Utica Blue Sox Rally Late to Edge Saugerties Stallions, 3-2

The Utica Blue Sox capitalized on a costly seventh-inning error to rally past the Saugerties Stallions, 3-2, in a tightly contested PGCBL matchup on June 26 at Donovan Stadium. Despite leading for much of the game, the Stallions were unable to hold off Utica’s late surge, as two unearned runs in the bottom of the seventh proved decisive.

Saugerties took an early lead and appeared poised to secure a road win behind strong pitching from Nicholas Ballard, but Utica’s persistence paid off in the final frame. The Stallions committed two errors in the game, with the final miscue opening the door for the Blue Sox to complete their comeback and hand Saugerties a tough loss.

Stallions Strike First, Blue Sox Answer

The scoring began in the top of the second inning when Danny Suroweic drew a walk and later came around to score on a double by Anthony Depetro. Depetro’s RBI two-bagger gave Saugerties a 1-0 lead, providing early momentum for the visitors.

Utica answered in the bottom of the fourth. Anthony Perritano stepped to the plate and delivered a solo home run, evening the score at 1-1 and energizing the home crowd. The blast was one of only four hits allowed by Stallions pitching on the night.

Saugerties reclaimed the lead in the top of the fifth. Drew Freeman singled and advanced on a walk to Magnus Krieger. With two on, Alex Slater lined a single to drive in Freeman, putting the Stallions ahead 2-1. Krieger moved up to second on the play, but the Stallions were unable to add more, stranding runners as the inning ended.

Pitching Duel Keeps Game Tight

Both teams received strong performances from their starting pitchers. Nicholas Ballard was in command for Saugerties, working 5.2 innings and allowing just one run on three hits while striking out seven without issuing a walk. Ballard kept the Blue Sox off balance, surrendering only Perritano’s home run before turning the ball over to the bullpen.

Brandon Peterson started for Utica and kept his team within striking distance, going 4.1 innings and giving up two runs on five hits. He was followed by Wes Maskimow, who tossed 2.2 scoreless innings in relief, allowing just two hits and three walks to keep the Stallions’ bats quiet over the final frames.

Seventh-Inning Error Turns the Tide

The decisive moment came in the bottom of the seventh. With Saugerties clinging to a 2-1 lead, Merric Hunt took the mound in relief. After a leadoff single by Justin Levine and a walk to RJ Thomae, Jack Sweeney reached on an error by shortstop Steven Ramirez, loading the bases. With the pressure on, Hunt induced a ground ball, but another defensive miscue allowed both Jack Sweeney and Anthony Perritano to score. Both runs were unearned, giving Utica a 3-2 advantage.

Saugerties was unable to mount a comeback in the top of the seventh, as Maskimow closed out the game for the Blue Sox. The Stallions stranded seven runners over seven innings and were held scoreless after the fifth.

Offensive Leaders

Anthony Depetro and Alex Slater provided the RBIs for Saugerties, each driving in a run with a hit. Magnus Krieger reached base three times, collecting a hit and drawing two walks, while Drew Freeman contributed a run and a hit from the catcher’s spot. The Stallions finished with seven hits, but timely defense and pitching from Utica kept them from breaking the game open.

For Utica, Anthony Perritano was the offensive standout, going 2-for-3 with a home run, two runs scored, and an RBI. Justin Levine added a single and scored the tying run in the seventh. The Blue Sox managed just four hits, but capitalized on Saugerties’ defensive lapses to secure the win.

Pitching and Defensive Notes

Nicholas Ballard’s effort on the mound gave Saugerties a chance to win, as he struck out seven and allowed only one earned run in 5.2 innings. Merric Hunt was charged with the loss after yielding two unearned runs in his lone inning of work, despite striking out two.

Utica’s pitching staff combined to limit the Stallions to two runs, with Brandon Peterson and Wes Maskimow scattering seven hits and five walks while recording three strikeouts. Maskimow earned the win in relief, shutting down Saugerties over the final 2.2 innings.

Defensively, the Stallions’ two errors proved costly, directly leading to the Blue Sox’s game-winning rally. Utica played error-free baseball, which proved crucial in a one-run contest.

Closing

The Saugerties Stallions fell to the Utica Blue Sox, 3-2, after a late defensive lapse allowed two unearned runs in the seventh inning. Saugerties outhit Utica 7-4 and received a strong start from Nicholas Ballard, but could not overcome the late rally. The Stallions will look to bounce back in their next contest, while Utica celebrates a comeback win at home.