Five-Run First Inning Powers Muckdogs Past East Coast Pipeline, 9-1
Written by Intern WBTA on July 3, 2026
By: Cam Crossett
The Batavia Muckdogs extended their winning streak on Thursday night at Dwyer Stadium, defeating the East Coast Pipeline, 9-1, in a exhibition matchup.
East Coast Pipeline, a youth development team consisting of primarily 16 and 17 year old players from Buffalo and across Western New York, struck first in the opening inning. Brendan Leto delivered an RBI single to left field to give the Pipeline an early 1-0 advantage.
Muckdogs wasted little time responding.
Batavia exploded for five runs in the bottom of the first inning, immediately taking control of the game. Joey Socorro got the rally started with an RBI single to left field that scored Myles Monell to even the score at 1-1. Kyle Vaughn followed with a two-run RBI to put Batavia up for good, making it 3-1. Jalen Roque kept the momentum rolling with another RBI knock, extending the lead to 4-1. With the bases loaded, later in the inning, Luke Rybczynski worked a walk to force home another run, capping off the five-run outburst and giving the Muckdogs a commanding 5-1 lead after one inning of play.
Pipeline threatened to chip away in the second, putting two runners aboard against Batavia starter Nolan Bonnell. However, Bonnell came up with one of the game’s biggest plays, picking off Collin Bacon at second base to end the inning and preserve the four-run cushion.
The Muckdogs added to their lead in the bottom of the second inning when Myles Monell lifted a sacrifice fly to right field, allowing Cooper Russell to tag up and score from third. The RBI pushed Batavia’s advantage to 6-1.
Bonnell turned in another solid outing before handing the ball over to Jackson Reid, who entered in relief during the fifth inning. Together, the Muckdogs pitching staff held East Coast Pipeline scoreless over the final six innings, limiting opportunities and keeping the visitors off the scoreboard after the opening frame.
Following several scoreless innings, Batavia added another insurance run in the sixth. Braeden Eye lifted a sacrifice fly to bring home Cooper Russell, stretching the lead to 7-1. The Muckdogs continued to apply pressure late in the inning, loading the bases once again. Eye drew a bases-loaded walk, forcing in both Luke Rybczynski and Matt Marsh to complete the scoring and give Batavia a comfortable 9-1 advantage.
Dean Hoshide took over on the mound in the seventh inning and retired the side to close out the victory for the Muckdogs.
East Coast Pipeline utilized several pitchers throughout the contest. Aiden Gruden started on the mound before Ryder Copacz entered in relief during the second inning Brendan Leto took over in the fifth, while Brenden Shelden finished the game.
The victory sends Batavia into an important conference matchup tonight against the Elmira Pioneers. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Dwyer stadium. Fans can also enjoy a postgame firework show as part of the Muckdogs’ celebration of America’s 250th birthday.
