Muckdogs Hold off Late Olean Rally, for 3-2 Victory

By: Cam Crossett

The Batavia Muckdogs continued their strong summer campaign Friday night, edging the Olean Oilers 3-2 in a tightly contested Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League matchup at Dwyer Stadium.

With both teams battling for playoff positioning, runs were at a premium in a game dominated by pitching. Olean entered the night tied for fourth place in the PGCBL West Division, while Batavia looked to strengthen its hold on first place.

Friday night’s contest showcased the formula that has made Batavia one of the PGCBL’s best teams this season. That formula was on display throughout the night. Batavia’s pitching staff kept the Oilers in check early before the offense broke through in the fifth inning. With Jalen David and Evan Brock aboard, Reina ripped a two-run double into center field to break the scoreless tie and give the Muckdogs a 2-0 lead. Following the RBI double, Olean turned to its bullpen, bringing Brendan Roche on in relief of Iaucessa to prevent any further damage.

The Oilers answered in the top of the sixth inning, capitalizing on a rare Batavia mistake. A line drive hit directly back to Nix was bobbled, allowing a runner to score from third and trim the Muckdogs’ lead to 2-1. Despite the error, Nix remained composed before handing the ball over to the bullpen.

Jake Szlis entered in relief in the seventh inning and continued the strong work on the mound, keeping Olean from finding the equalizer.

Batavia added what proved to be the decisive insurance run in the bottom of the eighth inning. With the bases loaded, a passed ball by the Oilers allowed Glenn Brooks to score from third, extending the lead to 3-1.

Needing three outs to preserve the victory, Batavia called on Garrett Beaver in the ninth inning. Beaver closed out the game to earn his third save of the season, securing the 3-2 victory despite a late push from Olean.

Batavia’s pitching staff set the tone from start to finish, combining to limit Olean’s offensive opportunities throughout the night. Noah Nix earned the win to improve to 2-0 on the season. Pitching coach Grant Bickham credited the staff’s command and ability to avoid giving the Oilers extra opportunities, saying postgame, “We limited walks and hit by pitches. We only allowed two free bags… so you do that and then 14 strikeouts… that’s a good recipe to win games.”

Hudson Iacuessa was charged with the loss for Olean, falling to 1-1 on the season.

With the victory, Batavia improves to 26-8-1 and maintains its hold on first place in the PGCBL West Division. The Muckdogs travel to Elmira before returning to Dwyer Stadium on Sunday afternoon to host Niagara, with first pitch scheduled for 4:05 p.m.