The Pioneers took to the field on Wednesday night in their first game after the All-Star break and welcomed in the Niagara Power for the third and final time of the season. Elmira entered the night a half game ahead of the Hornell Dodgers who played host to the Webster Yankees.

Andrew Wall made his sixth start of the season, bringing a 2-1 record into the game. Wall’s last outing saw him throw 6 innings, allowing 3 runs on 7 hits and 6 strikeouts giving him a no-decision against the same Power club in Niagara Falls.

The Pioneers would strike first as Mike Cleary led off the third inning with a double. Cleary would then move to third on a single from Jake Rickenbach setting things up for Elmira. With the bases loaded after a walk by Justin Lamborn, John Snyder would add to his RBI totals lacing a double to deep center scoring two runs and giving Elmira a 2-0 lead. The Pioneers would tack on another run in the inning when Lamborn scored on a sacrifice hit from Carlos Lopez.

The 3-0 lead would be all that Andrew Wall needed on the night as he had Niagara searching all game for a rally to tie things up. Wall continued to show his great pickoff move as he picked off Daniel Hall from second base in the sixth inning. Wall also received a big double play from his defense in the eighth inning after an error by Lamborn allowed a Niagara runner to reach base.

John Colella would take over for Wall in the ninth inning after Wall threw 8 innings of shutout ball, scattering 6 hits and striking out 3 batters. Colella would find his old form and dominate the Power hitters as he induced a fly-out, pop-up, and called third strike to end the ballgame and any threat of a comeback by Niagara.

Andrew Wall in the win picks up his third of the season and John Colella earns his seventh save of the season. John Snyder finished the night 3-4 with two doubles and two RBI. Six different Pioneers broke into the hit column as Elmira moves to 16-10 on the season.

The Pioneers will continue their home stand on Thursday July 15th as it is Thirsty Thursday, all drinks are $1. Fantastic Friday, July 16th, there will be a fireworks display presented by the City of Elmira. Spectacular Saturday, July 17th, is Hall of Fame invocation night, 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.

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