The Hornell Dodgers defeated the Genesee Rapids by a final of 7-4 to take game one of the best of three Western Conference Finals.
The Dodgers jumped out to an early lead when Connor Bailey (Willamette) hit a double to score Jared Kapturasky (Mercyhurst) in the first inning to take the 1-0 lead.
It was a back and forth game from there as the Rapids would score one in the third to tie up the ball game. However the Blue and White would respond in the bottom half of the inning scoring three runs of their own. Kapturasky would hit a single to right field to plate Ethan Harrison (Trevecca Nazarene). Kapturasky then would steal second and on an error by the catcher Michael Young (UMASS Lowell) would race home and score. Later in the inning Jack Brett (Willamette) grounded out to short stop which resulted in Kapturasky scoring and taking the 4-1 lead.
The Rapids would then respond by scoring two runs in the 4th and one run in the 5th to once again tie the game. In the bottom half of the 5th Hornell would take the lead and hold it for the remainder of the ball game. Bailey would start the scoring by reaching on a fielder’s choice and Mike Wick’s (Webster) smart base running scored from third on the play. Brett then stepped up to the batter’s box and hit a double to score Bailey. Chris Cerniglia (Nichols) capped the scoring when he hit a single to right field and scored Brett to take the 7-4 lead.
Matt Mulhearn (Webster) was the starting pitcher and was excellent as he fired 8 complete innings before handing the ball over to Kapturasky to close out the game. Mulhearn struck out seven batters while only allowing 4 runs and no walks. This also was the first full start where he did not allow a home run. Kapturasky then pitched how he did all season and shut the door not allowing a hit while striking out two to earn the save.
Kapturasky led Hornell at the plate with three hits and one RBI. Harrison and Bailey also recorded a multi-hit night. Brett and Bailey chipped in with two RBI’s on the night while Cerniglia added the other RBI.
The Dodgers will travel to Houghton College tomorrow to take on the Rapids in game two of the series. As of press time the game is scheduled for 7 p.m. however they are dealing with a light issue so please check back tomorrow for the final details.
