Behind seven strong innings from starter Zach Russell, the first-place Batavia Muckdogs beat State College at Dwyer today, 6-4.

The Muckdogs, now 40-27, are a game and a half ahead of Jamestown in the Pinckney Division.

Russell gave up only two runs (one earned) and scattered 8 hits, to improve his record to 2-3 and lower his ERA to 2.72.

Third baseman Jon Rodriguez (pictured above scoring the first run of the game) sparked the offense, going 3-4, scoring twice and smacking two doubles. He had one RBI.

Joey Bergman, playing second base today, had only one hit in his three ABs, but it was a big one. Bergman drove in three runs in the sixth inning to give Batavia a 4-0 lead.

Catcher Audey Perez continued his hot hitting, going 2-4 and scoring a run. Nick Longmire also had a hit and a run scored. DH Patrick Biserta had two hits and an RBI.

Anthony Ferrara pitched two innings, giving up five hits and two runs, to pick up his first save of the season.

The Muckdogs have two more games at Dwyer against State College (32-36), followed by a game in Jamestown on Wednesday, then a home game against Jamestown on Thursday. On Friday, Batavia is at Dwyer for a game against Auburn.

There are only five more home dates left in the regular season.

More pictures after the jump:

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- It was another prime summer evening for harness racing in Western New York as the 64th season of live racing continued at America’s oldest lighted harness track. The feature race, the tenth race on the card, was a $9,000 Open Handicap Pace for fillies and mares with an optional claiming price of $17,500.

The feature went to the Meadows invader Snapper, with Jack Flanigen at the lines, pacing to the mile in a swift 1:56.3. In for the place was Pembroke Primo with John Cummings, Jr. Sun Belle Perfect and Ronny Beback showed up to round out the $55.00 trifecta.

Snapper and Flanigen moved from the rail to overtake the early lead from Cummings and Pembroke Primo just before the quarter pole. The talented mare took the front and cruised comfortably until just before the three-quarter pole when Tom Agosti and Jennifers Major showed a boost of speed to challenge Snapper just rounding the final turn. The efforts of the field did not overcome Snapper and Flanigen, as they drew away to win by 1-1/2 lengths. The fractions for Snapper were :28, :58.1 and 1:28.1.

Snapper is a 7-year-old mare by Keystone Luther. She’s owned by Anthony Cummings and Carl Cummings trains her. The winning $2 mutuel price was $3.20. Snapper was claimed out of the race for $21,000 by Howard Ouriel.

Live racing will continue this Friday and Saturday evening. Saturday features the annual tradition of Old Fashioned Night at Batavia Downs Casino. We will roll back the price of Sahlen’s hot dogs and soda to just 50 cents from 5 p.m. to the last race in the Paddock Room.

Dispatch has received several calls of a fight on West Main Street near Kingsbury Avenue.

UPDATE 9:51 p.m.: Police on scene. Fight apparently dispersed before police arrived on scene. Officers talking with neighbors.

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A woman was allegedly pushed from a silver Chevy Cavalier somewhere along Route 77 in Pembroke.

The woman is reportedly lying in the road.

The incident occurred near the Flying J.

Pembroke and Indian Falls Fire is responding.

Mercy Flight is on ground standby.

A 16-month-old is reportedly still in the vehicle.

UPDATE 9:48 p.m.: Mercy Flight is not needed. The woman will be transported by ground ambulance.

UPDATE 9:59 p.m.: The woman has reportedly told law enforcement she jumped from the car.

UPDATE 10:03 p.m.: It sounds like the vehicle has been located and the child is safe.

A 23-year-old Erie County man is accused of striking a minivan and another car at the intersection of Sumner Road and Route 77 at 8:29 p.m. yesterday.

The driver then allegedly fled the scene and was later located in East Aurora.

Jonathan Paul Murphy is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, leaving the scene of a personal injury accident and failure to stop at a stop sign.

The driver of the minivan reported some pain to Deputy Eric Seppela, but was not seriously hurt. None of the children in the minivan were hurt, Seppela said.

The driver of the third car was also uninjured.

The hit-and-run vehicle was traced to Murphy after Seppela found a license plate from the vehicle at the scene of the accident.

The vehicle was later found by a witness in Erie County and Murphy was reportedly seen going into a building. He was taken into custody by State Police and transported back to Genesee County were he was evaluated for alleged DWI and charged.

UPDATE: Additional details released by the State Police. Murphy was reportedly found in the area of Two Road Road, Marilla, after Trooper Timothy Roof responded to the area where the car was registered and reportedly found it abandoned on Two Road Road. A nearby resident reported to Roof  that he thought someone was in his back yard. Murphy was reportedly found hiding in a corn field.

