Steamers advance to NYCBL West Championship Series, Pios fall to Auburn

HORNELL, N.Y. (WETM) – The Hornell Steamers’ incredible season will continue.

(Media Courtesy: Peish Sports, Auburn Doubledays YouTube)

The Hornell Steamers punched their ticket to the NYCBL West Championship Series, on Tuesday. Hornell picked up their 16th straight win, besting Olean 6-3, and clinching an NYCBL semifinal berth.

The Steamers burst out of the gates with 3 early runs, before adding to their tally in the 6th. Two innings later, Olean’s Bryce Rudisill blasted a 3-run home run, cutting Hornell’s advantage to just 2. The Steamers answered back in the bottom half, with an RBI-single from Devin Mersmann. On the mound, Cowan Alfonso would guide the red and blue to the win.

Eli Fuselier tossed 6 innings for Hornell, while striking out 5. Wesley Carter added 2 strikeouts over 2 relief innings, and Alfonso closed with an additional strikeout. Finn Ellis led Hornell’s offense, going (2-3) with an RBI. Jackson Legg and Mersmann tacked on 2 more RBI’s to the total.

The Steamers will play Game 1 of the Best of 3 NYCBL West Championship Series, on Wednesday. The Dansville Gliders will host the opening game at 4:30 p.m. with games 2 and (3 if needed) following on Thursday, in Hornell.

In the PGCBL, the Auburn Doubledays outlasted the Elmira Pioneers 4-3, to take 2nd in the West Division standings. Auburn jumped out to a 3-0 lead, until the Pios responded in the 5th. Calvin Warrillow blasted a 2-run home run to cut Elmira’s deficit to 1.

In the 6th, the Doubledays answered with a double steal to score Alfred Hoti. One inning later, Aidan Stern would earn a bases loaded walk, to bring Auburn back to a 1-run lead, but the Pios would eventually stall.

Elmira’s offense was highlighted by Warrilow and Wellsboro grad Darryn Callahan. In addition to his home run, Warrilow went (3-4) with 2 RBI and a run. Callahan delivered a (2-2) effort with 2 runs.

The Pios have a shot to regain 2nd place on Wednesday, as they host the Doubledays at 6:35 p.m.

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