Jammers can't capitalize with runners on base

Both team's starters go six innings, and Solorzano homers again in another Jammers loss

By Justin Michael

June 24, 2012

JAMESTOWN, N.Y.--The Jammers lost another tough one to the Batavia Muckdogs, the difference for this game was the Jammers inability to hit with runners in scoring position.

The Muckdogs started off the game with a bang, Muckdogs shortstop Anthony Melchionda hit a lead off double. Former Florida International University stand out and Muckdog second baseman Garrett Wittels singled to center. With runners on the corners right fielder Roberto Reyes singled to left scoring Melchionda. First baseman David Bergin singled to center and scored Wittels giving the Muckdogs an early 2-0 lead in the top of the first.

The Jammers played themselves out of the bottom of the first when shortstop Austin Nola grounded into a force out and Garrett Wittels threw out Matt Juengel at second to end the inning.

Muckdogs starting pitcher Ben Freeman went 6 2/3 innings with five strikeouts. The lone blemish on the day for Freeman would be the solo homerun he served up to Jesus Solorzano in the bottom of the fourth.

The Muckdogs would pad their lead in the top of the sixth via a wild pitch by Jammers starter Ramon Del Orbe. With David Bergin in the batters box, Garrett Wittels would score to give the Muckdogs a 3-1 lead.

Jammers starter Ramon Del Orbe would finish his day with six innings pitched, three earned runs, three strikeouts, and the loss. His record now stands at (0-1) with a 3.60 ERA on the season

In the top of the ninth the Muckdogs got a little more insurance, as left fielder Gary Apelian homered to left giving the Muckdogs a 4-1 lead. The Jammers attempted to mount a comeback in the bottom of the ninth, but after the first two batters struck out the comeback seemed less likely. With two outs catcher Jose Behar singled to left, then came Juancito Martines who singled to center moving Behar to third. With Runners on the corners and two outs, second baseman Anthony Gomez grounded into a force out to end the game.

Batavia pitcher Ben Freeman picked up his first win on the season as the Muckdogs are now (3-4) on the season, and the Jammers now drop to the same (3-4) record in the Pinckney divisional standings.