PLATTSBURGH, NY – It must be good to be a Surge right now. They are not only in first place in the second half and overall standings and very close to home field advantage for the playoffs, but they have now promoted a great player in Alexander Bee to the Lincoln Saltdogs of the American Association.

Bee who recently joined the Surge was a key acquisition as he helped the Surge behind the dish and showing incredible hitting discipline putting up great numbers.

He will now move on to play for the Lincoln Saltdogs who are on a playoff run. Bee will join the team immediately.

Article by Empire Media

LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY – Kyle Chavez of the Puerto Rico Islanders moved to the Gary Southshore Railcats of the American Association of professional baseball.

Chavez, a submarine right handed pitcher, was taken by the Railcats today as a relief pitcher. He will report immediately and will look to help the Railcats advance to the playoffs as they are in the hunt.

Chavez pitched very well for the Islanders and is thankful for the Empire League for giving him a chance.

“If it wasn’t for you guys, i wouldn’t have had a place to play. So thank you so much!” said Chavez to VP of Baseball Jerry Gonzalez today

The Empire League really focuses on providing that stepping stone for those that were not chosen and are providing quality baseball and opportunities.

OLD ORCHARD BEACH, ME – The Old Orchard Beach Surge, who are in first place in the second half, lost to the Puerto Rico Islanders, who are second in the second half, in a game that was one sided.

Islanders put up 14 runs including a big blast from Shortstop Jacob Cordero, base clearing double by recently acquired Derik Bontempo and also recently acquired Trey Hannam.

Surge starter Brendan Henriquez could not figure out how to get the Islanders as he only went 2.2 innings of work. On the other hand, Islanders Julio Morales tossed 5 great innings while striking out 5 batters in route to a victory.

Sebastian Diaz and Gevon Jackson led the way offensively for the Surge as they both provided solo shots and the only two runs for the team.

The Surge are now just games from the Islanders who have reached their transaction limit and have made some key acquisitions that has given the Islanders a legitimate chance at making the playoffs.

Due to scheduling conflicts, the Islanders and Surge will face in a double header tomorrow night as both teams are now officially in the hunt for the last playoff spots.

Game times are 3:30pm and 6:30pm and this will be the last two home games for the Surge.

Article by Empire Media8

OLD ORCHARD BEACH, ME – Old Orchard Beach Surge starting Pitcher Eric Mozeika tossed a complete game shutout in a 7-0 victory over the Sullivan Explorers.

Mozeika was spectacular on the hill tonight going the distance against a very good hitting Sullivan Explorers. In the 9 innings, Mozeika allowed 7 hits, walked 4 batters and struck out 7 Explorers. The win is Mozeikas 3rd win of the year.

Sullivan Starter Robbie Kidd tossed 6 innings giving up 4 earned runs on 8 hits while striking out 6 batters.

Edwin Arroyo, Kevin Putkonen and Gevon Jackson led the way offensively for the Surge with 2 hits each including 2 doubles and 2 RBIs from Jackson and 1 RBI from both Putkonen and Arroyo. Alexander Bee has been very impressive since joining the Surge as he has hit safely in all of his starts including a 1 for 2 performance with 2 walks.

Sullivan Explorers had some opportunities to score runs but great defense from the Surge prevented that. Explorers offense was led by Brandon Young who had 2 base hits in the game.

The Surge improve their record to (7-1) while the Explorers drop to (1-6). Both teams are set to face each other in a series ending double header. Games are at 1:00pm and 4:00pm. Tickets are on sale at empireproleague.com

Article by Empire Media

PLATTSBURGH, NY – The Islanders have made a very interesting move sending cleanup hitter and All Star Game MVP Andres Arroyo and LHP Hunter Kyzar to the Plattsburgh RedBirds for OF Kenneth Collins.

The players will report to their teams tomorrow and will be eligible to play with new  team immediately.

The Islanders have also placed UT Michael Heller on the Disabled list. Islanders are also in talks with Old Orchard Beach Surge for possible trade in the near future prior to the Empire League Deadline.