SAUGERTIES, N.Y. — The Saugerties Stallions erased a three-run deficit with a four-run fifth inning, then held on late to defeat the Boonville Lumberjacks, 5-4, in a tightly contested PGCBL matchup Friday evening at Cantine Field.

Trailing 4-1 heading into the bottom of the fifth, the Stallions strung together four hits, a walk, and a timely groundout to seize the lead for good. Saugerties’ bullpen then shut down Boonville over the final two innings, preserving the comeback victory and improving the Stallions’ record in front of their home crowd.

Boonville Strikes Early

The Lumberjacks wasted no time getting on the board, scoring in each of the first three innings. In the top of the first, Jihad Guy led off with a single and came around to score on Michael Clarkson’s RBI single to left field, giving Boonville a 1-0 lead.

Boonville extended its advantage in the second. Zeb Swangim reached base and advanced to third before scoring on an error by the Saugerties shortstop during a fielder’s choice off the bat of Seth Bischoff. The run was unearned, but it gave the Lumberjacks a 2-0 cushion.

In the third, Argenis Lopez drew a walk and later scored when Masai Marshall reached on an error by the center fielder, pushing Boonville’s lead to 3-0.

Stallions Begin the Climb

Saugerties answered in the bottom of the third when Michael Hanna launched a solo home run, cutting the deficit to 3-1. The Stallions, however, were unable to capitalize further against Boonville starter Kanious Davis, who limited Saugerties to just one hit over four innings.

Boonville tacked on another run in the top of the fifth. Marcus Smith worked a walk and came around to score on Carson Beattie’s RBI single to center, giving the Lumberjacks what seemed to be a comfortable 4-1 lead.

Explosive Fifth Inning Turns the Tide

The Stallions’ offense came alive in the bottom of the fifth, chasing Davis from the mound and taking advantage of reliever Spencer Biggerstaff. Magnus Krieger led off with a single, and Jack Beyl followed by drawing a walk. Michael Lebenson then singled to center, scoring Krieger and moving Beyl to third.

Michael Hanna continued his productive night by grounding out to second, allowing Beyl to score and cutting the deficit to 4-3. With Lebenson on second, Danny Suroweic singled to right, bringing in Lebenson for the tying run.

Saugerties loaded the bases later in the inning, and Nick Croce drew a four-pitch walk to force home Suroweic, giving the Stallions their first lead of the game at 5-4.

Bullpen Shuts the Door

After taking the lead, the Stallions turned to their bullpen to keep the Lumberjacks at bay. Angel Paulino pitched 2.1 innings, allowing just one run on three hits, and Lucas Vargo came on to record the final six outs. Vargo was dominant, striking out four over two perfect innings to secure the victory.

Boonville managed just four hits on the night and was held scoreless over the final two frames. Despite taking advantage of Saugerties’ two errors and jumping out to an early lead, the Lumberjacks could not muster a late rally.

Notable Performances

Michael Hanna powered the Stallions’ offense, finishing 1-for-3 with a home run, two RBIs, and a walk. Michael Lebenson contributed with a 1-for-2 night, scoring once and driving in a run during the pivotal fifth inning. Danny Suroweic chipped in with a hit, run, and RBI, while Nick Croce drew a key bases-loaded walk.

For Boonville, Michael Clarkson went 1-for-3 with an RBI and a walk. Carson Beattie added an RBI single, and Jihad Guy reached base twice and scored a run.

On the mound, Saugerties’ bullpen trio of Merric Hunt, Angel Paulino, and Lucas Vargo combined for 6.1 innings, allowing just one earned run and striking out six. Vargo was particularly effective, retiring all six batters he faced and striking out four.

Kanious Davis was solid for Boonville, allowing just one run on one hit over four innings, but the bullpen could not hold the lead as Biggerstaff surrendered four runs in two innings of relief.

Game Summary

The Stallions’ resilience was the difference, as they overcame early defensive miscues and a three-run deficit to notch an important home win. Saugerties’ bullpen held firm after the offense delivered a decisive fifth-inning rally, and the Stallions closed out the game without allowing a hit over the final two innings.

Box Score Notes

Final: Saugerties Stallions 5, Boonville Lumberjacks 4
Runs/Hits/Errors: Boonville 4 R, 4 H, 0 E; Saugerties 5 R, 6 H, 2 E
Key hitters — Saugerties: Michael Hanna (1-for-3, HR, 2 RBI, BB), Michael Lebenson (1-for-2, RBI, R), Danny Suroweic (1-for-3, RBI, R), Nick Croce (0-for-2, RBI, BB)
Key hitters — Boonville: Michael Clarkson (1-for-3, RBI, BB), Carson Beattie (1-for-3, RBI), Jihad Guy (1-for-3, R, BB)
Pitching — Saugerties: Lucas Vargo (2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 4 SO), Angel Paulino (2.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R), Merric Hunt (2.0 IP, 0 H, 2 R, 0 ER)
Pitching — Boonville: Kanious Davis (4.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 4 BB, 3 SO), Spencer Biggerstaff (2.0 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 1 SO)
Turning point: Saugerties scored four runs in the fifth inning to erase a 4-1 deficit and take the lead for good.
Defensive notes: Saugerties committed two errors, leading to two unearned runs for Boonville.

The Stallions return to action at Cantine Field looking to build on their comeback win, while the Lumberjacks will seek to regroup after letting an early lead slip away.