Three Extra Base Hits for Olson Not Enough as Golden Eagles Fall

Matt Arietta

Glens Falls Golden Eagles

July 12, 2011

ELMIRA, NY- Last night, the Glens Falls Golden Eagles made their way to historic Dunn Field in Elmira, NY to take on the western division’s Elmira Pioneers. Getting the start on the bump for your Golden Eagles was Golden Eagles, right-hander, Neil Fryer (Siena). Opposing Fryer for Elmira would be Matt Neidzwiecki from Manchester Community College.

To the surprise of many, both starting pitchers struggled last night, as Fryer only lasted one and two thirds, giving up five runs on six hits, with no strike outs recorded after facing eleven batters. His counterpart did not do any better as Neidzwiecki only lasted two innings giving up five runs, four of which were earned on six hits striking out two of the fourteen he faced.

It was apparent that relief pitching would be the key to who got the win in this matchup from the top of the third inning after the Golden Eagles knocked in four runs and four hits. Scoring in the inning were the first four batters of the Glens Falls order, John Rooney (Siena), Kyle Ruchim (Northwestern), Ricky Claudio (St. Thomas) and David Olson (Tacoma CC). The Golden Eagles also tacked on a run in the top of the fourth, as David Olson had an RBI double for the third time on the night in as many at-bats.

The Golden Eagles offense was held scoreless the remainder of the game, but remained in the game due to great pitching from their bullpen. Pitchers Kevin Cowan (Albany), and Peter Noordsy were great from one out in the fifth until the game’s conclusion. Cowan, a freshman who will be a sophomore in the fall, went an inning and two thirds, allowing an unearned run on two hits. He also managed to strike out one of the seven batters he faced.  Peter Noordsy kept up the solid pitching in relief of Cowan in the bottom of the seventh and eighth as well. Noordsy, a junior at Wofford College, went two innings in relief allowing no runs on two hits, walking one and striking out two of the nine batters he faced.

After the Golden Eagles’ twenty-seventh out, they found themselves still trailing, leaving them with a loss on the night. The final score was 8-6 in Elmira’s favor. The season for the Golden Eagles continues today, Wednesday July 13^th, as the Golden Eagles return home for a two game set with the Watertown Wizards.

Please be sure to come out to the ballpark these two nights for some great promotions. Wednesday is Hudson River Credit Union Night, and Thursday will be our annual Baseball Card Giveaway. Don’t miss your chance at a free complete team set of 2011 Golden Eagles baseball cards.

###