Hitmen Fall to Rapids, 8-3, in Sunday Road Contest

HOUGHTON, N.Y. — The Horseheads Hitmen were unable to overcome a big sixth inning by the Genesee Rapids, falling 8-3 on Sunday afternoon at Kerr-Pegula Field.

The Rapids struck first with a run in the opening inning before adding two more in the third and another in the fourth to build a 4-0 advantage. Horseheads battled back in the fifth inning, scoring twice to cut the deficit in half. Connor Monroe and Michael Sabella each drove in a run during the rally.

Genesee answered in the bottom of the sixth, taking advantage of several Hitmen miscues to score four runs and extend the lead to 8-2. Horseheads added a run in the ninth inning on Marco Pulizzi’s RBI single, but the comeback effort fell short.

The Hitmen collected eight hits in the contest, led by Monroe, who went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a double. Mason Sanno also recorded a pair of hits, while Gavin Lohmeyer added a double and scored a run. Pulizzi finished with an RBI, and Sabella drove in Horseheads’ other run.

Sabella started on the mound and worked five innings, allowing four runs (two earned) while striking out five. Yahir Ortiz tossed two scoreless innings of relief for the Hitmen.

Genesee matched Horseheads with eight hits but capitalized on eight walks and four Hitmen errors. Aidan Robinson scored three runs and drove in one, while Gage Wheaton added two RBIs to pace the Rapids’ offense.

The loss drops Horseheads to 2-2 on the young season as they look to bounce back in their next NYCBL contest.