Generals build run in 7th inning, win Game Two

Schenectady, NY – Well executed, smart baseball enabled the Herkimer Generals to defeat the Schenectady CCC Royals in Game Two on Tuesday afternoon.  A walk, a sac bunt, and yet another key extra-base hit by Mike Scotellaro created the winning run.

Photo: Third baseman Mike Scotellaro batting in recent action at Hudson Valley

Game One

The Royals shut out the Generals in the first game of the doubleheader.  HCCC’s Mike Scotellaro, Eric Verbickas, Lewis Sebrell and Devin Warmack all hit singles, but the team could not produce a run in the contest.  SCCC posted a 3-0 victory.

Brendan Tyrrell started on the mound for Herkimer.  He pitched five innings and allowed only one run.  The left-hander struck out five batters and walked none.

Herkimer          000 000 0   0-4-0

Schenectady    000 012 x   3-7-1

Game Two

The game’s final inning was a thriller and an example of baseball at its best.  The Generals had taken a one-run lead in the second inning, and the Royals had tied the game in the fourth.  These two strong teams then entered the final frame.

Herkimer broke the tie with small ball and a clutch hit.  Justin Weakley got things going by drawing a walk.  Tyler Hall then laid down a sacrifice bunt, and Weakley was in scoring position.  The next batter was Captain Mike Scotellaro, who had provided key hits in the team’s last outing, on Sunday.  Scotellaro promptly drove a double into the right-center gap, allowing Weakley to cross the plate with the go-ahead run.

The Royals challenged in their half of the inning.  With one out and runners on first and third, Herkimer reliever Dave Hannan was on the mound.  He induced a popup, but then hit a batter, loading the bases.  He then threw the game-ending pitch, which was hit well into right field, but was catchable.  Right fielder Weakley caught the ball, and the Generals won the game.

Willie Gabay was the Generals’ starter.  He threw four strong innings, allowing only one run, which was unearned.  Gabay struck out six and walked just one. 

Kyle Parmenter came on in relief and got the win.  He allowed three hits in his three-inning stint.  Hannan closed the game and earned the save.

Herkimer                    010 000 1   2-3-1

Schenectady              000 100 0   1-7-0

Herkimer’s regular season ended with an 18-15 record overall.  They were 17-10 in Region III play, and 13-8 in the conference.  They will now play a two-of-three sub-regional series on Saturday and, if necessary, Sunday, May 7 and 8.  Their opponent and other details will be determined soon.