Gametime 7PM on August 1st

Waiting for August Baseball

Power forced to wait one more day for chance to punch ticket to NYCBL Championship Series

Niagara made what they hoped to be a final journey to Geneva's historic McDonough Park Tuesday Night, only to be turned away by rain. The Power, after making sure the team's most historic season would be extended into August with a walk-off win in Monday night's series opener, will be forced to wait until 7:00pm Wednesday for Game Two of the three game Division Championship matchup vs the Twins.

The Syracuse Jr. Chiefs and Geneva Red Wings were in the middle innings of Game Two of the Eastern Division Championship Series, also being played at McDonough Park, when the skies opened up. Syracuse leads the series 1-0, and the game 13-6, as they attempt to close out the other Geneva based team in the NYCBL's final four.  If weather holds, play will resume with the completion of the Eastern Division game at 3:00 pm before Niagara and the Geneva Twins battle it out in the nightcap.

Niagara is assured of at least one August playoff game at Sal Maglie Stadium. If the Twins even the series with a win in the re-scheduled contest, Game Three would be played on the shores of Hyde Park Lake at 7:00pm on Thursday. Should Niagara advance, they will host at least one League Championship Series game.

The Power will send Jonathan Knapp to the hill on Wednesday in an attempt to close out the second round and reach the first Championship Series in franchise history. 

Game 3 Tomorrow at 7pm...Sal Maglie Stadium

Playoffs Tonight!!!

The 2012 NYCBL Playoffs Begin Tonight @ Sal Maglie Stadium

It will truly be a historic moment as tonight marks the first home playoff game in franchise history!!!

Stephen Becham will be on the mound for the Power in Game 1 of the three game series vs Western Division rival Olean

First Pitch of the Post-Season opener is set for 7pm. All home playoff games will be broadcast Live on the Patterson Sports Network.

Niagara secures #2 Seed, Home Field in Round One

In a season where nothing has come easy, The Niagara Power’s post-season fate was fittingly not decided until the very last regular season pitch. The Power held on to defeat division rival Olean 8-7 in a playoff primer Wednesday night. With the victory, Niagara secured second place in the West and home field advantage for the first round of the New York Collegiate Baseball League Playoffs.

The game saw Niagara build a 7-1 lead in the middle innings, before pushing an eighth and final run across in the top of 7th inning. It proved to be the game winner. Power head coach Garet Shivley used nine pitchers, while his offense used the same number of hits to secure the win. Every spot in the Niagara order again contributed to another trademark “team win.” 

It become clear very early that the return of Shakeel Newton to the lineup created a positive spark for the club. He would score the Power’s first run in the game’s opening inning. Newton, who had been away from the team due to a death in the family, ended the day 2 for 3 with 3 RBI’s and 2 Runs scored. 

After the Oilers pulled close in the late innings, there were tense moments for Power bullpen. The relief crew saw the tying and go-ahead runs come to the plate in each of the final three innings. In typical Power fashion they were each able to do just enough to survive. 

In the end it came down to a battle between Niagara’s hard throwing closer Scott Voyles and the heart of an explosive Olean order. After retiring the NYCBL’s triple crown winner and Homerun Derby champion Jon Kemmer on a groundout, Voyles struck out Power nemesis Brad Rush looking. When the dust settled, a ground ball to third base off the bat of pinch-hitter Michael Booth preserved the victory.

The marquee win was yet another snapshot in the photo album of historic moments for the franchise this summer. A Power team which hosted the League’s All-Star Game and secured the first home playoff game in its history, also rilled off a team record nine straight wins across the last two weeks. The Boys in Blue finished a most memorable 2012 campaign by winning 12 of their final 14 games, including a 11-1 mark after the break . 

With the arrival of the playoffs, the chance to make a lasting mark in league history is right around the corner. Thanks to Wednesday’s defeat of Olean, that final leg of the journey will begin at the Barber Shop.  

The Power open the playoffs Friday night at Sal Maglie Stadium. These same two teams will square off for the ninth time this summer. The Opening Pitch of the 2012 post-season is scheduled for 7pm.

Tonight's Lineup vs Olean...

Kiesel   SS
Newton  LF
Lynch 1B
Schweigert 3B
Taylor RF
Linne DH
DeCook CF
Jordan C
Hammel 2B

Schwartz P

The Battle for Playoff Seeding...

Tonight's game decides Second Place in the NYCBL West!

It's that simple...

If Niagara wins they would finish the season 24-16, leaving Olean 22-18

If Olean wins, both teams would finish 23-17...They will also then have gone 4-4 head to head.
The next level NYCBL tie-breaker is record vs Division Champion...Olean holds this tiebreaker.

