The Dodgers and Americans traded defensive stops, base running gaffes and missed opportunities for six innings at very dry Watervliet HS field.

The Dodgers got off to a promising start when Staulters walked and a Trinchillo single put runners on the corners in the 1st. Two pop outs took the wind out of the rally and only a two-out, RBI single by Steve Schaefer saved the inning. The Americans answered with singles by Aiello and Garbarino. A solid, two-out single by Hartman gave the Americans a 2 - 1 lead. The Americans threatened again in the 3rd when Aiello, Garbarino and DeMaria all reached base. Some funky base running ensued and both Aiello and DeMaria were thrown out at the plate. Garbarino scored to give the Americans a 3 - 1 lead.

While Jim Kisselburgh kept the Dodgers' bats quiet, the Americans put Hartman, Kinellis and Wing on the bases with no outs in the bottom of the 4th. Dodgers' pitcher Mike Surin struck out the next two batters and induced a groundout to 3B to squash the rally.

In the top of the 5th, the Dodgers loaded the bases with a single by Denicola, a double by Surin and a walk to Ball. Steve Schaefer hit a long single to score two runs. Relief pitcher, Boomer Hartman dug deep to keep the score tied at 3. The Americans scrapped their way through some tough at-bats in the bottom of the 5th as DeMaria singled, Smith walked and an E-6 put Hartman on to load the bases. Again, Mike Surin used the lower part of the strike zone to induce a groundout to 3B.

Score tied 3 - 3.

With a "kissing-your-sister" tie looming over Watervliet the Dodgers bats came alive in the top of the 7th. Singles by Surin and Ball put runners on the corners with no outs. After a wild pitch, the Americans intentionally walked Schaefer to load the bases. The plan backfired as Dave Reed fouled off a series of full-count pitches then walked to bring home the go-ahead run. Joe Kosek drove a long single to left to drive in two more runs. An RBI groundout by Loffredo put the Dodgers ahead 7 - 3. The Americans used a single by Garbarino, a fielders choice and a walk to Smith to bring the potential tying run into the on-deck circle. Once again, Surin used the entire strike zone to earn a game ending K and a complete game victory.

The Dodgers .500 winning % might be short lived as we square off against the Giants tonight at the A diamond. But we weren't worrying about that as we enjoyed half priced drafts at the Black Bear!