WAPPINGERS FALLS (Wednesday, August 8): The Hudson Valley Renegades got two RBI from third baseman Richie Shaffer and a strong start from pitcher Taylor Guerrieri to shut out the Vermont Lake Monsters 2-0 Wednesday night in front of 4,667 fans at Dutchess Stadium.

The 'Gades (34-16) picked up their fifth straight victory (and fifth in a row at home), shutting down the offense of the Lake Monsters (24-26) on five hits and three walks. Hudson Valley moved three games ahead of Brooklyn in the McNamara Division of the New York-Penn League, as the Cyclones fell 4-1 at the hands of the Lowell Spinners.

Hudson Valley opened the scoring in the bottom of the fourth with two outs. Shaffer worked a 2-2 count against Vermont reliever J.C. Menna (0-6), and sent the ensuing fastball screaming over the left field fence. It was the first homer of Shaffer's pro career, and it put the Renegades up 1-0.

The 'Gades extended their lead in the bottom of the sixth inning. With two outs, designated hitter Justin O'Conner hit a ground ball single to second base, and advanced to third on a single from All-Star second baseman Tommy Coyle. Shaffer strode to the plate again, and placed a single back through the middle that scored O'Conner to give Hudson Valley the final 2-0 lead.

Guerrieri (1-2) pitched five terrific innings, allowing four hits and whiffing four batters for his first pro victory on a day where he was named an NYPL All-Star. Reliever Ian Kendall gave up a hit and three walks in three innings against two walks, but allowed no runs to score. Shay Crawford struck out one in a perfect ninth inning for his third save of the season.

Vermont starter Nolan Sanburn sparkled, giving up just a walk against three strikeouts in his three innings of action. Menna took the loss, allowing two runs on four hits and a walk over 2.2 innings; he struck out one. Tucker Healy allowed no hits and a walk over 2.1 scoreless frames, striking out two.

The Renegades go for the series sweep Thursday, with All-Star righty Jeff Ames on the hill against Lake Monsters right-hander Tyler Vail. It's Irish and Go Green Night at the Dutch, presented by Covanta Energy! Come out to the ballpark as we Go Green and add a touch of the Emerald Isle. First pitch is at 7:05, with Ben Gellman's pregame show starting at 6:50 p.m. on 1450 and 1370 AM WKIP, as well as online at HVRenegades.com.