PLATTSBURGH, NY – The Empire League announced the 2017 ASG Home Run  Derby participants honoring Babe Ruth. Champion will be crowned by Linda Ruth Tosetti, living granddaughter of the legendary Babe Ruth on a day when The Empire League recognizes the Babe and his legacy.

Representing the East side, (Sullivan Explorers and Plattsburgh RedBirds

1. Samuel Carter (SUL)
2. Johnny Cole (PLA)
3. Luis Touron (SUL)
4. D’Aundray Van Slyke (PLA)
5. Luc Pomales   (SUL)
6. Brian Brademan (PLA)

From the West Side (Puerto Rico Islanders and Old Orchard Beach Surge)

1. Gevon Jackson (OOB)
2. Jacob Bissell (PR)
3. Kevin Putkonen (OOB)
4. Matt Martinez (PR)
5. Mike Davis (OOB)
6. Dioni Rodriguez (PR)

The competition will consist of 3 rounds. Two divisions of 6 participants for the first round of 15 outs (East Division and West Division) will compete. The top two leaders from each  division in round one will advance to the 10 out semi-final round. The winners of each division will face each other in the final round of 10 outs to crown the champion.

Winners will be crowned by Linda Ruth Tosetti, living granddaughter of the great legendary Babe Ruth. Linda has kept the Ruth legacy going with untold stories and Babe Ruth memorabilia for years and the Empire League will welcome Linda and her husband Andy to honor the Babe at this years EPBL All Star Game.

The Home Run Derby will begin at 1pm and will be followed by the All Star Game at 330pm.

OLD ORCHARD BEACH, ME – The Plattsburgh RedBirds emerge victorious in matchup with the Old Orchard Beach Surge and have won the first half of the Empire League. They are  now headed to the 2017 Empire League Championship Series.

Dimitri Nunez did exactly what he has done all season long and was impressive in the win. Nunez pitched 7.2 innings  while only giving up 2 runs. Nunez has gone over 7 innings pitched in every single one of his starts and is now 3-1  with a 2.68 era and a league leading 43.2 innings pitched and only walking 8 batters all season long while striking out 26. The RedBirds were led offensively by Christian Nazario-Cruz who had 2 hits in the game and having a great series against the Surge. Raul Shah had a singled and scored a game high 2 runs and drove in 1 while stealing a base.

Dominic Severino started for the Surge and went 6 innings but did not get any defensive help as early errors allowed for 6 runs to score with only 3 being earned. Kevin Putkonen and Edgar Lebron both led the way offensively for the Surge with 3 hits each. Sebastian Diaz has stayed hot and has done well since joining the Surge and had 2 hits in this one.

The Redbirds will face the Surge for another 4 games, but there is only 2 games remaining in the first half. Surge will face the Puerto Rico Islanders and the RedBirds will face the Sullivan Explorers prior to the All Star Break.

“Dimitri is one of the best I’ve seen. He is such a smart pitcher, can throw 7 different pitches and change hitters timing while throwing left handed at 3 different angles. He’s frustrating to face.” – Manager Joe Winkelsas

OLD ORCHARD BEACH, ME – No clinching night for the RedBirds tonight as Surge and RedBirds split the double header.

RedBirds would go on and take game one by the score of 11-2 after an explosive 5 run first inning including the first Home Run in franchise history.

Scott Hall was magnificent as he went the distance pitching all 7 innings giving up just 2 runs on 8 hits and got the Win.

Christian Cruz had 3 hits in the game and Josh Martinez had 3 RBIs.

Game two belonged to the Surge as they defeated the RedBirds 4-1.

Brendan Henriquez was playoff saving as he pitched a complete game going all 7 innings giving up just 1 run.

Surge shortstop Sebastian Diaz belted his first home run of the year. A 2 run shot over the left field wall!

The Surge are officially out of the playoff hunt for the first half but can be the difference in who does clinch the first half. Surge will play the RedBirds tomorrow night at 6:30pm. One RedBirds win or Sullivan Explorers Loss will clinch it for Plattsburgh.

Article by Empire Media

LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY – The Explorers are in second place with a  victory over the Puerto Rico Islanders by the score of 7-3.

The Explorers went down once again in the early innings with a score of 1-0 to the Islanders but were able to bounce back when Cole Easley was hit by the pitch  to drive in the tying run. The Explorers never looked back.

Christ Ross started for the Explorers and struck out 6 batters on his way to another victory. Phill Richmond came in to close it out in the 9th just before the rain came down.

Luc Pomales had a base clearing double to right center just when the Islanders were making a comeback and the score was 4-3. Pomales double turned it into a 7-3 game and despite of the Islanders scoring  1 run in the top of the 9th inning.

Ernesto Punales got the loss for the Islanders although a terrific outing only allowing 3 runs.

The Explorers look to take the series tomorrow as they face the Islanders for a double header before a day off on Sunday.

Article by Empire Media