there was no emergency goalie then. Because I used to practice with the team every now and then – and because I was a goalie – they called me in the office in the press box and said that I needed to put my pads on,” Battaglia recalled. “And if the other guy gets hurt, you’re going in.

“So, I had my pads on, I was sitting in the locker room and I had to sign a contract. They even had a jersey all made up for me. It was definitely an interesting experience.”

When asked if he got in the game, he replied, “No. Thank God.”

'ON THE ROAD AGAIN'

In 2016, Battaglia began his full-time tenure at Colorado – finding himself on the road on the weekends scouting players and in the office during the week working with General Manager Joe Sakic and Assistant GM Chris McFarland. He said he is very close to McFarland, a Bronx native and fellow New York Yankees’ fan.

“I’m traveling to college games every weekend and do a lot of college free agency right now,” he said, adding that he attended more than 200 games this season. “Because when we're chasing the Stanley Cup, we're trading a lot of draft picks.”

Battaglia contributes to the evaluation process by communicating his thoughts on player skills and by matching the video he shoots with the “numbers” generated by the analytics staff.

“We do something called Identity Files where we're trying to capture all the players that we have interest in -- in the draft – and what they are, and what they're all about. And then when it comes to draft time, I'm the one who actually types the players’ names in a system that selects the players. It can be a little stressful.”

Colorado has one farm team, the Colorado Eagles of the American Hockey League – the same league that includes the Rochester Americans, who are affiliated with the Buffalo Sabres.

“We have the one farm team and many prospects that we’ve drafted who are playing college hockey or are in Europe or junior hockey in Canada,” Battaglia said. “I’m fortunate enough to touch a lot of pieces in our organization and see a lot of things. I work pretty much throughout all departments of the organization, and I am very grateful for that.”

NUPTIALS SCHEDULED FOR AUGUST

Battaglia is youngest son of Paul and Mary Battaglia of Batavia. His brothers are Paul Jr., Mark and Tim.

He said he and his fiancé, Stephanie Dupuis, will be getting married in August at a ceremony at Stephanie’s hometown of Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

“We met through work. I was scouting and she was working for a junior team in Windsor,” Battaglia said.

When talking about family, Battaglia said he owes much to what he learned from his mentors during his time as part of the Batavia High ice hockey “family.”

“I always will appreciate the coaches at Batavia,” he said, naming them all. “Paul Pedersen, Nate Korzelius, John Kirkwood, Mark Dahl, Peter Guppenberger, Jack Porter and John Zola. Those guys are really important in making it more than just hockey for me – showing how to do the little things and being a good person.”

Battaglia said there’s a chance that he will be able to transport the actual Stanley Cup to Batavia when he visits this summer.

“I haven’t heard if I get a day with the Cup yet but if I do I will bring it to Batavia if I’m allowed to,” he said. “I will keep you updated if that happens.”

Batavian native Mike Battaglia is on cloud nine as he has his moment with the NHL's Stanley Cup following the Colorado Avalanche's victory over Tampa Bay. Submitted photos.

The Batavia Muckdogs dropped a home game Thursday to the Newark Pilots 7-5

Starting pitcher Tyler Prospero (3-1), from Batavia, took his first loss of the season.  He only surrendered one earned run but the Pilots scored three unearned runs on errors.  Prospero gave up six hits in 2 2/3 of an inning.  

Medina's Brian Fry continued to swing a hot stick, going 2-4 and scoring a run.  His season average is up to .419.

Mike DeStefano was 3-4 and Bryan Belo, hitting .342, was 2-4.

The Muckdogs are now 10-4 on the season, in second place in the West Division, two games behind UItica.

Top photo: Catcher Alex Maag snags an outside pitch.

Photos by Philip Casper

Dewey throwing out the first pitch, in honor of his birthday 

Brian Fry completing a double play.

Tyler Prospero

Levis Aguila Jr

Josh Leadem

Henry Hank Robert, 9 years old, playing the national anthem

The Batavia pitching staff surrendered 13 hits to Niagara Power at Dwyer Stadium on Monday evening but the Muckdogs managed to escape with a 5-0 win.

