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Muckdogs putting runs on the board, just not enough

By Howard B. Owens

Press release: 

Inconsistency throughout the first two weeks of the season for the Muckdogs has created a roller coaster of high and low points. With Monday night’s walk-off, 6-5 exhibition win in the rearview, Batavia dropped to a 5-7 record after losing two straight.

On Tuesday against the Pioneers, a two-RBI triple by Charlie Szykowny in the opening frame created an early 2-0 lead. That lead stayed intact till the bottom of the third inning as the Pios put seven runs on the scoreboard on just five hits.

After adding two more runs for good measure to make the score 9-2 with four innings in the books, Batavia would score a pair of runs in both the fifth and sixth to make it a 9-6 ballgame. First baseman Joe Georger was a large part of the Muckdogs' success, tallying three hits and scoring two runs at the bottom of the order.

Georger and extra hitter Trey Bacon consistently getting on base created the opportunity for guys at the top of the lineup like Cameron Conley, Spencer Marcus and Abner Benitez to drive them in. Reliever Tyler Prospero had a great appearance for Batavia as Dathon McGrath could only go two and a third in the start. Prospero ran out of gas in the seventh with Chris Erickson smacking an RBI triple, while Kyle O’Neill would allow another to go up 11-6.

As they have shown repeatedly, the Dogs are a resilient group of guys that are determined till the very end. A spot that they found themselves in less than 24 hours before, down five runs with Bacon leading off the inning with a hit by pitch against pitcher David Ferguson. Benitez would walk on four pitches, and Marcus would have his second hit of the night to have the bases loaded with one out.

Charlie Szykowny battled against Ferguson to allow another walk that made the score 11-7. Coming to the plate was the game-tying run in Daniel Burroway would up to that point was 0-3 for the night but hit the ball hard all over the yard. Burroway laced a ball up the middle that was snagged by Pioneer shortstop Donovan Montgomery for the second out, and Montgomery stepped on second to complete the game-ending double play.

A situation that brought back flashbacks to Friday night’s 7-6 loss to Geneva as Blair Frederick hit a line-drive double play that ended Batavia’s comeback hopes just a few days before. The Muckdogs still hold the 3-2 season series against the Pios (not counting Monday’s exhibition win) as Elmira found themselves just a half-game back of first place.

Shifting gears into another challenging game on the road at Russell E. Diethrick Jr. Park Wednesday night, as the Muckdogs were still looking for their first win against the Jamestown Tarp Skunks. For the second straight night, Batavia got ahead early as Daniel Burroway score both Marcus and Benitez. However, a common theme for the Dogs is not capitalizing by adding to their lead with the bases loaded and giving their lead right back to the opponent.

Jamestown took the lead in the bottom half after a two-run bomb from extra hitter Luke Turner off Nathan Hinkley to go up 3-2. In the fourth, they added a trio of runs as DiMaggio Cazaras, Justin Bowers, and Justin Bailey all came around to score in the fourth.

Down 6-2 catcher Mitch Fleming got ahold of a fastball and drove it over the left-field wall for a two-run homer for his first of the season to cut the deficit to two. In the middle innings for Batavia, they continued to hit line drives and put the ball in play, but gold glove plays by Cazaras in left field, Bailey in right, Danny Hosley at third, and Haiden Hunt in center ensured that Jamestown kept their lead safe.

In the bottom of the sixth, AJ Winger retired the first two batters of the inning before allowing a walk to Bowers and a single to shortstop Chase Carlson. The next man up, Justin Bailey, hit a ball to Szykowny that was thrown to Georger at first, and a great pick was made to get the final out of the inning.

The only problem was the base umpire called Bailey safe at first base, allowing the inning to continue. Hunt on the first pitch he saw, hit a two-RBI single, followed by Mark Tucker, also driving in two runners.

With one call dictating a four-run swing for Jamestown, Batavia had more work to do with the bats as Benitez hit a towering solo shot over the 342-foot foul pole in right field to make it a 10-5 game. Outfielder Trevor Dean had himself a great day at the plate with two doubles and an RBI single in the seventh to make it a four-run game.

Matt Henson came and shut the door in the ninth for the Tarp Skunks, solidifying a two-game losing streak for the Muckdogs heading into a home-and-home series against the Niagara Power. Batavia beat the Power in their first meeting last Saturday 10-5 at Sal Maglie Stadium.

A home game at Dwyer Stadium today will be the Muckdogs first since Monday’s exhibition game. Niagara will then host Batavia on Friday for a 6 p.m. Friday start, with the Dogs then having three straight games at home throughout the weekend.

First pitch against the Power will be at 7:05 tonight -- Thirsty Thursday!

It can be viewed on YouTube Live by subscribing to BataviaMuckdogBaseball. Make sure to follow our Twitter @BataviaMuckdogs and liking our Facebook Page, “BataviaMuckdogBaseball.”

Muckdogs need only two hits to secure second straight win, 5-0

By Press Release

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Press release:

Batavia rode their 10-5 win against the Niagara Power at Sal Maglie Stadium on Saturday to their second straight win as the Newark Pilots came to Dwyer. By no means was it a pretty game with two hits for the Dogs, but they were disciplined at the plate, drawing 11 total walks.

The Savanna Bananas' dancing first base Coach Maceo Harrison, a viral sensation on social media, also made an appearance for the fans at Dwyer. Harrison showed off his moves in the second, fourth and sixth innings.

Starting pitcher for Newark, Danny Owen, struggled with his location, hitting four batters in his two innings on the mound. Spencer Marcus had an RBI single in the first that scored leadoff hitter Caden Walton who was beamed three times in four at-bats.

