Hurlers Own Opening Day

ABERDEEN, MD-Three Hudson Valley pitchers combined to hold Aberdeen to five singles as the Renegades began defense of their 2017 New York-Penn League Championship with a 4-0 win over the Ironbirds Friday night at Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium.
Leading the charge for Hudson Valley was right-handed starter Easton McGee (1-0). The 2016 fourth-round draft choice fired five innings of three-hit ball to garner the win, while walking one and striking out two.
Fellow hurlers Blake Pflughaupt and Kyle Goodbrand combined to hold the Ironbirds at bay the rest of the way. Pflughaupt tossed two perfect innings and Goodbrand (1) picked up the save after going the final two frames on two hits.
As for the hitters, the season started with a literal bang in the first inning as third baseman Trey Hair launched a solo homerun to right-centerfield to give the Renegades an early 1-0 lead.
Hudson Valley would add to its lead in the seventh when catcher Chris Betts smacked a double to right to score first baseman Jacson McGowan from first. Three hitters later, Betts came in from third on a single to center from designated hitter Erik Ostberg to up the Renegades advantage to 3-0.
In the ninth, Hudson Valley added an insurance run on an Ostberg infield single to second, which scored rightfielder Marvin Malone from third to make the final 4-0.
The Renegades had seven hits in the game including two apiece from Hair, Ostberg and centerfielder Michael Smith. One of Smith's hits was a double in the third.
The series continues tomorrow as the Renegades and Ironbirds will do battle at 6:05. Righty Paul Campbell (0-0, 0.00 ERA) will start for Hudson Valley against fellow righty Hector Guance (0-0, 0.00 ERA) for Aberdeen
The Renegades kick off the home portion of their season when they face the Vermont Lake Monsters on Thursday, June 21 from Dutchess Stadium. First-pitch is slated for 7:05p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at hvrenegades.com or by calling the ticket office at 845-838-0094.
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