Travis Harman Connecting for a two-run double in the fourth inning. Timothy Charvat, 2024
Positive momentum was running high in the city of Utica, New York. After chopping the Booneville Lumberjack 13-5, the Blue Sox returned home to face off in an exhibition matchup against the All-Stars Academy from Latham, New York. And in a 9-4 final, the Blue Sox taught the Academy a lesson on how to play on their level.
Academy Impresses Early
Both Sox’s starter Aiden Aggarwal and Academy’s starter Davin Tuckey would be put to the test. As each team had a runner in scoring position with two out in their sides of the first inning, they rose to the occasion and made the pitches that mattered to get out of trouble.
The Academy was the team to make the other blink. With two on and one out in the top of the second, extra hitter Teddy Gialanella would connect on an RBI single to put the Academy up 1-0.
Blue Sox Response
It wasn’t until the bottom of the third where the Blue Sox would respond. With the bases loaded and two out, centerfielder Norris McClure would connect for a two-run single to give the Sox a 2-0.
In the next at bat, first baseman Trace Hartman would crush a ball to left-center field to cap out a four-run inning, and to extend the Sox lead by three.
The Academy Fights Back
In the top of the fourth inning, the Academy would respond immediately. As with a runner on second base and nobody out, second baseman Alexander Halwick would connect for an RBI double off new Blue Sox pitcher Aiden Murray to cut the deficit down to 4-2.
Later in the inning, right fielder Joseph Carrothers would come to bat with runners on first and third and one out. He would connect for an infield single to make it a one run game.
Murray would then walk two straight batters to bring in the tying run.
He would then get catcher Bryan Carrothers to ground into an inning double play to keep the game tied at 4.
Momentum Killers
The Blue Sox hottest hitter would strike in the bottom of the fifth inning, as with two on and one out, Hartman would connect for a two-run single to give the Sox the lead back up 6-4.
Two batters later, third baseman Max French would connect for his own RBI single to cap off a three-run inning and increase the lead 7-4.
The schooling would continue for the Academy as with two on and nobody out in the bottom of the sixth, designated hitter Omar Carreras would connect for an RBI single to increase the lead further. In the very next at bat, extra hitter Johnny Brucato would ground into a fielder’s choice to put the game out of reach 9-4.
Blue Sox Pitching Dominates
The Academy would be unable to score another run for the rest of the game, as Marcus Botelho would enter the game for the Blue Sox in the top of the fifth. He would blank all hitters he faced over three innings of shutout baseball. After the seventh inning, there was confusion over the finish of the game, and as a result, would play one more inning.
Giovanni Canales would make his second appearance for the season and retired the side in order to end the game.
Notable Performances/Stats
While exhibition results do not count towards the season stats, Hartman’s four RBI performance would be a season high for the Blue Sox player thus far.
Blue Sox starters have made the most of their innings over the last three games, where they have gone eight innings, allowing three runs (one earned) and striking out eleven batters.
What’s Next
The Blue Sox will be back at home on June 5 to face off against the Watertown Rapids. The first pitch is at 10:30 am.
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