Hitmen Hand Previously Unbeaten Rapids First Loss, 14-5

HORSEHEADS, N.Y. — The Horseheads Hitmen exploded for 19 hits and scored in six different innings Saturday evening, handing the previously unbeaten Genesee Rapids their first loss of the season with a convincing 14-5 victory at home.

After falling behind 2-0 in the second inning, the Hitmen answered immediately with two runs of their own and never looked back. Horseheads took the lead for good with a run in the fourth before adding two more in the fifth and breaking the game open with a five-run sixth inning.

Marco Pulizzi led the offensive onslaught, finishing 3-for-5 with a home run, double, three RBIs, and four runs scored. Mason Sanno also drove in three runs while collecting two hits, and Liam Annand added three hits and two RBIs. Michael Sabella went 3-for-5 with a double and two runs scored, while Keon Lamarche contributed two hits, including a double, and drove in a run.

The Hitmen received production throughout the lineup, with Gavin Lohmeyer recording two hits and an RBI, Julian Lamper-Turkisher driving in two runs, and Johnathon Panarese and Niko Cheplick each adding RBI hits off the bench.

On the mound, Daniel Lewis earned the win, allowing just three runs (two earned) on three hits over seven innings while striking out eight. Colin Klemann worked the final two innings to secure the victory.

Horseheads improved to 2-1 on the season, while Genesee suffered its first defeat after opening the year undefeated. The Hitmen will look to carry the momentum into their next New York Collegiate Baseball League contest against the Rapids on Sunday at Houghton.