THESE SAME TWO TEAMS WILL FACE OFF IN ROUND ONE OF THE PLAYOFFS
Round One will consist of a 3 Game Series to be played Friday, Saturday and Sunday (if necessary)

How important is home field in the series?
The #2 Seed will host Game 1 (Friday) and Game 3 (Sunday) (If Necessary)

Pennant Race Baseball tonight in Olean...First Pitch 5:00PM
Not only is it a playoff preview, it is for home field advantage!!!

Power Clinch Playoff Berth!!!

The Niagara Power baseball team punched a ticket to the 2012 post-season on Tuesday night with a 8-5 victory on the road in Wellsville. In the season’s final meeting between the two clubs, Niagara (20-15, 19-15 NYCBL) made sure that the Nitros (13-21), a team still pursuing one of the four coveted Western Division playoff berths, would be unable to catch them with only six games remaining for each team.

In a game which felt like a microcosm of the entire season, Niagara showed scoring potential from the start, but trailed early after surrendering a Grand Slam with two outs in the bottom of the 1st. The team then came to life, battling back on the mound, and overcoming adversity offensively. When two attempts at stealing home failed on very close plays to end both the 3rd and 4th innings, the Power simply responded with a five run 5th to take a 7-4 lead. They never looked back. In the end The Boys in Blue secured a historic victory for the franchise.

The win guarantees the Niagara Power at least one home playoff game, another first in an already memorable season. With a six game winning streak, including a 5-0 mark since hosting the All-Star Game, the hottest team in the New York Collegiate Baseball League has positioned itself to pursue an even more desirable position.

 The League’s post-season takes on a new format this year. The championship tournament will play out in three rounds, each round consisting of a three game series. The top seeds in each series will serve as hosts for Game 2 and 3 (if necessary) of the playoff matchups. Game 1 will be hosted by the lower seed. 

Niagara currently controls its own destiny as they now chase the #2 seed, which would mean even more time by the shores of Hyde Park Lake during the closing days of this hottest summer in recent memory. The spot is currently occupied by the Olean Oilers. The Power have pulled even with Olean in wins and are currently only two back in the loss column. Two games remain between the teams, including Friday evening’s highly anticipated matchup here in Niagara Falls.

Should the Power take both contests, they would be awarded the tiebreaker by virtue of winning the season series over Olean. The Power are already assured of at least a playoff spot, since they already hold the tiebreaker over Wellsville. Niagara has given its fans a classic baseball pennant race to keep a close eye on right down to the wire. 

“There is a great deal of excitement surrounding this baseball team as we have really hit our stride down the stretch,” commented coach Garrett Shively. His team is turning heads throughout the league and the region with the longest winning streak in the NYCBL this year. 

In the players eyes, there is no limit to what can become of this run. As Lone Star product Chane Lynch, the team’s first baseman who hit his fourth homerun of the season in Tuesday’s game, noted “We believe our team has the potential to do some special things. it’s a great group of guys, and we are finally beginning to play our best baseball.

The power head down the home stretch with three critical games at the Barber Shop this week. They will be in action at Sal Maglie Stadium Wednesday thru Friday versus Rochester, Geneva and Olean with games scheduled for 7:00 pm each night

General Manager Cal Kern, hopes the unique relationship that is forming between the city and this team continues to be strengthened, “the anticipation around our team continues to build with each win, we invite folks to come out to the ballpark and see what this group of guys will do next. It will no doubt be a playoff atmosphere this week where so much will be on the line with every pitch.” His team will now have more than a playoff atmosphere, thanks to Tuesday, they will finally have a home playoff game.

Today's Game Re-scheduled

Today's game (7/15) @ Geneva has been postponed due to Rain. It has been rescheduled as part of a doubleheader to be played next Sunday (7/22). The double dip with the Twins will begin at 3:00 pm.

Power Surge Into Stretch Run

Early indications are that the All-Star break (and the only three consecutive days off during the summer league season that come with it) was just what the Boys in Blue needed to get rolling again. Fresh off receiving high marks from both its fans and the rest of the NYCBL for a memorable hosting of the league’s All-Star Festivities for the first time in franchise history, the Niagara Power were given a job just as difficult. 

The Hyde Park Crew were forced to open the stretch run of the season, on the road, against the division leading Hornell Dodgers. They responded Friday night in a manner that can often turn an entire season around. The Power took control of the ballgame early and never looked back, cruising to an impressive 12-2 victory. 

Niagara (16-15, 15-15 NYCBL)  put together its most complete road performance of the year from start to finish. They defeated a Dodger team that had handed the club four consecutive losses, including arguably its toughest loss of the season just a couple of weeks ago. In doing so, the Power served noticed to the rest of the league that they plan on making some noise with the balance of their 2012 schedule.

Newcomer Jamie Suggs picked up his second win of the season with seven strong innings of work and every spot in the Niagara batting order was responsible for either driving in or scoring a run. Friday night’s win was a true “team victory” in every sense of the phrase.