A 27-year-old Dunkirk man and his 17-year-old companion were accused of dealing hallucinogenic mushrooms prior to the Tom Petty concert at Darien Lake on Saturday.

Both men were jailed on $5,000 bail.

Brett A. Tofil (pictured, left) of Middle Road, Dunkirk, is charged with possession of a controlled substance, 5th. He was also accused of possessing brass knuckles, leading to a charge of criminal possession of a weapon, 4th.

Also arrested was Joseph W. Kulig II (pictured, right), 17, of Custer Street, Buffalo. He was also charged criminal possession of a controlled substance, 5th.

Additional arrests related to the concert:

Adam J. Phillips, 28, of Redman Road, Brockport, is charged with assault, 2nd, trespass and resisting arrest. Phillips is accused of entering the seating area without a ticket several times. When officers attempted to arrest him, he allegedly fled on foot. When apprehended, Philips allegedly fought with officers, punching one in the face and injuring a deputy's finger. Phillips was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Sarah J. Cooper, 19, of Cree-Ton Drive, Amherst, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, resisting arrest and two counts of harassment, 2nd. Cooper was allegedly found in possession of marijuana in a vehicle in the parking lot. She is accused of resisting arrest, thrashing about and attempting to get away while being transported to the security office. While being processed prior to arraignment, Cooper allegedly kicked a corrections officer and also kicked a security guard. Cooper was jailed on $1,000 bail. She had also been issued a citation for alleged underage drinking and additional charges may be pending.

Matthew J. Pasternak, 20, of North Ivy Hurst Road, Amherst, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, resisting arrest and harassment, 2nd. Pasternak was allegedly yelling and screaming profanities while in the concert venue parking lot. When officers attempted to arrest him, he allegedly fought with them. He was allegedly found in possession of marijuana while being processed prior to arraignment. While EMT personal attempted to treat him for minor abrasions, he allegedly kicked at the emergency personnel. He was jailed on $750 bail. He also had been issued a citation for alleged underage drinking. Additional charges may be pending.

Jonathan Raymond (AKA John Doe),  21, is charged with trespass. He is accused of refusing to leave the concert venue after being instructed to do so several times. The suspect allegedly refused to cooperate and provide information about himself. He was jailed on $1,000 bail.

James R. Ross Sr., 49, and James R. Ross, 25, of Washington Street, Lockport, were charged with disorderly conduct. They are accused of fighting with Darien Lake security while walking from the concert to the campgrounds. They were jailed on $200 each.

Tyler N. Taylor, 25, of Regent Street, Welland, Ontario, Canada, is charged with trespass. He is accused of refusing to leave the parking lot after being told several times to leave. He was jailed on $400 bail.

Eric M. Hallinan, 20, of Sheldon Road, Orchard Park, Jesse P. Hughes, 20, of Tim Tam Trail, Blasdell, and Clayton T. Bainey, 20, of Troupe Street, Buffalo, are all charged with petit larceny for allegedly stealing a charcoal grill from a car in the parking lot.

Myles D. Macleod, 22, of Cedar Street, Akron,  is charged with disorderly conduct. He allegedly physically threatened an officer while in the concert venue.

Sara N. Rogers, 24, of Country Place, Lancaster, is charged with unlawfully dealing with a child, 1st. Rogers allegedly provided alcohol to minors.

Christopher T. Wailand,  28, of Chapel Glenn Drive, Hamburg, is charged with trespass. Wailand allegedly entered the concert venue without a ticket.

The following people were issued citations for alleged underage drinking:

Rachel R. Pawelski, 18, of Country Place, Lancaster
Kristie C. Dunphy, 20, of Cass Avenue, Cheektowaga
A 17-year-old, of Leawood Drive, Tonawanda
Gregory A. Minkewicz, 20, of Greentree Road, Tonawanda
Alexander B. Kucera, 19, of N. Ellicott Court, Amherst
Jonathan C. Wolf, 19, of Idlewood Drive, Tonawanda
Tony G. Molino, 19, of Herdle Avenue, Buffalo
Allison P. Reinagel, 20, of Canada Strett, Holland
Tracey A. Paglicci, 19, of Harlem Road, Amherst
Robin E. McDonald, 20, Dellwood Street, Amherst
Lyndsey M. Noreek, 20, of Christen Court, Lancaster
Robert C. Sedivy, 20, of Elm Avenue, West Seneca
Cassie J. Pomeroy, 19, of Claudette Court, Cheektowaga
Brock A. Morsch, 19, of W. Liberty Street, Dansville
Michael L. Daniel, 18, of Clinton Street, Dansville
Dustin R. Norton, 19, of Quigghollow Road, Andover
Robb F. Fuller, 19, of Charles Street, Scio
Joshua M. Bierman, 18, of Wadsworth Hill Road, Scio
Casey M. James, 19, of Church Street, Scio
A 16-year-old, of Drum Road, Allentown

