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.