Pios fall to Syracuse in non-league matchup

ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) – The Elmira Pioneers fell in their home return.

The Elmira Pioneers dropped a non-league clash, on Thursday. The Pios took on the NYCBL’s Syracuse Saltcats, in a 7-inning non-league clash. The Cats jumped out to an early lead, carrying a 3-0 advantage until the 5th. In the bottom of the inning, Andy Schroeder delivered an RBI-single to put Elmira on the board. In the next at bat, Aidan Stern crossed the plate on a well executed double-steal.

Syracuse responded in the 7th, as Justin Crispino added an insurance run, on an RBI sac-fly. Crispino’s RBI would seal the win for the Cats, 4-2.

Despite the loss, the packed Dunn Field crowd was thrilled, seeing several local talents fill out the starting lineup. Elmira grads Michael Palmer and Bobby Cavalier each picked up base hits for the Pios, while Edison grad Thomas Cheplick started at 2nd base. Additionally, Corning’s Zack Nelson stepped away from his regular pitching duties to play the field.

Elmira will now begin a 5-game road trip. The Pios are set to play back to back double-headers, Saturday in Geneva, and Sunday in Niagara Falls. Saturday’s opening game is set for a 5:05 p.m. start.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com.