Publisher's note: From about 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. last night, I hung out with members of the Sheriff's Office and observed concert day law enforcement activity. Similar to a story we did last year about a night in Darien Court, I'll have a story later this week about Saturday night during the Tom Petty concert.

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- Racing fans are reminded that Batavia Downs Casino will be conducting a special 12-race matinee program, on Sunday August 29. First race post time is 1:15pm.

Sunday is the first of three matinees scheduled this season, the others being Labor Day and Columbus Day.

"Batavia Downs Live," the 3 1/2 hour Time Warner cable broadcast of the Downs races will not be aired tomorrow.

"We simply couldn't get the airtime," Michael Kane, Vice President of Live Racing said. "With all the activities scheduled it's going to be a great day to be at the racetrack anyway."

Among the Family Fun activities scheduled for the kids are appearances from Pringles the Crown and Mr. Scribbles along with free pony rides. These events take place from two until four.

Food specials, beginning at noon, include $1.00 Sahlen Hots, Sodas, Popcorn and Snow Cones. A special clubhouse buffet will be served for just $7.95.

And finally after the last harness race of the afternoon its the annual wiener dog races, sponsored by Petco.

A total of 56 dachshunds will compete in 7 heats with the winner from each heat returning for a championship final. The owners of the top three finishers in the finals receive Casino free play. For more information visit www.bataviadownscasino.

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department during the Brooks & Dunn concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center:

Gregory J. Smith, 23, of Austin Street, Alden, is charged with trespass. Smith allegedly returned to the concert venue after being ejected.

Cody J. Gowanlock, 19, of Heyden Avenue, Orilla, Ontario, Canada, is charged with petit larcney. Gowanlock is accused of stealing Dippin’ Dots while in the Amusement Park. Gowanlock was released on $500 bail.

Alexander Vanloendersloot, 26, of E. Naples Street, Wayland, is charged with disorderly conduct. Vanloendersloot allegedly engaged in a fight in the parking lot of the concert venue. Vanloendersloot was released on $150 bail.

Travis E. Kanaval, 25, of County Route 92, Wayland, is charged with disorderly conduct. Kanaval is accused of allegedly revving his truck engine repeatedly causing annoyance and alarm while in the concert parking lot. Kanaval was released on $150 bail.

Frank W. Hoffman III, 21, of Michigan Street, Wayland, is charged with trespass, resisting arrest and unlawful possession of marijuana. Hoffman is accused of refusing to leave the parking lot and then resisting arrest. Hoffman was also found in possession of a small quantity of marijuana. He was released on $500 bail.

Jamie R. Perkins, 20, of County Route 90, Dansville, is charged with false personation. Perkins is accused of providing deputies with a fake date of birth. Perkins was also issued a citation for possession of alcohol under age 21 after allegedly being found in possession of an alcoholic beverage twice. Perkins was jailed on $300 bail.

A 16-year-old, of Mill Street, Cohocton, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and possession of alcohol.

A 16-year-old, of State Route 415, Cohocton, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and possession of alcohol.

Hilary E. King, 18, of Coomer Road, Burt, is charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. She is accused of causing a disturbance inside the concert venue.

Tyler A. Austin, 20, of Mill Street, Cohocton, is charged with trespass. Austin allegedly re-entered the concert venue after being ejected. Austin was also issued a citation for allegedly possessing alcohol under age 21.

A 16-year-old, of S. Main Street, Medina, is charged with petit larceny. The youth is accused of stealing a can of beer. He was also issued a citation for allegedly possessing alcohol under age 21.

Bryan E. Ehrhart, 26, of Glendale Avenue, Hamburg, is charged with forcible touch. Ehrhart is accused of touching a female in an intimate area.

Eric A. Eick, 21, of Chestnut Ridge Road, Middleport, is charged with assault, 3rd. Eick is accused of striking another patron causing physical injury.

Ryan J. Eick, 27, of Chestnut Ridge Road, Middleport, is charged with assault, 3rd. Eick is accused of striking another patron causing physical injury.