At 9-2, the Muckdogs are in first place, a half-game ahead of the Utica Blue Sox, in the PGCBL Western Division.

They're home again tomorrow evening, 7 p.m., against Watertown.

Joe Tobia, from Buffalo, and a sophomore at the University of Albany, started and went 4 1/3 innings giving up seven hits.  He's 1-0 with a 0.000 ERA, tied for the league lead.

Levis Aguila, Jr. a junior at Felician University, was 2-3, scoring a run and getting a walk. 

Medina's Brian Fry picked up another hit in three plate appearances.  He's hitting .400 on the season, fourth-best in the league. His OBP is .560 and his OPS is 1.160.

The Muckdogs scored once in the second inning, three in the third (two runs were unearned), and one in the fifth.

Top photo: Niagara Power catcher Jadyn Lobliner waits with ball in glove as Levis Aguila, Jr. attempts to score in the bottom of the third inning.

Photos by Howard Owens

Shortstop Bryan Belo completes a double play in the fourth inning.

Brian Fry completes a double play in the third inning.

Levis Aguila Jr.

Alec Maag scores in the second inning

Brian Fry with a hit in the third inning.

Tyler Cannoe with a hit in the third.

Brian Fry scores in the third inning.

Mike DeStefano pops up from a slide into second base in the third inning after a throwing error by shortstop Mason Kulpa that allowed two runs to score with two outs.

Starting pitcher Joe Tobia

Le Roy Little League completed its 70th season last week with the Yankees winning the Scanlan Cup Trophy.

The Yankees won the best of three championship series two games to zero.

Team members are Jude Christ, Austyn Silvernail, Anthony Warner, Michael Warner, Ryan O’Geen, Blake Biracree, Wyatt Whipple, Lucas Miller, Blake Fetzer, and Aiden Weise. Coaches were Jeremy Warner, Barry Christ, Dan O’Geen, and Marty Biracree

Information and photo submitted by Jeremy Warner

Rochester-based Flower City Union, a professional soccer team, played its second game of the season at Van Detta Stadium on Thursday, losing to LA Force 3-0.

The team is now 3-11 on the season. The team is in fourth in the National Independent Soccer Association, Group A Division.

It travels the region, playing home games at different venues, in order to build a larger local fan base.

Top Photo: Midfielder Alex Ainscough.

Photos by Philip Casper.

Defender Andriy Demydiv

Midfielder Alex Ainscough

Midfielder Alex Ainscough

Midfielder Lukas Fernandes

 Forward Andre Deas

Roy's tennis team received certificates of appreciation from the Le Roy Central Schools Board of Trustees on Tuesday evening in recognition of their Class B2 Section V championship.

Mitchel Hockey was singled out for his singular accomplishment: becoming the first singles champion in school history.

The Knights went into the tournament as the #1 seed. and defeated Avon 4-1 in the finals to capture the block.

Along the way,  Le Roy defeated Way-Co (5-0) in the quarterfinals and East Rochester (4-1) in the semifinals.

Hockey’s beat Avon’s Kaden Colt 6-1, 7-6 (7-1).

Le Roy’s other point came at second doubles as Benjamin Robinson and Katelynn Everett swept past Austin Lattuca and Avery Leonard 6-1, 7-5.

Avon averted the shutout when the first doubles team of Zach Colvin and Michael Montano earned a three-set victory over Aiden Soggs and Jack Currin 1-6, 6-2, 6-3.

The Muckdogs kept their early-season success going on Monday night at Dwyer Stadium with a 10-7 win over Syracuse.

The Muckdogs are now 7-2 on the season and play home again on Monday.

Stats for last night's game have not been posted.

To view or purchase prints, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Before Le Roy's U-16 softball game against Batavia on Monday evening, Lily Uberty received the first-ever Madison Grace Masters Peacemaker Award.