Fans have the opportunity to be a part of the playoff push tomorrow night as Niagara returns home, in the hunt, with only 10 regular season games remaining. A double-header vs Wellsville is scheduled for Sal Maglie stadium. The first pitch of game one will be thrown at 4 PM with the second game scheduled to begin at 7.

Power Rally At Home, Come Up Short vs Geneva

Baseball is a game that can often come down to just one pitch, that was the case for the Niagara power Tuesday night. On an evening full of positive energy... Frank Polino, the recently injured catcher, was back in the ballpark, a game weather reports indicated was likely to be rained was played with completely clear skies, and a large crowd showed up to support a Power team which had experience a very difficult start to the week... Niagara (10-12) saw its losing streak extended to a season high five games. 

RC Hubbard (2-2) fought hard through an outing in which he did not have his best stuff to work with on the mound. While the Niagara starter put a series of zeros on the board in most of his five plus innings, it was a single hanging curveball in the second frame that provided all the offense the Geneva Twins would need.  

After a single and a couple of free passes loaded the bases in the second inning, the Twins nine hole hitter Harrison Gioul drove the 3-2 offering into the left-centerfield gap to clear the bases and give Geneva an early 3-0 lead. They would add only one more run, also driven in by Giuoul in the 6th. Niagara battled back with a pair of runs in the bottom of the 7th, but in the end Gioul’s early blow proved to be enough.  

Seth Eller was excellent for the second straight appearance in relief, once again giving Niagara a chance by pitching scoreless inning after scoreless inning. The problem for the Power was a familiar one, stranded runners. The team left seven men on base, including three runners ninety feet away at 3rd. This pushed their total to 41 runners left on base during the five game losing streak. The team continued to battle in spite of their difficulty driving in runs, yet when all was said and done, the Power had fallen by a score of 4-2. 

Sometimes the ball just isn’t bouncing your way. That has literally been the case for the Hyde Park Crew this week. There is, however, plenty of time remaining for Niagara to right the ship. With 22 NYCBL games in the books, they have 18 games remaining to secure one of the division’s four playoff spots. After a scheduled day off to celebrate our nation’s birth, the Power will be back in action on both Thursday and Friday nights at Sal Maglie Stadium.

Niagara Keeps Rolling with a 5-4 victory

The Niagara Power have now won three straight after picking up their first victory of the year against the Rochester based Athletes in Action team. Fans were treated to an tremendous night at the old-time ballpark in Niagara Falls. The Boys in Blue improved to 10-7 on the season (9-7 in the NYCBL) with a 5-4 victory in a nail-biter at Sal Maglie Stadium Thursday night.  

The club was led offensively by Jamon Hammel. The Indiana native went 3 for 4 with a single, two doubles, two stolen bases, an RBI and two runs scored. Neil DeCook mixed in his fourth triple of the year to help bring to life a bottom third of the order which carried The Power to their second consecutive home victory. DeCook’s three-bagger gave a speedy and aggressive Niagara team 12 triples on the season. 

Niagara received an exceptional final start from right-hander Tyler Dalton. Dalton, who was only with the team for three weeks to help relieve some of the pressure from an ailing staff, went 5 2/3 innings to hold the early lead. The Mississippi product allowed only two earned runs, while walking 2 and striking out 4. 

Kenneth DeCook provided the middle relief and Scott Voyles slammed the door. DeCook worked out of the sixth inning, using only one pitch. He then worked a 1-2-3 7th in which he used consecutive strikeouts and a lazy fly ball to his brother Neil in centerfield. 

Voyles, earned a two inning save. The closer worked out of a runners on the corners no-one out jam in the 8th with only one run allowed. He preserved the one run win by stranding base runners at 2nd and 3rd on a popup to end the game. 

The Power are back in action, with two remaining home games at the Barber Shop this weekend. The first pitch is scheduled for 7pm on both Friday and Saturday night.

Power surge above .500 with 11-0 victory vs Geneva

Niagara (9-7, 8-7 NYCBL) returned to the friendly confines of Sal Maglie Stadium last night to begin a very important four game homestand against division foes. Fortunately for Power fans, they brought the lumber back with them. The Hyde Park Crew picked up right where they left off in Wellsville on Tuesday scoring 11 unanswered runs in Wednesday night’s shutout of Geneva’s newest baseball offering.

Lead-off man Ryan Kiesel continued to swing a hot bat, going 3 for 3 with 3 runs scored. Neil DeCook lit the fire with a 2 out 2RBI single in the 1st inning. Adam Taylor continued to contribute later in the game with a couple of 2 out RBI hits of his own. Every member of the Power lineup was involved in the first true complete performance both at the plate and in the field for the Power this season.

