Nick Croce Drives in Seven as Saugerties Stallions Surge Past Oneonta Outlaws, 11-5

The Saugerties Stallions used a late offensive surge and a record-setting night from Nick Croce to defeat the Oneonta Outlaws 11-5 on Wednesday night at Oneonta in Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League action. Croce drove in seven runs, highlighted by a three-run triple in the sixth and a three-run homer in the ninth, as the Stallions overcame a mid-game deficit to pull away for the win.

Saugerties jumped out to an early lead, scoring twice in the top of the first inning. Aiden Schmidt led off with a walk and came around to score on a single by Steven Ramirez. After Danny Surowiec walked, Croce delivered an RBI single to left, plating Ramirez and giving the Stallions a 2-0 advantage.

Oneonta responded in the third, tying the game at 2-2. Alex Venezia started the rally with a single and scored on a base hit by Nolan Stark. Vincent Duffy advanced to third on the play and later scored on Stark’s stolen base, knotting the contest.

The Stallions briefly reclaimed the lead in the fourth when Danny Surowiec reached on a walk and scored on a single by Anthony Depetro. But Oneonta answered with a three-run fifth inning. Matthew Mayer’s two-run single put the Outlaws ahead 4-3, and Fabio Marquez followed with an RBI single to left, extending the lead to 5-3.

From there, Saugerties’ offense took control. In the top of the sixth, the Stallions loaded the bases for Croce, who smashed a triple to left-center, clearing the bases and putting Saugerties back on top, 6-5. The Stallions added two more runs in the seventh. Michael Lebenson singled and scored on a base hit by Schmidt, who then crossed the plate on a sacrifice fly by Surowiec, stretching the lead to 8-5.

The Stallions put the game out of reach in the ninth. After Surowiec and Ramirez reached base, Croce capped his outstanding night with a three-run home run to left field, giving Saugerties an 11-5 cushion.

Croce finished the night 3-for-3 with a triple, a home run, two singles, two walks, one run scored, and a remarkable seven RBIs. Ramirez contributed two hits, three runs scored, and an RBI, while Schmidt added a hit, two runs, an RBI, and a walk. Lebenson also chipped in with two hits and a run scored.

On the mound, Saugerties used four pitchers to navigate the Outlaws’ lineup. Starter Matthew Drillings set the tone with two scoreless innings, striking out three and allowing no hits. Carson Lietz was touched up for five runs on seven hits in 2.2 innings, but Caleb Swart and Merric Hunt combined for 4.1 shutout frames to close out the win. Swart allowed just two hits in 2.1 innings, and Hunt struck out four over two hitless innings to seal the victory.

For Oneonta, Owen Balleau led the offense with three hits and a run scored. Venezia added two hits and scored twice, while Mayer drove in two runs. The Outlaws’ offense was limited to nine hits and was held scoreless over the final four innings.

Oneonta starter Zachary Rowe worked five innings, giving up six runs on six hits and six walks. Bruce Mistler pitched the final four innings, allowing five runs (four earned) on six hits and six walks.

Both teams committed one error, but Saugerties capitalized on their opportunities, drawing 13 walks and converting them into runs in key spots.

With the win, Saugerties scored in six different innings and erased a two-run deficit with eight unanswered runs over the final four frames. The Stallions’ offense was anchored by Croce’s clutch hitting, as he drove in runs in the first, sixth, and ninth innings.

The Outlaws threatened in the middle innings but were unable to generate offense against the Stallions’ bullpen, which allowed just two hits and no runs after the fifth.

Saugerties improves its standing with a convincing road win, while Oneonta will look to regroup after surrendering 11 runs on 12 hits.

Box Score Notes

Final Score: Saugerties Stallions 11, Oneonta Outlaws 5
Team Totals: Saugerties 11 R, 12 H, 1 E; Oneonta 5 R, 9 H, 1 E
Nick Croce (Saugerties): 3-for-3, 7 RBI, triple, home run, 2 walks, 1 run
Steven Ramirez (Saugerties): 2-for-4, 3 runs, 1 RBI, 1 walk
Aiden Schmidt (Saugerties): 1-for-3, 2 runs, 1 RBI, 1 walk
Danny Surowiec (Saugerties): 3 runs, 1 RBI, 2 walks, 0 AB (reached base four times)
Michael Lebenson (Saugerties): 2-for-5, 1 run
Matthew Drillings (Saugerties): 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 SO (starter)
Caleb Swart & Merric Hunt (Saugerties): Combined 4.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 5 SO
Owen Balleau (Oneonta): 3-for-4, 1 run
Alex Venezia (Oneonta): 2-for-3, 2 runs
Matthew Mayer (Oneonta): 1-for-3, 2 RBI, 1 run
Key Innings: Saugerties scored 3 in the 6th to take the lead, 2 in the 7th, and 3 in the 9th to pull away