Yesterday, after some morning clouds and a brief shower, in what turned out to be a great baseball day at New Scotland - the 45 Royals and Pirates squared off with Jon Atwell and Travis Kline going for their respective squads on the mound. There were some interesting match-ups within the game taking place with Columbia County lawmen Gene Hallenbeck and Dave Harrison (former Sheriff) facing each other, Brad and Chris Buchan (father/son) finally getting a crack at each others team and neighbors and friends matching up for a fine baseball day.
Both teams struggled to score in the first two innings due to good pitching and defense with the Royals going hitless and singles by Lee Madsen and Jeff McCormick for the Pirates.
Royals opened up for some runs in their 3rd on doubles by Andy Hulbert and Steve Deblasiis followed with a single by Mark Finelli. Scoring again in the 4th, Royals Hallenbeck and Rick Koster pounded out singles to build the lead. Again in the 5th the Royals scored on doubles by Hulbert and Atwell with singles by Buchan, Deblasiis, Marc Fiacco, Finelli, Mal Hinman, Hallenbeck and Koster. Royals Atwell went 4 good innings for the win with Bill Farrell closing out the game for a save. Royals move to 12-2.
Loyal fans, Mr. and Mrs. Atwell, kept the bell ringing for their team throughout the game and their support for the league is always welcome.
Pirates finished out the game with a single by Buchan. Kline, whose father Tom Kline was an outstanding player at St Lawrence and in the Twilight League, went the distance for the Pirates, showed skills and some real grit on the mound and will be a force to be reckoned with in the future. For a first year team, the Pirates are still coming together, playing well, building for the future and expected to be right in the mix in the coming years. Good luck for the remainder of the season.
