RIVERPIGS TROUNCE ISLANDERS IN OPENER

TUPPER LAKE, NY  –  The Tupper Lake River Pigs opened the season with a strong display of offense and pitching as they took down the Japan Islanders 12-3. The River Pigs were led by a combined effort on the mound from starter Daniel Rojas, Joseph Brennan and Zachary Goree. Rojas went five strong innings, allowing only one unearned run and two hits, while striking out seven batters. Other than the third inning, when the River Pigs defense let him down, Rojas kept the Islanders lineup off-balance throughout his outing. 

Brennan followed up Rojas with two strong innings, only allowing one hit, and striking out one. Goree entered the game in the eighth inning, inheriting a large River Pigs lead. Although he was able to close out the game without giving up the lead, he did struggle a but, walking two batters and allowing three hits, one being a home run in the eighth and ninth inning.

Although the River Pigs pitching showcased its strength, it was overshadowed by the versatility of the teams offense. The most impressive game came from player of the game, Mikey Edie, a player out of the San Francisco Giants organization, who went 5-5, with three runs scored, a triple, a home run and four RBI’s. 

The top and middle of the River Pigs’ batting order impressed as well. Hector Martinez, the designated hitter who bat in the four spot right behind Edie, had himself a day as well, going 3-5 with one run scored, a home run and three RBI’s. After Martinez bat shortstop Walner Espinal who went 2-4 with a run scored and a double. Leadoff hitter Khalyd Cox went 1-4 with two runs scored, a double, a walk and three RBI’s, playing a big role in the River Pigs win.

With the win, the River Pigs start the season 1-0 and look to be one of the better teams in the Empire Baseball League this summer. It remains to be seen if the strong play showcased in the game can be sustained throughout the season. 

After a rainout on Thursday, the River Pigs will look to take the series over the Islanders tomorrow, June 10. The game is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. eastern at Municipal Park in Tupper lake.

Article by Benjamin Diamond