The Niagara pitching staff used an exceptional outing from Angola native R.C. Hubbard (6.0 IP, 0 ER, BB, 6K) and tremendous relief work from the bullpen to extend the pitching staff’s season high scoreless innings streak to 13. Numbers like these are creating a feeling in the Power clubhouse that this team is really beginning to hit its stride. With the pitching staff and the lineup coming to life simultaneously, this ballclub has the look of a group ready to go on a major run. 

It was the first trip to Niagara Falls for the newly formed Twins, who replaced the Power’s long-time rival Geneva Redwings in the Western Division. A win over the Twins on the road sparked Niagara’s only multi-game winning streak earlier in the season. Head coach Garrett Shivley is hopeful tonight’s win will follow the same trend.

 Niagara is back in action on Thursday versus Rochester with games against their two remaining division rivals on Friday and Saturday Night. All games are at Sal Maglie and first pitch for each game is scheduled for 7pm.

Power explode for 13 runs in road win over Wellsville

Niagara jumped on Wellsville from the very first pitch Tuesday night thanks to a strong performance by the table-setters at the top of their order. The Power struck for three runs in their initial at bat and never looked back in route to a 13-2 victory over the Nitros 

Lead-off man Ryan Kiesel and versatile outfielder Shakeel Newton combined for 5 hits in 9 plate appearances with 2 doubles, 5 runs and 4 RBI’s between them. Newton also added his 7th stolen base of the year. Lone Star product  Chane Lynch continued to swing a hot bat with a 4 for 5 performance including a walk, a double, 4 RBI’s and 2 runs scored. Niagara used a three-run 8th and a seven-run 9th to put the game out of reach.

The Power received a strong outing from Jonathan Knapp, who pitched 6 full innings allowing only 3 hits and walking 4, while striking out 3 batters and limiting the Nitros offense to 2 runs. Three perfect innings of relief from bullpen mates Seth Eller and Brandon Mumaw helped keep the visitors in control throughout.

Niagara (7-7) now leads the season series with Wellsville two games to one, after splitting their last two contests on the road. The Power return to the friendly confines of Sal Maglie Stadium to begin a four game homestand Wednesday night June 27th, the first pitch is scheduled for 7:00 pm.

Patterson Sports Network back in action June 27th

We will not be able to broadcast today's game on the Patterson Sports Network, due to a death in the family. We will be back in action on Wednesday and for the remainder of the season.

Keep an eye on today's game through Teamline, accessible at NiagaraPower.org and nycbl.com

See you Wednesday June 27th as we begin an important 4 game homestand!

On the road again...

We are headed two hours southeast after rare back to back days off. This is the Power's first road trip to Wellsville. The Nitros are the only Western Division team Niagara has yet to see on the road.

The Boys in Blue begin the day just 1/2 game out of first place in the division.

Today's Lineup...


22 Newton CF
40 Eller LF

13 Taylor RF

20 Linne 3B

25 Lynch 1B

12 Worthen DH

8 Sears 2B

5 Bowles C

9 Hammel SS

17 DeCook P

Patterson Sports Network Live Coverage of the road contest begins at 4:50pm

Power uses extra innings in to steal away Game 1, battles darkness in Game 2 at Olean

The action between Olean and Niagara on Monday was so intense that one day just wasn’t enough to contain it. Game 2 of the scheduled doubleheader was suspended with the score tied 13-13 in the top of the 7th inning.  On a day which saw just about everything, the Power pulled even with the Oilers for second place in the NYCBL Western Division Standings.

The second game of the double header had the feel of a shootout in the final moments before darkness settle in on McGraw-Jennings field at St. Bonaventure Univeristy. After a series of errors contributed to a seven Olean runs in the bottom of the 6th inning; Niagara battled back by plating two runs of their own to tie the score just before the game was suspended. 

The Power rally was ignited in the most unlikely of fashions when Neil DeCook reached first on a passed ball following his strike out to lead off the inning. DeCook scored on an RBI single by Adam Taylor, who came home to score the tying run on a textbook sacrifice fly to deep right field off the bat of clean-up hitter Chane Lynch.  The game will be resumed on the Power’s next trip to Olean. Tyler Schweigert will be at the plate with the bases empty and two men out in the top of the 7th (and final scheduled) inning.

As if this wasn’t enough activity for one road trip, the finish of Game 1 contained the amount of drama generally reserved for a full series of baseball games. 

Those in attendance could sense the unique nature of the matchup before the first pitch of the day was ever thrown. Head coach Garrett Shivley used one of his mound visits during warmups before lifting starter Bo Lucas, after Lucas had faced only one batter. Shoulder tightness was the reason for Bo’s early departure. After a long layoff due to injury and two exceptional starts for the Power in his return, the New Jersey native left everyone with concern for him and questions  about his status for the remainder of the summer. 

The Niagara coaching staff, hoping to save the bullpen for heavy involvement in Game 2, was forced to bring in a parade of relievers to get them trough the first contest. The results ended up being classic. After Niagara blew an early 5 run lead, the Power defense used one of their best plays of the summer to preserve an opportunity in extra innings. The bats then came to life, as boys in blue exploded for 5 runs in the top of the 8th to win the game and improve to (7-4, 6-4 NYCBL) on the season.

