Late offense propels Amsterdam Mohawks to PGCBL-best 14th win

AMSTERDAM, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The two-time defending PGCBL champion Amsterdam Mohawks are off to their usual winning ways this season. Keith Griffin's bunch picked up a league-leading 14th win Saturday night after a late offensive explosion in their matchup with the Utica Blue Sox at Shuttleworth Park.

After being held to just one hit through the first four innings, Amsterdam teed off for seven runs over the next three frames, on its way to a 7-5 victory.

Right fielder Liam Wilson broke a scoreless tie in the home half of the fifth with an RBI triple down the right-field line. He was then brought home by a Drake Digiorno sacrifice bunt, giving the Mohawks a 2-0 edge.

Utica got on the board in the next half inning - an RBI single from Norris McClure. But Amsterdam immediately scored that run back on a Cade Ladehoff solo home run - his team-leading fourth long ball of the season.

The 'Hawks blew the game open in the seventh, scoring four runs. After loading the bases, Javar Williams brought in Rob Rispoli with a sacrifice fly. Michael O'Brien advanced to third on the play, setting up runners on the corners for Evan Haeger.

On the second pitch of Haeger's at-bat, Pete Daniel swiped second base. The very next offering from Blue Sox reliever Luke Baker was hit hard on the ground, up the middle by Haeger, scoring O'Brien easily. Utica's second baseman made a brilliant, diving stop to keep the ball in the infield. Daniel, who took a wide turn around third, got hung up in a rundown, but managed to score when the Blue Sox failed to cover home. An errant throw to the plate allowed Haeger to score right behind Daniel for a Little League three-run homer that grew Amsterdam's advantage to six runs at 7-1.

The Blue Sox didn't back down, though, plating two runs in the eighth and ninth innings. They had the tying run in scoring position with two outs in the ninth, but Gage Haley buckled down and rolled up a game-clinching, 5-3 ground out to seal the 7-5 victory.

After a 4-2 start, the Mohawks have won 10 of their last 11 outings, and hold a 1/2-game lead in the East Division over the Saugerties Stallions. They'll be back in action Monday for a road trip to meet the Watertown Rapids.