TUPPER LAKE, NY – The Empire League, Saranac Lake Surge will bring back Ken Matsuzaka as  the Manager of the Saranac Lake Surge for the 2020 Season of play. This will be the second season as manager of the Surge.

Matsuzaka,  went (16-19) last season and he looks forward to a new year and a new outcome.  The young Japanese Manager has a unique baseball mindset and will look to develop players  while winning a championship.

Saranac Lake now has two big time rivals in Plattsburgh Thunderbirds who won the 2019 ELB Championship, and the new neighbors of Tupper Lake Riverpigs who are looking to be a  strong playoff contending team in their inaugural season.

For more on the Surge, visit surgeprobaseball.com or follow the team on social media. Facebook Saranac Lake Surge, Instagram @elbsurge.

Article by Empire Media

MAYAGUEZ, PR – Puerto Rico Islanders right handed reliever Eddy Reynoso has been dominant with his time with the Cangrejeros de Santurce of the Puerto Rico Roberto Clemente Winter League.

Tonight, Reynoso  tossed 1 inning of work giving up  just 1 hit while striking out a batter.  Reynoso worked really well with big league catcher Roberto Peña for the inning. Here’s how the inning played out:

• Jesmuel Valentin pops out to catcher Roberto Pena in foul territory.
• Zach Davis grounds out to first baseman Ryan Casteel.
• Henry Ramos singles on a line drive to center fielder Rey Fuentes.
• Kennys Vargas strikes out swinging.

Reynoso come fresh out of a solid season with the Puerto Rico Islanders in which he  was an All Star pitcher winning 2 games and striking out 17 batters in the 18 innings of work.

Article by Empire Media

TAMPA, FL –  Shortly after the Empire League awards were announced and Jordan Scott was named MVP, the triple crown award winner and top prospect has been moved to the first place Sussex County Miners of the CanAm League.

Scott, lead the league in average (.426), home runs (7) and RBIs (36).

The 6 foot 1 inch switch hitter from Conyers, GA was also a part of the Empire League Grays who played in the series against the Sussex County Miners where he went 3 for 11 and displayed great defense.

Scott will join the Miners as they head to Canada.

Article by Empire Media

NEW YORK, NY – Stephen Octave has been moved to the Ottawa Champions of the CanAm League after a  successful season in the Empire League.

Octave, was a huge part of the Saranac Lake Surge as he competed and won the Home Run Derby where he represented the Surge as the hometown participant.

The  6 foot  3 230 pound catcher  played in 28 games for the Surge  going 41 for 103 with 5 home runs and 23 RBI’s.

He will join the Ottawa Champions as they try to make a push for the CanAm League finals.

Article by Emprie Media

SARANAC LAKE, NY – The Plattsburgh Thunderbirds have defeated the New Hampshire  Wild  in the Empire League Championship Series two games to take home the 2019 Empire  League Championship.

The Thunderbirds took the lead in game one and never looked back. Chris Tessitore was the Pitcher of the series with 2 wins in the playoffs.

Drake Sykes made Empire League history in the wild card playoffs by hitting a 0-2 count with 2 outs , bases loaded and down by 3 runs hit a Grand Slam to keep the season going for the Thunderbirds.

Chris Tessitore got the win in the Wild Card game and also the win in game 2 of the finals where the Thunderbirds won the championship. Simon Palenchar, Hiroki Itakura and Stephen Octave led the offensive attack for the Thunderbirds.

This Championship is the Thunderbirds 2nd franchise championship in Plattsburgh.

Article by Empire Media