The following people received citations for alleged underage drinking:

A 17-year-old, of Pleasantside Drive, Wayland
Kevin J. Costello, 18, of East Avenue, Wayland
Kerrie L. Coykendall, 18, of Canadice Road, Springwater
Cassandra M. Dyckman, 19, of University Avenue, Atlanta
Coreena L. Prince, 19, of N. Main Street, Cohocton
Laura G. Rauber, 20, of Route 36, Dansville

On Route 77, Darien, a person jumped out of a black Ford Crown Victoria, ran up to another car and punctured the tires.

The Crown Vic then sped off on Route 77 toward Route 20.

The car is registered at an address in Buffalo.

Erie County Sheriff's is being notified.

UPDATE 1 p.m.: Something is going on with this.  A father has been on the phone with dispatch. A law enforcement officer has said, "well, we can certainly work something out if he's willing to replace the tire." Also, the officer told dispatch to notify Buffalo PD so "they don't have to waste their time."  So, apparently, a subject has been identified and there is more to the story that's not coming across the scanner.

Dispatcher just said the father is returning to Darien and will take care of the tire, purchasing whatever tire needs to be purchased. "He's clearly not happy with his son," the dispatcher said. "He understands what we want?" said the officer. "He's very understanding and cooperative."  Officer: "We can't ask for more than that."

For the second time tonight, a Batavia Police officer has been asked to respond to an address on State Street because somebody is ringing a door bell.

Officer: "Well, if she would just let her in since she lives there ... "

Dispatcher: "That was explained to her, but with a negative response."

Officer: "Roger. I'll head over there."

This is a replacement barn. The original barn on Partridge Farms burned down some time in the 1950s and current owner Pat Partridge said the current structure was built.

Like many barns in Genesee County, the barn needs some repairs, and Partridge said there are some problems with the roof that are way too expensive to fix, but they do try to keep the barn in good shape.

Partridge Farms is located on Ellicott Street Road, Batavia (right across from Johnny's).

The picture below is from another building on the farm.

Johnny's on Ellicott Street Road sure stands out these days.

Bartender Linda -- who wouldn't stand in our picture because she doesn't want any publicity for this -- said she doesn't really like drab colors.

For who knows how many years, the outside walls of Johnny's have been white.

Linda said she suggested to the owners that they paint it red and blue. That idea was rejected, so the "compromise" was lime green.

Linda doesn't know how long Johnny's has been around -- the current owners have operated it since 1955, and it was a bar before that, she said.

But I bet it's never been lime green before.

New York has awarded a $400,000 grant to the City of Batavia to help low-income homeowners rehabilitate their residences.

The city applied for the grant from the New York State Office of Community Renewal after receiving more than 60 applications for rehabilitation help. The show of interest from low-income homeowners was essential to the grant process.

With the funds, the city will be able to help 15 to 20 property owners rehabilitate their homes.

Very-low income homeowners (under $24,500 annual income) will be able to receive up to $24,500 to pay for repairs, and moderate-low income households can receive 75-percent reimbursement on rehabilitation, up to $18,375.

The homes must be owner-occupied.

As soon as the final paperwork is received from the state, the city will notify all applicants on how to proceed with their request for assistance.

Margarita's Mexican Restaurant, 15 Jackson St., Batavia, shut down nine days ago over an alleged failure to pay state taxes, will reopen at noon, Saturday.

Owner Carlos Hernandez received the keys back to his restaurant today and was busy late this afternoon, working with his staff, getting the restaurant ready to reopen.

He said he's very happy to get the issue resolved.

Through an interpreter, Hernandez said the tax issue was an oversight.

"It was a misunderstanding with the accountants."

Tax officials claimed he owned more than $32,000 in unpaid sales and corporate taxes.

Hernandez hired an attorney to help him straighten the matter out and reached an agreement with New York so he could start serving fajitas and burritos again.

Hernandez also made a point of noting all the positive comments about Margarita's on The Batavian. He appreciates the support.

William J. Butler, 40, of 3 Vine St., Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, and promoting prison contraband, 1st. Butler was taken into custody by members of the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force as part of an investigation into trafficking in crack cocaine in Batavia. Members of the task force, the Genesee County Sheriff's Office and the Batavia Police Department executed a search warrant on Butler's residence. Butler was located in a vehicle on Route 33, Town of Batavia. As a result of the searches, Butler was allegedly found in possession of more than one-half ounce of crack cocaine. While being processed into Genesee County Jail, Butler was also allegedly found to have crack cocaine on his person. The total street value of the crack cocaine is estimated at $1,000. Additional charges may be pending. Butler was jailed with no bail.

