The Elmira Pioneers had the chance to make it back to the NYCBL Championship Series on Tuesday as they took a 1-0 series lead into Scio against the Allegany County Nitros. The Pioneers last appeared in the Finals during the 2007 Playoffs.

Casey Levens was called upon to keep the Nitros offense in check a night after holding them to zero runs at Dunn Field. Levens finished the regular season with a 3-1 record and made his first start of the postseason against Allegany.

The Nitros would add to the scoreboard first as they took a 2-0 lead in the third inning on an RBI single from Tyler Fisher. The Pioneers started their rally in the fifth inning as Matt Ford drove home the first run of the game for Elmira making it a 2-1 ballgame.

John Snyder would Elmira the lead in the game later in the inning with a 2 RBI double that put the Pioneers on top 3-2. The one run lead was all that Elmira pitching needed as Casey Levens exited after 7 innings of work allowing 2 runs on 4 hits, while striking out 3 batters.

Jordan Egan and John Colella came out of the bullpen for Elmira to close things out as Colella picked up his second save of the playoffs. The win gives Elmira their second series sweep and now will face the Amsterdam Mohawks in the Championship Round.

Game 1 will be in Amsterdam on Friday, August 6th at 7:00 PM. The series will then shift to Dunn Field for Game 2 on Saturday, August 7th at 6:05 PM and if necessary Game 3 to follow after. Tickets for all home playoff games can be purchased in advance from the Pioneers front office

For more information contact the Pioneers office at 607-734-2690 or visit www.elmirapioneers.com.

This Summer, Have Some Fun at the Dunn!