Saugerties Stallions Jump Out Early, Hold Off Utica Blue Sox for 9-5 Win at Cantine Field

The Saugerties Stallions surged to a five-run lead in the first inning and never looked back, holding off a late push from the Utica Blue Sox to secure a 9-5 victory on July 20 at Cantine Field in PGCBL action.

Saugerties wasted no time establishing control, sending nine batters to the plate in the bottom of the first. After Cooper Schmidt led off with a single and came around to score on Steven Ramirez’s RBI single, the Stallions loaded the bases for Danny Surowiec. Surowiec delivered the game’s biggest blow, launching a grand slam over the left field fence to give Saugerties a commanding 5-0 lead before Utica had even recorded the second out.

Utica’s starter, Jordan Ake, struggled with command early, issuing five walks and surrendering five hits over 4.1 innings. The Stallions’ early outburst proved decisive, as they maintained at least a two-run cushion the rest of the way.

Stallions Build Early Lead, Withstand Blue Sox Rally

After the explosive first inning, both teams settled in until the fifth, when Utica finally broke through against Saugerties starter Matt Murtagh. The Blue Sox plated three runs in the top of the fifth, beginning with an RBI single from RJ Thomae that scored Anthony Perritano. Ethan Madison followed with a fielder’s choice to bring in another run, and Xavier Smith crossed the plate on a Saugerties error to cut the deficit to 5-3.

Saugerties responded immediately in the bottom half of the fifth. Jack Beyl led off with a single, and after advancing on a walk and a fielder’s choice, he scored on a sacrifice fly to center by Aiden Schmidt, pushing the Stallions’ lead to 6-3.

The Stallions tacked on another run in the sixth when Danny Surowiec worked a walk, advanced on a wild pitch, and scored on a sharp infield single by Mike Cuello.

Utica continued to chip away, scoring an unearned run in the top of the eighth. Kevin Francella reached on an error and eventually came home on a groundout by Anthony Perritano, narrowing the margin to 7-4.

However, Saugerties put the game out of reach in the bottom of the eighth. Nick Croce and Steven Ramirez reached base and both scored on a two-run double to right center by Christian Bernardini, giving the Stallions a 9-4 advantage.

Utica managed one final run in the ninth, as RJ Thomae walked and later scored on a bases-loaded walk drawn by Ethan Madison, but reliever Lucas Vargo closed the door to seal the win for Saugerties.

Offensive Standouts

Danny Surowiec’s first-inning grand slam was the offensive highlight of the night. Surowiec finished 1-for-3 with two runs scored, four RBIs, and a walk. Steven Ramirez also sparked the Stallions’ offense, reaching base three times, scoring twice, and driving in a run with a 2-for-3 performance.

Nick Croce contributed with a hit, two runs scored, and two walks, while Christian Bernardini delivered the key insurance blow with his two-run double in the eighth. Mike Cuello added a run-scoring single in the sixth and drew two walks.

For Utica, Xavier Smith and Conor McCartney each collected two hits, with Smith scoring once and McCartney reaching base twice. RJ Thomae was involved in much of the Blue Sox scoring, going 1-for-3 with two runs and an RBI. Ethan Madison drove in two runs despite not recording a hit, drawing a walk and reaching on a fielder’s choice.

Pitching and Defense

Matt Murtagh earned the win for Saugerties, working five innings and allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits, striking out two and walking one. Merric Hunt provided three strong innings of relief, giving up just two hits and one unearned run while striking out five. Lucas Vargo finished the game, allowing a run on two hits in the ninth.

Utica’s pitching staff struggled to contain the Stallions’ lineup, particularly in the early innings. Jordan Ake took the loss, charged with six earned runs over 4.1 innings. Wes Maskimow and Aiden Green combined for 3.2 innings in relief, allowing three runs on four hits.

Defensively, Saugerties committed four errors, which contributed to two unearned runs for Utica, but the Stallions’ pitching staff limited the damage and stranded several Blue Sox runners in scoring position.

Late Insurance Seals the Win

Despite Utica’s late attempts to rally, Saugerties’ early offensive eruption and timely insurance runs in the fifth, sixth, and eighth innings kept the game out of reach. The Stallions matched the Blue Sox with nine hits apiece but capitalized on their opportunities, drawing eight walks and converting with runners on base.

With the win, Saugerties protected their home field at Cantine Field and continued their strong play in the PGCBL season.

Box Score Notes

• Final Score: Saugerties Stallions 9, Utica Blue Sox 5
• Hits: Both teams recorded 9 hits; Saugerties drew 8 walks to Utica’s 2.
• Errors: Saugerties committed 4 errors; Utica played error-free defense.
• Key Hitters – Saugerties:
  • Danny Surowiec: 1-for-3, grand slam (4 RBI), 2 runs, 1 BB
  • Steven Ramirez: 2-for-3, 2 runs, 1 RBI, 1 BB
  • Christian Bernardini: 1-for-4, 2 RBI double
  • Nick Croce: 1-for-2, 2 runs, 2 BB
• Key Hitters – Utica:
  • Xavier Smith: 2-for-4, 1 run
  • Conor McCartney: 2-for-4
  • RJ Thomae: 1-for-3, 2 runs, 1 RBI
• Pitching – Saugerties:
  • Matt Murtagh (W): 5.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R (2 ER), 2 SO, 1 BB
  • Merric Hunt: 3.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R (0 ER), 5 SO
  • Lucas Vargo: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 SO
• Pitching – Utica:
  • Jordan Ake (L): 4.1 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 5 BB, 2 SO
  • Wes Maskimow: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 4 SO
  • Aiden Green: 1.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 SO

Saugerties scored five in the first and never trailed, holding off Utica’s late push to claim the 9-5 victory.