Christopher Paul Rutherford, 26, of Cowan Road, Piffard, is charged with petit larceny. Rutherford is accused of giving away an oil change and tire rotation to a friend and fellow employee at 4133 Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia.

Earl Shateek Anthony Lockhart, 18, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Lockhart is accused of shoplifting from Walmart.

Diane Mary Kotarski, 37, of Lewiston Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. At 3:35 a.m., Kotarski allegedly grabbed a male victim by the neck and slammed him into a car window. Kotarski was arraigned and released and an order of protection was filed barring her from contact with the alleged victim.

Steven Michael Hauser, 41, of Stanridge Court, Rochester, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Hauser is accused of punching another person while inside the concert venue at Darien Lake. The alleged incident occurred at 10:45 p.m., Aug. 20.

Gerilynn Georgette Joannis, 43, of Stanridge Court, Rochester, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Joannis is accused of punching another person while inside the concert venue at Darien Lake. The alleged incident occurred at 10:45 p.m., Aug. 20.

South Beach, 59 Main St., Batavia, NY: Only recently reopened, a fine/casual dining atmosphere, offering steaks and seafood and daily specials. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50 (must be used by Nov. 30, 2010).

Settler's Restaurant, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Settler's has a 25-year history of serving great, affordable breakfasts, lunches and dinners to Batavians. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Carlson's Studio, 39 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Weddings, new babies, family portraits, pet portraits and group events -- preserve those memories with professional photographs. We have a $100 gift card for $50 (+$2 PayPal Service fee).

Clor's Meat Market, 4169 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: For the best, most flavorful, juiciest chicken or hamburger in town, hands down, stop by Clor's. Oh, and the steaks are great, too. And the sausage. Clor's also serves lunch and dinners from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Stafford Trading Post, 6173 Main Road, Stafford, NY: Lunch or dinner, Stafford Trading Post offers a variety of fresh, homemade meals, as well as snacks and drinks. Now in a new, expanded location. We have a $25 gift card for $12.50.

Delavan's Restaurant and Tavern, 107 Evans St., Batavia, NY: To me, Delavan's is one of those restaurants where you want to eat frequently until you try everything on the menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

T.F. Brown's, at 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: T.F. Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. "If it happens in sports, it happens at Brown's." We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Authentic Southern BBQ, from ribs to brisket with all the fixin's. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Alex's Place, 8322 Park Road, Batavia, NY: People come from all over the region for a fine dining experience at Alex's. It's best known for its ribs, of course, but Alex's seafood is also a favorite of the restaurant's diners. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Matty's Pizzeria, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Matty's is another Batavia favorite for pizza and wings. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Larry's Steakhouse, 60 Main St., Batavia, NY: The name says it all -- Larry's is a great place for steak. Larry's has a fine dining atmosphere with a great menu and outstanding service. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

NOTE: If you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.

SOLD OUT

The Batavia Muckdogs remain much in the hunt for the Pinckney division crown after taking three of four games from the Williamsport Crosscutters at Dwyer Stadium over two days of double-headers.

The series put the Muckdogs, now 37-27, three games ahead of Williamsport in the wild-card race.

Tonight at Dwyer, Batavia split the double-header, taking the first game 6-3 and dropping the second 2-1.

Nick McCully (3-2) picked up the win going six innings (of a seven inning game) giving up seven hits and three runs.

First-year pro Mike Reid picked up his second save dispensing of Williamsport in the seventh on quick three outs.

First baseman Victor Sanchez had three hits and scored twice, while catcher Audey Perez had two hits and two RBIs and Jon Rodriquez tripled and drove in two runs. Nick Longmire scored two runs.

In the second game, reliever Keith Butler was unable to protect a one-run lead in the seventh inning. Butler gave up two hits and two runs.

Batavia's lone run came on a lead off home run by Chris Edmondson. It was Edmondson's first homer as a Muckdog. He hit six earlier in the year with Johnson City. Edmondson is hitting .324 in 18 games with Batavia.

Batavia managed only three hits in the second game against three Williamsport pitchers.

Tomorrow the Muckdogs travel to Pennsylvania for the first of five straight games against State College (32-33). The final three games, starting Sunday at 5:05 p.m., are at Dwyer Stadium.

More pictures after the jump:

A car was stolen a short time ago from in front of a business on Liberty Street.

A customer went into the business and found when she came back out that her 2009 Chevy Malibu was gone.

The color of the car is gray.

Batavia Police are responding.