ALBANY — The Albany Dutchmen improved their record to 3-1 by rallying for a 3-2 victory over defending Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League champion Mohawk Valley Saturday, June 4.
Right fielder Justin Childers hit a two-run double in the top of the eighth inning to give the Dutchmen their first lead of the night. Mohawk Valley (0-4) scored a run in the bottom of the ninth inning to draw close, but Jeff Rivera got Mike Martinez to fly out with a runner on second to secure the victory and pick up the save.
Albany starting pitcher Jack Grabek — a Guilderland High School graduate now playing for Bucknell University — went six strong innings, allowing two hits and one earned run while striking out eight batters. Michael Maul pitched a scoreless seventh inning to pick up the victory.
Albany’s victory over Mohawk Valley came on the heels of its first loss of the season, a 5-4 setback against Oneonta Friday, June 3, at Bob Bellizzi Field.
Quin Colton belted a two-run homer in the first inning to give Oneonta a quick lead. The Dutchmen rallied to tie the score at 4-4 before Colton lofted a sacrifice fly to drive in the go-ahead run in the top of the sixth.
Albany began the season with victories over Amsterdam and Glens Falls. The Dutchmen took advantage of nine walks and three errors to beat Amsterdam 6-1 Wednesday, June 1.
Albany scored its first two runs on a passed ball and a single in the top of the first inning. Childers drove in a run with a fifth-inning single.
Albany’s home opener went well, as the Dutchmen defeated Glens Falls 7-1 Thursday, June 2. Childers belted a solo home run in the bottom of the second inning for Albany.
Albany’s June 5 home game against Saugerties was rained out. The Dutchmen hosted Oneonta Tuesday, June 7.
