Hornell used the big inning as they defeated the Dansville Gliders 14-4 in the NYCBL Western Division 1st Round to advance to the Western Finals best of three series.

Both Hornell and Dansville loaded the bases early in the game but could not score. In the 2nd, Hornell took advantage of an error and Torrey Roper (Indiana U of PA) followed with a sac fly to give the Steamers a lead they would never give up.

In the 3rd, Hornell scored four runs all with two-outs. Peyton Johnson (Indiana U of PA) hit a RBI single, Max Schmarder (Tusculum) drew a bases loaded walk, and Roper capped the inning with a two-run single. 

Johnson made it 7-0 in the 4th when he collected a two-out, two-RBI double.

Hornell put the game out of reach in the 6th with a huge seven-run inning. Jordyn Smith (Oklahoma Wesleyan) hit a long two-run homer onto Adsit St. Jack Loftus (Western New England) hit a RBI double before Schmarder and Rigsby had RBI singles, Schmarder scored on an outfield fielding error and Rigsby scored on a wild pitch.

Dansville got on the board in the top of the 7th when Connor Bane hit a three-run homer. They scored a final run in the 9th when Shane Wockley hit a RBI single.

Johnson was 3 for 4 with 3 RBI while Smith was 3 for 6 on the day with 2 RBI. Kiefer, Huges, and Schmarder all had two hits. Hornell finished with 16 hits, drew six walks, and was hit by a pair of pitches.

Joe Dolansky (Indiana U of PA) continued his excellent second half of the season with a stellar start. He allowed three runs on eight hits in 6.2 innings of work. He didn't walk a batter and struck out five.

Collin Burdett got the final out of the 7th and Devin Mersmann (Alfred State) struck out five in the final two innings of the game. 

The Western Division Finals begin tomorrow when the Steamers travel to Olean for a 7 p.m. contest. Game 2 will be at Maple City Park on Wednesday at 7 p.m. while Game 3 (if necessary) will be back in Olean on Thursday at 7 p.m.