The Albany Dutchmen are hoping for more games like the one they had in their home opener and fewer games like the one they had in Glens Falls.
The Dutchmen defeated Cooperstown 8-5 in last Friday’s home opener at Bleecker Stadium, but then lost at Watertown 7-3 Saturday and at Glens Falls 13-10 Sunday to conclude their first New York Collegiate Baseball League weekend with a 1-2 record.
We’re just a little in-consistent right now, said Albany manager Nick Davey. `We’ve got some guys who haven’t played that much [during the college baseball season], and they’re just getting back into the routine of playing every day.`
Mike DiBiase started the season with a bang, as he belted a two-run homer in the bottom of the first inning to give Albany a 2-0 lead over Cooperstown. Jon Leroux added a two-run homer for the Dutchmen, and Albany High School graduate Mike Hughes picked up the victory by pitching five strong innings.
`It was a great win in front of a good crowd,` said Davey.
Defensive woes caught up to Albany in its next two games. The Dutchmen committed three errors at Watertown and four miscues at Glens Falls.
`I had to play some guys slightly out of position, which is why I think we had some errors,` said Davey. `We’re still waiting for some of our guys to arrive. When we get those guys here, our defense will be our strength.`
The Dutchmen stayed in those games with their offense. Leroux and Will Owens each had a pair of hits for Albany in its 7-4 loss at Watertown Saturday, while Ryan Knapp drove in two runs with four hits in Sunday’s 13-10 loss at Glens Falls.
`Right now, the top of the order guys are setting the table for the rest of our team,` said Davey. `Jon Leroux has been hitting the ball well for us. He already has a couple of home runs.`
Davey said he believes his team will continue to score runs because of the speed on the basepaths, not necessarily the bats at the plate.
`We have a lot of team speed, and that never goes into slumps,` said Davey.
Albany played at Cooperstown Tuesday before returning home Wednesday to face Mohawk Valley. The Dutchmen host Glens Falls Thursday in a 10:30 a.m. game.“