The purpose of the award is to honor Madison Master, who passed away in 2020. The Le Roy Youth Softball board created the award to secure the legacy of Master in the Le Roy athletic community. 

The MGM Peacemaker Award is given to a deserving player, as chosen by their coaches, who exemplifies:

• Commitment to the sport of softball and team.
• Model of sportsmanship in treating teammates, coaches, opposing teams, umpires and parents with the utmost respect.
• Acts as a mentor and example, embracing inclusivity and supporting teammates who may be struggling.
• Maintains a positive attitude in all aspects of practice and competition, especially in difficult situations.
• Displays the qualities of a leader where respect has been earned from teammates and coaches alike.

Uberty received a $100 gift certificate donated by Dick's Sporting Goods as well as a custom-crafted softball adorned with MGM and a red butterfly and #12, Maddie's number when she played softball.

Photos by Howard Owens

The Batavia Muckdogs (3-1) plated an eight-inning run to break a 5-5 tie with the Auburn Doubledays at Dwyer Stadium on Monday in a game that was delayed a couple of times due to rain.

In the eighth, Brian Fry doubled to open the frame, advancing later in the inning on a double steal after Daniel Burroway had reached base on an error.  Fry scored on a sacrifice fly from Alec Maag.

Fry was named player of the game after going 4-4, scoring twice and knocking in a run. The sophomore at the University of Toledo and from Medina is now hitting .533 on the season.

Tyler Cannoe had a hit and two RBIs and Burroway had two RBIs.

The winning pitcher was Trey Bacon. The Santa Fe College sophomore started in left field but took the mound in the seventh inning and gave up only one hit, striking out four, over three innings.

Joshua Milleville, from Lockport and attending Fairleigh Dickinson University, made his first start of the season. Milleville escaped a tough spot in the opening frame. He hit two hit batters, gave up a single and a sacrifice fly to score one run before he recorded his first out.  He only gave up one more run in 3 2/3 innings of work, striking out three while surrendering seven hits. Batavia's Alex Hale came on in relief and gave up four hits, two runs and walked two over 2 1/3 innings.

Eddie Rives took the loss for Auburn.

Top photo: Brian Fry with a stolen base in the first inning.

Photos by Howard Owens

Auburn shortstop Cooper Erickson scores the first run of the game in the first inning while Batavia catcher Alec Maag waves off a throw to the plate.

Third baseman Jerry Reinhart.

Fry singles in the first inning.

Starting pitcher Joshua Milleville

Second baseman Fry fielding a ground in the first.

Jerry Reinhart fouls off a pitch in the second inning.

Josh Leadem, attending the University of Rochester, grounds out to third in the second inning.

Extra hitter Liam Ward, from Albion and attending Niagara University, fouls off a pitch in the second inning.

Reinhart, Caleb Rodriguez, and Fry during the National Anthem.

Before a packed house at Dwyer Stadium, during their 2022 home opener, the Batavia Muckdogs picked up their second win in two games on Saturday, beating the Elmira Pioneers 6-4.

Chris Isaac, a right-hander from Monroe North Carolina, pitched the sixth and seventh innings, giving up three hits but no runs, to pick up the win.

The starter was Batavia's Tyler Prospero. who's attending Niagara University.  He tossed three innings, giving up two hits, no runs, and striking out three.

Batavian Jerry Reinhart, returning to third base for the Muckdogs this season, collected two hits and an RBI.

Gavin Schrader, another Batavia native, and also attending Niagara Unversity, drove in two runs while going 1-2 and collecting a walk.

Batavia's two-game win streak came to an end Sunday afternoon when the Muckdogs lost to Niagara Power 9-8.

The Muckdogs are back home tomorrow at 7 p.m. against Auburn.

Top photo: Batavia's Gavin Schraeder.

Photos by Mike Janes.

Daniel Burroway #10 first hit of the game.

Daniel Burroway collected the first hit of the game.

Alec Maag

Second baseman Brian Fry

Julian Pichardo

Batavia's Alex Hale

Shortstop Caleb Rodriguez