TUPPER LAKE, NY – The Plattsburgh Thunderbirds have been defeated by the Saranac Lake Surge in 5 games to bring home the 2021 Empire League Championship to the city of Saranac Lake, NY for the first time in Franchise History.

The Thunderbirds barely made the final Wild Card spot in the Playoffs in which they would defeat the Tupper Lake Riverpigs in an intense 7-6 final score to advance to the finals against the Saranac Lake Surge. Alex Rodriguez crushed a 3-run homer to take a 6-3 lead over the Riverpigs late in the game which would end up being the winning runs and shattering the Riverpigs dreams of winning a championship in year 1.

The Saranac Lake Surge defeated the Thunderbirds  in Game one by a score of 5-4 in  another intense game where starter Jhoendri Herrera who topped out at 95 mph got the no decision and Jessell Soto earned the victory as he came in to relief with Corey Steward earning the save. Alex Rodriguez would crush a second clutch RBI single to score 2 runs. Liam McArthur went 3 for 4. Cory Alexander would go 2 for 4 scoring 2 runs in the game for the Saranac Lake Surge while Brandon Gutzler went a perfect 3 for 3.

In Game two, The Thunderbirds made history as they scored 5 runs in the bottom of the 8th inning win by the score of 9-8. The comeback against the Surge was the biggest  in League finals history. Tj Riles and Kyle Robinson both homered for the Surge but wasn’t enough as Hanley Acevedo also homered for the Thunderbirds to get the team fired up for the comeback.  Manager Sam Quinn of the Thunderbirds was ejected in the third inning for arguing balls and strikes, and Surge Outfielder TJ Riles was also ejected for arguing balls and strikes

In Game three, Sora Sakashita of the Surge faced Wirliel Rangel of the Thunderbirds in a pitchers duel. The Game ended 3-1 after a huge 2 out single by Thunderbirds catcher Alex Rodriguez to score 2 runs. The Surge scored their only run in the 8th inning when Edel Luaces scored on a wild pitch. Thunderbirds would take a (2-1) series lead.

Game four would bring the series to a Winner Take All Game 5 as the Surge jumped all over the Thunderbirds defeating them by a score of 7-2. Jessel Soto was phenomenal in this one going the distance and earning the win!

Game five crowned The Saranac Lake Surge champions as the Surge defeated the Thunderbirds 3-0. Jessel Soto was named Empire League Finals MVP.

Article by Empire Media

Tupper Lake, NY – The Plattsburgh Thunderbirds defeated the Tupper Lake Riverpigs by a score of 6-5 in a wild card single elimination game.

Thunderbirds took an early 3-0 lead over the Riverpigs in a game that send Korean Pitcher Sungmin Choi to face Thunderbirds Ace Jhoendri Hererra whos throwing 95mph.

Riverpigs would chip away to tie the game in the 6th inning at 3 with clutch hitting by Edward Salcedo.

In the 7th inning however, Thunderbirds catcher Alex Rodriguez would crush a 3-run daggering Home Run to give the Tbirds a 3 run lead.

But the Riverpigs were not done yet, as Salcedo would help get things going once again driving in a 4th run and following him was Drew Thomas who hit a clutch 2 out single to right field to score two runs and tie the game at 6.

Tbirds would add on one more run in the top of the 9th with a single by Richard Miller and the Riverpigs just couldn’t get one across in the 9th .

Plattsburgh advances to the Empire League Finals where they will face the Saranac Lake Surge in a best of 5 series startiing tomorrow through Monday. All Games are at 6:35pm

You can purchase tickets at the gate or watch live at Empireproleague.com and clicking on Live Games link.

Article by Empire Media

LYON MOUNTAIN, NY – The Plattsburgh Thunderbirds clinched the 3rd and final spot in the Empire League Playoffs. What does this mean? That means the Plattsburgh Thunderbirds and Tupper Lake Riverpigs will face off for a one game elimination playoff on August 4th at 7pm in Tupper Lake. The winner of the wild card spot will advance to the 2021 Empire League Finals. First game of the Zacari Cup Finals will be on August 5th at 6:35pm. Article by Empire Media

TUPPER LAKE, NY – The Tupper Lake Riverpigs officially clinched the 2nd seed in the Empire League playoffs. With defeating the New Hampshire Wild in the 1st game of the final regular season series. But New Hampshire Wild would spoil the 1st seed for the Riverpigs as they defeated the Pigs in the final 2 games of the season. What does this mean? That means the Surge will automatically advance to the Empire League Zacari Cup Finals versus the winner of the Plattsburgh Thunderbirds and Tupper Lake Riverpigs who will face off for a one game elimination playoff on August 4th at 7pm in Tupper Lake. First game of the Zacari Cup Finals will be on August 5th at 6:35pm Tickets for all playoff games are $10 Grand Stands and $5 Regular Admission seating. Article by Empire Media

TUPPER LAKE, NY –  The Saranac Lake Surge sweep a double header in Lyon Mountain versus the 3rd place Plattsburgh Thunderbirds to  finish at the top of the standings.

With Tupper Lake losing one game to the New Hampshire Wild, The Surge separated themselves as the leaders of the Empire League and have won the Pennant.

What does this mean? That means the Surge will automatically advance to the Empire League Zacari Cup Finals versus the winner of the Plattsburgh Thunderbirds and Tupper Lake Riverpigs who will face off for a one game elimination playoff on August 4th at 7pm in Tupper Lake.

First game of the Zacari Cup Finals will be on August 5th at 6:35pm

Article by Empire Media