The game will be remembered by most for a successful double-squeeze executed by center-fielder Shakeel Newton and a game saving defensive play initiated by left-fielder Nick Linne. Linne refused to give up  on a double into the corner which appeared destined to score the winning run for Olean. As the leadoff hitter and fastest member of the Oilers lineup raced all the way around from first, Linne threw a perfect strike to shortstop Alex Lagos whose inprobable relay reached catcher Frank Polino in just enough time to apply the tag and keep the game alive. It was truly a play that no-one who braved the summer sun in Olean today will ever forget.

As Doug Smith pointed out in wrapping up the broadcast on the Patterson Sports Network, Niagara is now a quarter of the way through its 2012 Summer Schedule. The Power will enjoy a couple days rest, including a team journey to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, before making their first trip of the season to Wellsville on Thusday.

Team Bus headed for Olean...Lineups

We have boarded the bus for two 7 inning games @ Olean. Today's double-header (the second in the three days) is a non-scheduled double dip due to the need to make up the June 1st Rainout.

Here are the Lineups for today's Twin 7's

Game 1:                                     Game 2:

36   Keisel          2B                 4   DeCook    CF
22   Newton       CF               22   Newton     LF
13   Taylor         RF               13   Taylor       RF
20   Linne          LF                25   Lynch      1B
25   Lynch         1B                40   Eller         DH
41   Schweigert  3B               34   Melton      3B
12   Worthen     DH                3   Polino         C
 5    Bowles         C                 9   Hammel    2B
14   Lagos          SS              14    Lagos       SS

SP- Lucas                             SP- Beckham

When the day is done Niagara will have played at least 32 innings in 3 days...and that is barring extra innings...we will be on the air at 2:55 with Doug Smith providing color commentary for today's games on the Patterson Sports Network

Today's opponent Olean and the Power's most recent opponent Hornell are tied for the division lead with a record of (7-4.) Niagara is one game behind. Though all three teams are even in the loss column...we have played two less games.

Incredible Homestand has Niagara rolling

Sal Maglie was very good to the Niagara Power this weekend. After picking up a win on Wednesday night @ Geneva, Niagara reeled off 3 consecutive wins at home before dropping final game of the home stand in the nightcap of a doubleheader vs Hornell earlier tonight.

What the Power accomplished in just under a week is nothing short of spectacular. They took 3 of 4 from the top two teams in the division, picked up their first road win of the year, and made a jump from the cellar of the NYCBL's Western Division into a virtual tie for second place. Niagara was able to enact revenge on an Olean team that roughed them up a little in their first trip to Niagara Falls last week. The team followed this up by taking the first two of a three game weekend series with Hornell (the same Dodger team that handled them easily earlier in the week at Maple City Park), in impressive fashion.

Niagara used solid starts on the hill, stellar bullpen work and exceptional hitting to win four straight before faltering in tonights game. The Power still showed signs of brilliance late in the lopsided loss, scoring the games final four runs. The defense, which struggled a bit on Friday night, put together a highlight reel of leaping, diving, and barehanded plays throughout today's twin bill.

The Power used a closet full of interchangeable parts, with nearly everyone on the team contributing during the run. They seemed to get nearly every break they needed throughout the week, though they made most of the fortune for themselves. Consistently putting the ball in play and putting constant pressure on the opposing pitchers and defenders. One strong indicator of how things have been going of late is the streak of games in which Niagara has had at least one triple. To date, this team has more triples that doubles in the 2012 season, a remarkable statistic.

The most mind-boggling part of the whole experience comes when you consider the teams they have been doing this against, knocking off the Western Division Leaders in consecutive games. They knocked then division leading Olean from atop the standings on Thursday night, only to allow them back into first place on Friday by knocking off the team that replaced them, Hornell's Dodgers. Had Niagara won the final game to sweep the series, the Hyde Park Crew would have been in a virtual tie for the Division lead themselves. The fact that they nearly went from worst to first in a matter of days shows you how incredible this second full week of the season really was.

Niagara is set to continue their work against the top teams in the Western Division on Monday with another double-dip, this time on the road against Olean. They will play two 7 inning contests in a make-up of the postponed game from June 1st.  Follow the blog on the road this week for all the latest info related to the team's road trip before they return to downtown Niagara Falls for another weekend home stand next Friday.

Scheduling Adjustments...

The Power's two early season rain-outs have been re-scheduled.
Niagara will play double-headers at Olean on Monday, June 18th & Rochester on Monday, July 9th.

