The Pioneers came into Monday night looking to keep ahead of the field in the West Division as Hornell came into town for two games. The first game would see Elmira and Hornell finish a game from June 27th that was halted in the 7th inning by virtue of bad weather.
The Pioneers batting in the top of the 7th inning would not wait long to take the lead as Corey Keller drew a two out walk. John Snyder then plated Keller with an RBI double to right field giving Elmira the 3-2 lead. Cody Normand entered the game for Elmira in the bottom half of the inning in relief of Jordan Egan who was pitching when the game was called in Hornell.
Elmira took advantage again in the 8th as Brandon Martineson led off the inning with a double off the center field wall. Mike Cleary followed things up with a single of his own that moved Martineson to third which allowed him to score on an RBI single from Jake Rickenbach. The Dodgers would put up a run in the 8th to make it a 4-3 ballgame but Elmira was not done as Brian Erie hit a SAC fly to right field that allowed Corey Keller to score.
With the Pioneers leading 5-3, John Colella worked a clean bottom of the 9th to pick up his 10th save of the season. Jordan Egan picked up the win for Elmira as he was the pitcher of record in the 6th inning when the game was tied. Chad Simendinger was handed a no-decision after throwing 5 innings and allowing 2 runs on 4 hits.
Mike Cleary and Corey Keller both finished the night with 3 hits apiece as the Pioneers offense belted out 13 hits in the game. The win moves Elmira to 21-10 on the season and they will continue their home stand on Spectacular Saturday, July 24th as the Pioneers will take on the Alfred Thunder when “lucky fan” giveaways include an HDTV, DVD player and the “Allegiant Air weekend vacation” in Orlando.
For ticket information or team news visit the Pioneers on the web at www.elmirapioneers.com or call 607-734-2690.
This Summer Have Some Fun at Dunn!