The Hornell Steamers used an eight run 7th inning to defeat the Olean Oilers 11-3 in their 2023 season finale. Hornell ends the season with a 15-24-1 overall record and winners of their last five home games.

 

Olean took advantage of a Steamer error in the 1st inning and jumped out to a 2-0 lead but Hornell answered right back. Justin Swanson (North Park) and Robert Chesney (Central Connecticut State) drew walks before Tim Burns (Maine Presque Isle) sent his 7th homer of the season into the trees in left field to make it 3-2.

 

Liam Eshelman (Monroe CC) was outstanding on the mound and kept the game 3-2 until the 7th. Another error allowed the tying run to score in the 7th for Olean but Hornell responded in the bottom of the inning in a huge way.

 

Tim McClare (Brockport) and Swanson drew walks before Tyler Curtis (Fredonia) delivered a RBI single to give Hornell the lead for good. Chesney followed with a RBI double, Noah Brooks (Siena) and Bobby Sellers (Alfred State) drew bases loaded walks, Matt Wessels (Iona) followed with a RBI single off the pitcher, and McClare capped the inning with a bases clearing double to make it 11-3.

 

Bobby Bartlett (North Park) who had entered in the 7th inning out of the bullpen finished the game to earn the win. He didn't allow a hit while walking four and striking out seven in three innings.

 

Eshelman did not factor in the decision. He allowed seven hits and no earned runs. He did not walk a batter or strike out a batter.

 

Chesney was the lone Steamer with multiple hits finishing 2 for 4. Burns and McClare both drove in three runs while Swanson drew three of the teams ten walks in the game.

 

Hornell finishes in 4th place in the Western Division.