2026-06-26

Utica Blue Sox Blank Saugerties Stallions 5-0 Behind John Rigas’ Complete-Game Shutout

The Utica Blue Sox rode a dominant complete-game shutout from John Rigas and took advantage of early scoring opportunities to defeat the Saugerties Stallions 5-0 on Wednesday night at Donovan Stadium.

Utica (home) jumped out to a quick lead, scoring three runs in the bottom of the first inning and never looked back, while Rigas silenced the Saugerties bats over seven innings, scattering five hits and striking out seven.

Blue Sox Set the Tone Early

The Blue Sox wasted little time getting on the board. In the bottom of the first, Michael Flashner led off with a single and came around to score the game’s opening run when Anthony Perritano drew a bases-loaded walk. Moments later, Justin Levine scored on a wild pitch, and Xavier Smith crossed the plate on an RBI single by Ethan Madison, giving Utica a 3-0 advantage before Saugerties could record the third out.

Utica continued to apply pressure in the second inning. Michael Flashner again sparked the offense with a one-out single, later scoring on a double by Xavier Smith to extend the lead to 4-0.

In the fourth, the Blue Sox capitalized on another Saugerties miscue. After Boden Fernsler advanced to third on a wild pitch, Ethan Madison scored on a subsequent wild pitch, pushing the margin to 5-0.

Rigas Shuts Down Stallions’ Offense

While the Blue Sox built their lead, John Rigas was in command on the mound. The right-hander tossed a complete-game seven-inning shutout, allowing just five hits and three walks while striking out seven. Rigas worked efficiently, throwing 103 pitches and stranding Saugerties baserunners throughout the night. The Stallions managed to get multiple runners on base in the third and sixth innings but were unable to break through, as Rigas induced timely outs and preserved the shutout.

Stallions’ Bats Held in Check

Saugerties struggled to generate consistent offense against Rigas. Michael Hannah, Jack Beyl, Drew Freeman, Magnus Krieger, and Michael Lebenson each collected one hit, but the Stallions failed to string together hits in any inning. Danny Suroweic reached base twice via walks, but Saugerties left seven runners on base and struck out seven times.

Utica’s Balanced Attack

The Blue Sox offense was paced by Michael Flashner, who went 2-for-3 with two runs scored. Ethan Madison also contributed a 2-for-3 night with an RBI and a run scored. Xavier Smith reached base twice, drove in a run, and scored once, while Anthony Perritano chipped in with an RBI single and a walk. Utica’s lineup drew five walks and capitalized on three wild pitches and a Saugerties error to manufacture runs.

Stallions’ Pitching

Ryan Mayer started for Saugerties and worked three innings, allowing four runs (all earned) on five hits and three walks, striking out six. Cole Mackin followed with an inning of relief, surrendering one run on one hit and a walk. Jake O’Connor and Angel Paulino each pitched a scoreless inning to close out the game, combining for two strikeouts and just one hit allowed.

Defensive Notes

Saugerties was charged with one error, while Utica played error-free defense behind Rigas. The Stallions’ pitchers struggled with control at times, issuing five walks and four wild pitches, which led directly to two Utica runs.

Game Wrap-Up

Utica’s early offensive surge and John Rigas’ complete-game shutout proved too much for Saugerties to overcome. The Blue Sox scored in three of the first four innings and kept the Stallions off the scoreboard to secure the 5-0 victory.

Box Score Notes

  • Final Score: Utica Blue Sox 5, Saugerties Stallions 0
  • Utica Blue Sox: 5 runs, 7 hits, 0 errors
    • Michael Flashner: 2-for-3, 2 runs
    • Ethan Madison: 2-for-3, 1 RBI, 1 run
    • Xavier Smith: 1-for-2, 1 RBI, 1 run, 1 double
    • Anthony Perritano: 1-for-2, 1 RBI, 1 walk
  • Saugerties Stallions: 0 runs, 5 hits, 1 error
    • Hits by Michael Hannah, Jack Beyl, Drew Freeman, Magnus Krieger, Michael Lebenson
  • Pitching:
    • John Rigas (Utica): 7.0 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 7 SO (Complete-game shutout)
    • Ryan Mayer (Saugerties): 3.0 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 6 SO
    • Cole Mackin, Jake O’Connor, Angel Paulino combined for 3.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 2 SO
  • Key Scoring Plays:
    • 1st inning: Utica scored 3 runs on a walk, wild pitch, and RBI single
    • 2nd inning: Xavier Smith RBI double
    • 4th inning: Ethan Madison scored on a wild pitch

Utica’s win moves them forward as Saugerties looks to regroup after being held scoreless.