The Albany Dutchmen didn’t develop any rust, despite being rained out three times in the past week.
The Dutchmen (6-1) belted three triples on their way to a 6-2 victory over the Glens Falls Golden Eagles Sunday, June 15, in a Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League game at Albany’s Bob Bellizzi Field.
It was Albany’s first game since suffering a 6-1 road loss at Amsterdam Tuesday, June 10. Home games against Adirondack June 11 and Watertown June 13 were rained out, as was a June 12 road game at Adirondack.
“Four days off — that was a long stretch. Too long of a stretch, but you can’t control the weather,” said Albany coach Nick Davey.
It took some time for Albany’s offense to get going against Glens Falls (4-4). Left fielder Ryan Toomey had the Dutchmen’s first hit with a leadoff single in the bottom of the third inning, but shortstop Danny Hrbek lined into a double play at first base to negate Toomey’s single.
Center fielder Will Miller lit a fire under the Dutchmen with a leadoff triple in the bottom of the fourth. Third baseman Reid Matthews drove Miller home with a sacrifice fly to right field to give Albany a 1-0 lead.
Starting pitcher Jake Welch turned in six strong innings for Albany, scattering five hits and striking out three. The only hiccup was when he gave up a two-run homer to Glens Falls first baseman and Latham native Teddy Cillis in the top of the fifth inning, which put the Golden Eagles in front 2-1.
“I was worried about our pitching because of the time off, but Jake Welch gave us another quality start,” said Davey of his right-hander, who improved his record to 2-0.
Glens Falls’ lead was short lived. After a leadoff walk to catcher Cameron Miller in the bottom of the fifth inning and right fielder James Locklear’s single, Toomey lofted a deep fly ball over the head of Golden Eagles right fielder Alex Wichmann for a two-run triple that gave Albany a 3-2 advantage.
“Ryan had a great approach on the baseball and did a good job of going the other way aggressively,” said Davey.
Hrbek came through for Albany in the bottom of the seventh inning with a two-out triple to right field that drove in Cameron Miller, who was hit by a pitch to start the frame. The Dutchmen then tacked on two runs in the bottom of the eighth courtesy of a Glens Falls error. Cameron Miller hit a high pop up to third base, but the ball bounced off Brian Fay’s glove, which allowed designated hitter Josh Lee and first baseman Nick Jewett to score.
“Our guys did a great job of responding when we were down 2-1 and regained the lead, and it was great to see the guys get back in the swing of things after a long break,” said Davey.
Albany hit the road for its next two PGCBL games. The Dutchmen visited Glens Falls Monday, June 16, and Utica Tuesday, June 17. They return home Wednesday, June 18, for a doubleheader against the Watertown Rams, to be followed by a single contest against Amsterdam Thursday, June 19, at Bellizzi Field.
Davey said the busy schedule is what he wants for his players.
“We’ve got a doubleheader in the middle of the week, but they’re here to play baseball,” said Davey. “Our pitchers are very fresh.”
