The Windy City Thunderbolts have bolstered their pitching roster with the signing of standout left-handed pitcher Roland “AJ” Chacon. Known for his impressive performances at the Empire League’s recent Fall Instructs and the Empire League MLB Games, Chacon has caught the attention of scouts and fans alike with his remarkable skills on the mound.

Chacon’s journey to professional baseball has been one of determination and hard work. His exceptional performance in the Empire League, an independent baseball league designed to give players a platform to showcase their talents, proved to be a pivotal point in his career. At the Fall Instructs and MLB Games, Chacon demonstrated not only his pitching prowess but also his ability to perform under pressure, making him a standout candidate for professional teams.

The Windy City Thunderbolts, a team in the MLB-partnered Frontier League, recognized Chacon’s potential and moved swiftly to secure his talents. Managed by former MLB pitcher Bobby Jenks, the Thunderbolts are keen on nurturing promising players who can contribute significantly to their success. Jenks, with his extensive experience and keen eye for talent, believes that Chacon will be a valuable addition to the team’s pitching lineup.

Chacon’s signing is a testament to the effectiveness of the Empire League in providing a pathway for talented players to reach higher levels of professional baseball. His story is an inspiration to aspiring athletes, illustrating that with perseverance and dedication, opportunities can arise from even the most competitive environments.

Article by Empire Media

The Saranac Lake Surge secured a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Malone Border Hounds on Monday afternoon, clinching the first series of the year and improving their record to 2-1. The Border Hounds, now 1-2, fought hard but fell just short in this closely contested game.

The early innings saw a tight battle with no score through three innings. The Surge broke the deadlock in the fourth inning, capitalizing on the Border Hounds’ pitching struggles. The Surge scored four runs on five consecutive walks, a rare and decisive offensive sequence. Despite having only three hits in the game, the Surge made the most of their opportunities. Justin Ayala, Tommy Dunleavy, and Derrick Pyles each contributed a hit.

Adam Przybycien earned the win for the Surge, delivering a solid performance on the mound. He pitched five innings, giving up just one run on four hits while striking out two batters. Sean Saviano added to the Surge’s strong pitching, tossing one inning and allowing one run while striking out three. Saviano’s performance boosted him to the top of the Empire League in strikeouts, with a total of 14. Aydan Rolph was credited with the save, sealing the win for the Surge.

With this victory, the Surge take the first series of the year and now prepare to face the Tupper Lake Riverpigs in a three-game set starting on Tuesday.

Article by Empire Media

In a tightly contested game on Saturday night, the Saranac Lake Surge emerged victorious over the Malone Border Hounds, securing a 6-5 win. Right-handed pitcher Jackson Dekker earned the win for the Surge, pitching four innings despite allowing five runs and striking out three.

The decisive moment came in the second inning when the Surge erupted for five runs, setting the stage for their triumph. This offensive outburst proved to be the difference-maker in the game.

Tommy Dunleavy and Gabriel Lopez spearheaded the Surge’s offense, each contributing two hits. Barrone Porter and Justin Ayala added to the scoring with two RBIs apiece, further bolstering the Surge’s lead.

The Border Hounds mounted a spirited comeback, highlighted by Anthony Tourellas, who homered for the second consecutive game. Despite their efforts, the Border Hounds fell just short of overturning the Surge’s lead.

As the season progresses, fans can look forward to more exciting matchups and competitive play from both the Saranac Lake Surge and the Malone Border Hounds.

Article by Empire Media

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