Pioneers drop season opener 2-1
Published on May 24, 2002 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Elmira Pioneers News Release
The Pioneers lost their regular season opener to the expansion Brockton Rox 2-1 in front of a large and enthusiastic fireworks night crowd of 2,714 at Dunn Field. It was the first ever game in the history of the Rox franchise.
A pitchers duel throughout much the contest, Greg Keagle and Joey Baker smartly mixed speeds and locations to keep opposing batters off balance.
Brockton SS Saul Bustos made three spectacular plays in the field, two of which saved runs, to thwart Elmira's momentum.
Brockton 2B Carlos Rosario led the way scoring both Rox runs going 3-5 with 2 sb's.
The closest Elmira came to getting on the board early in the game came in the 3rd inning. With runners on 1st and 2nd and no outs Rod Smith hit a drive to deep center-field but was denied on a terrific leaping grab by Chris Cosbey. Osmani tagged up from 2nd base and manager Mitch Lyden waved him all the way around only to see his runner get tagged out at the plate by catcher Melvin Rosario for a double-play.
The Pioneers finally broke the drought in the bottom of the 7th inning when Norm Hutchins doubled and eventually scored on a Rafael Alvarez sacrifice fly. Elmira left the potential tying run stranded at 3rd base in the 8th inning. Then in the 9th, the Pioneers got runners on 1st and 2nd with 1 out on a Rafael Alvarez single and Sandy Vasquez walk. But Rox closer Marty Weymouth induced a Brian Jones double-play ball on a nice play by Carlos Rosario to finish the game. Jones was the only Pioneer to collect two hits on the evening.
The Pioneers homestand continues Saturday night at 7:05 on Jackals appreciation night. Members of the Elmira Jackals hockey team will be on hand before the game and will be recognized for their terrific UHL Eastern conference title. LHP Jeff Andra will toe the rubber for the Pioneers facing Rox RHP Mike Marchesano.
Canadian American League Stories from May 24, 2002
- Pioneers drop season opener 2-1 - Elmira Pioneers
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