MUCKDOGS FALL TO THE AMERICANS

Niagara Falls, NY - The Niagara Falls Americans scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning as they walked off the Batavia Muckdogs, winning 4-3. 

The Americans are now just a half game behind the Muckdogs for first place in the West Division. 

Niagara Falls got the scoring started in the bottom of the second on a sac fly off the bat of third baseman Christopher Guzaldo. That would be all they could muster versus Muckdog starter Gavin Chandler, in part thanks to a heads-up double play from first baseman Justin Espinal, who threw out Carmen Panaro attempting to tag up for third base. 

Batavia took the lead in the fourth on a pair of bases-loaded walks from Espinal and Cameron Copple. After surrendering six walks over four innings of work, Americans' starter Luke Blandino’s day was done. 

To open the fifth, Niagara Falls Carter Hall allowed a triple to Muckdog shortstop Tyler Castrataro. After Brayden Horton smacked a deep fly ball to center field, Castrataro scored to put Batavia up 3-1. 

With two on and two outs in the bottom of the fifth, Skip Martinez went to the bullpen, bringing on right-hander Luc Rising. With five strikeouts over 2.1 scoreless innings in relief, Rising has now gone 19 innings without allowing a run. 

After a scoreless eighth inning, the Americans were down to their final three outs, facing Muckdog closer Garrett Beaver in the bottom of the ninth. With one out, Niagara Falls loaded the bases, pulling Beaver from the game for left-hander Evin Hollandsworth. A wild pitch made it a 3-2 ballgame before Guzaldo lined a single into left field to win the game for Niagara Falls. 

With the loss, the Muckdogs dropped to 22-10-1 on the season, while the Americans improved to 24-13. They’ll play each other two more times this season. Niagara Falls currently leads 4-2 in the season series. 

The Muckdogs return to the diamond Wednesday, July 16th, as they go on the road to face the Newark Pilots. The game begins at 6:30 PM, with a livestream on the Batavia Muckdogs YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@bataviamuckdogsbaseball). The Muckdogs return home on Thursday, July 17th, on Thirsty Thursday. Tickets start as low as $9. To purchase tickets or learn more information, please call (585) 524-2260 or visit our website at https://www.canusamuckdogs.com/.