Niagara swings back into the win column with a "Grand" night in Geneva

The instant in which first-baseman Chane Lynch’s memorable drive cleared the wooden right-field wall at Historic McDonough Park, sighs of relief could be felt from the shores of Seneca Lake all the way back to Niagara Falls. Power fans, already elated by the mere fact that the Hyde Park Crew were able to finally return to the diamond, were even more ecstatic to find that the bats returned to life with them. 

The Power picked up their second league victory of the season Wednesday night in their first ever game against the expansion Geneva Twins. Not only did Niagara win, they did it in convincing fashion. In the process, this team revealed its formula for success: solid pitching, timely hitting and just enough defense to get the job done.

It seems as if the unexpected day off (due to Tuesday’s rainout), came at the perfect time for a Power team needing to find a way to jump start the offense. Less than twenty-four hours after using the cancellation to get some extra cage work in, everyone in the lineup contributed. In a game that saw the visiting team push ten runs across, Niagara closed its tough stretch of early road games by securing a tremendous amount of momentum as they prepare to head back to Sal Maglie for a weekend home stand.

Niagara struck first with a two out rally in their opening frame, powered by an Adam Taylor triple and Tyler Schweigert’s RBI single to right field. Schweigert used his next at bat to tie the game  with a sacrifice fly scoring Shakeel Newton in the 3rd.The Power exploded for eight runs in the 4th inning to claim the lead, and they never looked back. 

With the game tied 2-2 Head Coach Garrett Shivley had Alex Lagos execute a bases loaded squeeze play giving the Power a 3-2 advantage. Following Lagos’ perfect bunt, Chane Lynch, drove the next Geneva offering out of the ballpark for the first Niagara Grand Slam of the season. The Boys in Blue would add three more runs in the inning to take a 10-2 advantage. 

As the game pushed toward the late innings, Niagara’s bullpen took over. Four Power pitchers combined for a solid effort in relief of starter Bo Lucas (2-0), who was exceptional once again in his second appearance of the season. Niagara cruised to a much needed 10-4 victory. It was the team’s first road win of the 2012 campaign.

The Power (3-3, 2-3 NYCBL) will be back in action Thursday night in a home contest against Olean, before hosting the Hornell Dodgers for three games in two days this coming Friday and Saturday.  

Game Notes....

10 runs on 9 hits with 3 errors in the game for Niagara...Lucas’ final line was 2 runs (1 ER) on 4 hits across 5.0 IP...Lynch’s numbers on the game: 2 for 4 with 4 RBI and 2 runs scored...Neil DeCook ended the night 3 for 5 with 2 runs scored...Newcomer Nick Linne was 1 for 2 on the night with 1 RBI and 1 run...The four effective relievers for the Power were left-hander Brandon Mumaw and righties David Kaplan, Ken DeCook and Scott Voyles...Niagara backstops combined to gun down 3 base stealers in 5 attempts: Spencer Bowles (2), Ryan Jordan (1)

Tonights Linuep

The Lineup will be the same as it was going to be for last night's game at Rochester.

Clear Skies...woo hoo, should have baseball tonight!

6/12 @ Rochester a wash...

Tonight's game vs Rochester AIA has been postponed due to rain. A makeup date will be set in the near future for one of the two remaining trips to Rochester later in the season.

The team will be spending the day at an indoor facility near Buffalo, working out in preparation for tomorrow night's game against Geneva.

Tonight's lineup...pending a non-rainout...

1   25  Lynch        1B

2   22  Newton      LF

3   13 Taylor         RF

4   41 Schweigert  3B

5    5  Bowles        C

6    4  DeCook      CF

7  34  Melton        DH

8   9   Hammel      2B

9  14  Lagos          SS

SP  21 Bo Lucas RHP

Keeping an eye on the weather

There is more bad weather projected for the rain forest that Western New York has become this summer. Rochester is expected to be blanketed with thunderstorms all evening with predictions at around the 70% range. Stay close to niagarapower.org and this blog for updates as the evening progresses.

If there is baseball tonight, as we hope there will be , right-hander Bo Lucas will be on the mound for the Power

Power outpaced by Dodgers, at Hornell, in first of four meetings this week

By this coming Sunday the Niagara Power will be very familiar with the 2012 edition of the Dodgers from Hornell. They will also have a pretty good idea of where they stack up in the New York Collegiate Baseball League’s Western Division. 

Hornell will close the week with three games in two days at Sal Maglie Stadium on Friday and Saturday.  First, however, the Power will travel to Rochester and Geneva before returning home Thursday to face Olean. At that point, the Hyde Park Crew will have seen every member of the division in which they will be competing for a playoff berth.

One gentleman the Power are already familiar with is first-baseman Matt Calhoun. He introduced himself by continuing his early season tear through the NYCBL schedule with a 2 for 4 night, which included a single, a double, a sacrifice fly, three RBI, and two runs scored.

Nicholas Boyd picked up his second win of the season in the Dodgers 9-3 victory. Hornell improved to (4-2) by winning the battle of two teams who came into the baseball game following consecutive losses.

