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Saratoga Springs vs. Guilderland: Game Recap

April 30, 2015

Dan Cevette
Director, New York

Bobby Krogh
Capital Region Scout

Guilderland 6 - Saratoga 4

Saratoga Springs vs. Guilderland was every bit enjoyable as any game we have seen this year.  Great pitching, timely hitting, lead changes and a go ahead home-run.  The Blue Streaks came within striking distance in their final at bat, but the Dutchmen's closer Matthew Pierce (Siena) was too tough.  The win for Guilderland snapped Toga's eight game win streak, as they improved to 9-4 on the season.

The Dutchmen's offense was led by their 3 hitter, Andrew Blair.  Blair went 3-3 on the day with a single in the 1st, a triple in the 3rd, and the go ahead two run homer in the fifth.

Winning pitcher and Bucknell University commit Jack Grabek was impressive in his six innings of work.  In the 110 pitch effort, Grabek struck out nine and only walked one. Scattering eight hits with a mid 80's fastball.  Grabek also added a triple and an RBI at the plate.

Guilderland was on top for most of the game, but Saratoga's Zach Stacey doubled to left starting a late two-out-rally in the top of the fifth.  After a short mound visit, Lead-off hitter Nick Kondo legged out an infield single to bring runners to the corners, and Jake Fauler to the plate.  Fauler, who was 2-4 on the day collected his second hit, an infield single up the middle scoring Stacey.  With runners on 2nd and 3rd, starting pitcher Jack Herman stepped to the plate.  Herman and Grabek battled in previous at bats, but Herman would win this one, doubling to deep center, scoring Kondo and Fauler on the 1-2 pitch.  Grabek buckeled down and got the third out, but Saratoga led the Dutchmen 3-2.

In the bottom half, Guilderland's Ryan Cullam stepped to the plate.  Cullam would be hit on a 3-0 pitch, and advance to 2nd on a sac bunt by Guilderland lead-off hitter Brandon Das.  Starting pitcher Jack Grabek stepped in the box, looking to help his cause, and he delivered.  Grabek tripled deep to right center, scoring Casey Chase (who was in to pitch run) and tie the game at three.  Three pitches later, the Dutchmen would regain the lead.  It's not often you see line drive homers, let alone no doubters, but utility man Andrew Blair did just that.  The two run homerun, which possibly wasn't more than 18 feet off the ground, gave Guilderland the lead, and most importantly the momentum for the next inning and a half.

Both teams would add another run, but the damage was done.  RHP Matt Pierce came in for the save, and although Saratoga battled, Pierce recorded two strikeouts for the Guilderland win.

PBR's take
Guilderland and Saratoga are very evenly match.  They both have several starting pitchers who are able to go deep into games. Both teams are very athletic, and well coached.  Both pitchers probably threw an additional 10-15 pitches because of a very tight strike zone.  Although Saratoga out hit their opponents, timely hitting is what put Guilderland on top today.

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