A bright spot for the Power was the emergence of Ken DeCook. DeCook entered in the 6th and held Hornell scoreless for the first time in the baseball game. DeCook had overpowering stuff, striking out 4 across 2 1/3 innings. Jordan Powell and Tim Leathersich followed the right-hander in relief. The bullpen pitched very well and were able to keep the high-powered Dodger offense off the board in each of the final four frames.

Niagara was led at the plate by left-fielder Shakeel Newton and backstop Frank Polino. Newton, who possesses game-changing speed, is really beginning to put good wood on the baseball; while Polino continues to find a way to push runs across with timely hits.  Frank used a line drive into the right-center field gap in the 4th inning to plate two of the Power’s three runs on the night.

The most memorable moment of the contest for the visiting team was provided by Tyler Schweigert. In a play that had to be seen to be believed, the Niagara third-baseman went literally behind his head to field a scremer in his direction after an unexpected last-second bad hop. He then displayed the strength of his arm by turning in time to throw the runner out at first. Coach  Garrett Shivley was quick to note, “it was one of the best plays I have ever seen, certianly among the best I have ever seen from anyone in a Niagara Power uniform.” Schweigert also contributed at the plate, driving a ball off the base of the wall in deep left-field which produced the final run of the game for the Power.

Niagara (2-3 overall, 1-3 in League Play) is back in action against the AIA squad tomorrow night at Basket Road Field in Webster NY, with a 7PM first pitch. 

Game 4: Hornell 9 Niagara 3

All Dodgers tonight, though there were some high points for the Power. Schweigert made a very nice play at 3rd and the bullpen went four scoreless innings on the backside of the game. The most impressive pitching performance was from Ken DeCook, who emerged from his 2 1/3 innings with 4K. More in my full game story to follow...

Tonight's Lineup...6/11 @ Hornell

1B Lynch
LF Newton
RF Taylor
3B Schweigert
 C Polino
DH Bowles
CF DeCook
SS Lagos
2B Sears

RC Hubbard on the mound tonight

7:00 PM First Pitch

Further re-inforcements are arriving for Niagara

Niagara received great news earlier today as they secured the contract of Division I infielder Ryan Kiesel. Keisel is a JR shortstop at Trinity Christian College. He is scheduled to arrive Thursday evening during the home contest vs Olean.

This addition, alongside outfielder Nick Linne's much anticipated arrival earlier today, will serve to further strengthen the bench initially and provide tremendous depth at several key positions for the Power.

Both Linne and Kiesel will eventually become part of the rotating lineup that head coach Garrett Shivley will juggle all season in an attempt to keep guys fresh for a potential playoff run.

Summer collegiate baseball rosters can be a very fluid situation due to injuries and personal commitments. Niagara is still actively pursuing one more starting pitcher to complete the staff and eat up some innings during the dog days late June and early July.

Power come up short in road loss to Rochester

Niagara’s baseball team dodged the raindrops on Saturday evening during their trip to Rochester, but could not avoid their second consecutive loss. This was due in large part to the starting pitcher/designated hitter for the AIA team on the night, Joel Belk. The right-hander pitched seven strong innings, allowing only four Niagara hits and one unearned run. Belk also contributed at the plate with a single and a run scored in the 5th inning.

The Power fell to (2-2) on the season (1-2 in the NYCBL Standings) in spite of some fine defensive play by a number of its starters. The standout plays included an unassisted double play by first-basemen Chane Lynch, and a diving stop backing up a play at first by catcher Frank Polino. Head Coach Garret Shivley noted how fortunate the team is to have solid defenders located at virtually every position. 

Starter Jonathan Knapp looked to be cruising after facing the minimum through the first two innings. He was staked to a 1-0 lead in the 2nd after a one out triple by Adam Taylor was cashed in on a passed ball with Lynch at the plate. Taylor remained in the zone with a 3-3 night, including a walk and two runs scored. 

Rochester would use three textbook bunts in the bottom of the 3rd to tie the game, the home team never trailed again. The inning began with a bunt single. A perfect sacrifice moved the runner, Frank Dreslinkski, who had stolen second, around the third. Dreslinski would score on the ensuing squeeze play initiated by Jonathan Burkhart the left-fielder. The Athletes in Action team delivered three more runs in the 4th alongside two in the 5th for a 6-3 victory.   

Taylor’s triple was one of only two extra base hits on the night for the Power, though Seth Eller had a solid single into the right-center field gap which also scored Taylor in the two-run 8th inning. Niagara showed signs of life in the frame after the exit of the starter Belk, but were shut down in a one-two-three ninth inning by Rochester closer Hunter Stevens to stem the comeback attempt.

The Power will have a day off Sunday before continuing the slate of road games with three more contests away from Sal Maglie Stadium to begin the week. They return home Thursday night for a 7pm first pitch against division foe Olean.  

Niagara handed first loss of the season

Our first look at Olean came a week later than expected, and the result was less then favorable for the home faithful. The expansion Oilers were supposed to host Niagara for Opening Day exactly one week ago tonight, but that game had to be rescheduled due to rain. The damper for Niagara on this night came from the Olean bats and the uncertainty related to the status of starting pitcher Wilson Kirby. 

Kirby left the game pre-maturely in the 3rd inning in obvious pain with a shoulder injury that could sideline the young right-hander for some time.  After delivering the second ptich of an at-bat to Olean first-basemen Joe Chitester, Kirby doubled over behind the mound and was unable to continue. His health was foremost on the minds of all those involved with Power Baseball for the remainder of the night.

As for the baseball game, Niagara found themselves in a 4-1 hole early. The deficit would grow to 10-2 by the time the home team came to bat in the bottom of the 7th. 

The Power bats came to life in the 8th and 9th innings to make a game of it, but Niagara would ultimately fall to Olean by a score of 10-5.

The bright spots on the night for the boys in white came primarily from the Niagara backstops and center-fielder Neil DeCook. DeCook ended the night with a triple, a run scored and two stolen bases. DeCook brought home the first run of the game on a sacrifice fly by Adam Taylor after walking and stealing both second and third. 

Starting Pitcher Brandon Nemeti made the lead stick for Olean, allowing only one earned run on three hits through 6 2/3 innings pitched. He did not surrender Niagara’s first hit of the baseball game until the bottom of the 5th inning. 

It was Spencer Bowles who secured the first hit for the Power. Bowles eventually scored in the inning to cap a 1 for 2 night with an RBI to go along with that run scored in the 5th. It was an emotional night for Spencer also, as he played in memory of a dear friend who lost his life in an accident earlier in the week.

Frank Polino, who replaced Spencer Bowles in the middle innings, reached base in both plate appearances and scored two runs, as Niagara tried to rally late. Three runs across the final three frames would not be enough, however, to keep the Power’s undefeated record in tact. 

Niagara now possesses a (2-1) mark on the season (1-1 in League Play). The team begins a four game road slate tomorrow before returning to Sal Maglie for an extended homestand on Thursday June 14th.

Power continue to improve in preparation for weekend conference contests

Niagara opened its first full week of baseball games on the road at Geneva in an exhibition rematch of last year’s one game playoff versus the Red Wings. The game quickly turned into a slugfest and did not end until both teams had plated 13 runs.  

There were numerous bright spots for Niagara on a much needed sunny afternoon at historic McDonough Park. After a rainout on Friday and consecutive off-days Sunday and Monday, the Power were electrified to simply be back out on the diamond.

First year Head Coach Garrett Shivley and his staff were able to get some key mound work in for nearly every member of the bullpen. They also rotated in most of the position players who did not see action during Saturday night’s season opening 13 inning walk-off victory. This one time inter-divisional tilt proved to be a good tune-up for the upcoming schedule.

The team’s rapid progress was again very apparent in a game which had the feel of an early summer version of spring training. As the Power’s statistical leader, senior right fielder Adam Taylor, pointed out, “This team has gelled so easily and so quickly, even though we did not really know each other as late as one week ago. I believe this is due to the fact that we all share a common faith and common goals.” 

Taylor again led the team on Tuesday, with both his bat and his glove. He drove in 4 more runs to increase his RBI total to 7 in just two games played. He used a ground out on the right side of the infield, a sacrifice fly, and a one-out double to each drive in runs before homering in the ninth. His  solo shot was the only long ball of the game for Niagara. 

Adam’s most impressive play of the day, however, may not have originated in the batter’s box. Taylor showed the strength of his arm in the middle innings by gunning down Geneva’s speedy lead-off hitter at the plate trying to score on a base hit to shallow bloggright field. The South Carolina native is certainly making an early case to represent Niagara when Sal Maglie Stadium hosts the NYCBL All-Star game later this summer.

This afternoon’s matchup was the first of two on the road, as the Power now travel to Adirondack for a 7pm contest tomorrow night with the newly formed Trailblazers. Tomorrow’s game will be the second of three exhibition games slated to fill a scheduling gap before conference play resumes at 7pm Friday night when the Power host the expansion Olean Oilers at Sal Maglie Stadium. 

2012 Season begins in Historic Fashion

Opening Night at Sal Maglie Stadium was unforgettable. In a game with as many twists and turns as Steven Becham's slider, Niagara was finally able to secure victory in the bottom of the 13th inning.

The first Walk-Off Homerun in Power History electrified the crowd and even before 2nd year right fielder Adam Taylor (one of only three returners from last season) crossed home plate the Niagara fan base had become aware that there is something very special in store for this 6th summer of baseball in the old ballpark by Hyde Park Lake.