Batavia stayed patient at the dish in the second inning, scoring three runs with no hits while stranding the bases loaded. The Muckdogs' other hits came in the bottom of the seventh after Abner Benitez had an RBI triple that also scored Walton.

Julian Pichardo picked up his second win of the 2021 season as the big right-hander from Coastal Alabama CC pitched seven scoreless innings for the Muckdogs. Pichardo only allowed two hits, striking out four Pilots batters and providing large cushions for relievers Kyle Kohlhafer and Nate Novia.

Both Kohlhafer and Novia pitched an inning. They allowed one baserunner each but left them stranded on the basepaths.

Now sitting at 5-5 on the season, Batavia will play at home Monday night against the Elmira Pioneers in an exhibition game that will not count toward their official record.

The games can be viewed on YouTube Live by subscribing to BataviaMuckdogBaseball. Make sure to follow our Twitter @BataviaMuckdogs and liking our Facebook Page, “BataviaMuckdogBaseball.”

Top photo: Julian Pichardo #40 starting pitcher.

To view or purchase pictures, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene Photography.

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LAW Dance Studio

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Savanna Bananas' dancing first base Coach Maceo Harrison​ showing off some moves.

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George Parish age 96, World War II vet, of Alexander.

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Muckdogs can't get tying run across in ninth, lose 7-6

By Press Release

Press release:

At some points this season, it seems like the Muckdogs just haven’t been able to catch a break.

With the game hanging in the balance heading into the bottom of the ninth, Batavia trailed the Geneva Red Wings 7-5. Pinch hitter Caden Walton was beaned in the elbow on the first pitch he saw, and Cameron Conley also reached base after being walked on four pitches.

Abner Benitez kept his hitting streak alive as he laid down a bunt against southpaw reliever Ryan Gassler after first baseman Noah Reichman fielded the bunt and tried to get the lead runner Walton at third, but Walton reached before the throw.

Spencer Marcus stepped up to the plate down two runs with based loaded and no outs in what felt like a perfect scenario. Gassler hit Marcus in the foot with a breaking ball to cut the deficit to just one as the Muckdogs were in a prime position to win on Batavia Blue Devil Night.

Cleanup hitter Daniel Burroway struck out for the first out of the inning, but star outfielder/pitcher Blair Frederick was due up next in a great spot to have a walk-off in his first game as a Muckdog. In a 1-1 count, Frederick ripped a ball up the middle, and Gassler made an athletic play to catch the line drive and throw the ball over to third to complete the double play. And just like that, the game was over.

Batavia had the opportunity to cash in runners throughout the ballgame as well, leaving 12 runners left on base and the Muckdogs continue to struggle in that category. Starting Pitcher Nathan Hinkley was credited with the loss after going 5.2 innings, allowing 11 hits and six earned runs.

Catcher Joey Battaglia and third basemen Jerry Reinhart had great nights at the plate, scoring two runs apiece and having base hits in the three-run fourth inning for the Dogs.

The Muckdogs will now travel to Sal Maglie Stadium to square off against the Niagara Power for their first meeting of 2021. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. Batavia will be back home for a 4:05 p.m. game Sunday against the Newark Pilots.

Today’s game can be viewed on YouTube Live by subscribing to BataviaMuckdogBaseball. Make sure to follow our Twitter @BataviaMuckdogs and liking our Facebook Page, “BataviaMuckdogBaseball.”

Benitez six-game hitting streak not enough to lift Batavia's offense against Jamestown

By Press Release

Press release:

On the 80th anniversary of Russell E. Diethrick Park, the Jamestown Tarp Skunks picked up their fifth win of the season in a 9-0 victory against the Muckdogs Thursday night.

Not being able to drive in base runners in scoring position and minimizing errors in the field that create crooked numbers on the scoreboard was the difference in the ball game. Batavia was 0-7 with runners in scoring position and left double-digit runners stranded on the base paths.

The fifth inning has been cursed for the Muckdogs so far this season, as Jamestown added five more runs to their 2-0 lead. Three errors in the field played a large part in the blowup inning, with only two of the five runs scored were earned runs for starting pitcher Dathon McGrath.

For Batavia, Abner Benitez increased his hitting streak to six games after a single in the top of the fourth inning, as the Alabama State outfielder is hitting .414. Both Benitez and Daniel Burroway had two-hit performances for the Dogs, as they both had their hits in the fourth and ninth innings, respectively. Luis Rodriguez and Michael Florides had the two other hits for the Muckdogs.

The Muckdogs look to get back to their winning ways on Batavia Blue Devil night at Dwyer Stadium against the Geneva Red Wings tonight (June 11th). Geneva is second in the West Division with a 4-2 record. Last night the Red Wings lost to the Elmira Pioneers extra innings by a score of 5-4.

First pitch is scheduled for a 7:05 start Saturday night. Tomorrow’s game can be viewed on YouTube Live by subscribing to BataviaMuckdogBaseball. Make sure to follow our Twitter @BataviaMuckdogs and liking our Facebook Page, “BataviaMuckdogBaseball.”

Elba drops Section V tournament game despite 14K outing by Hare

By Press Release

Press release:

Elba bowed out of the Class D2 Section V tournament, losing a pitcher's duel 3-1 in boys varsity baseball action Wednesday night.

Senior hurler Andrew Hare was spectacular for the Lancers, striking out 14 while allowing just three hits but it wasn't enough.

Trailing 1-0 for most of the game, Elba finally managed a run in the top half of the sixth inning. Junior Caden Muehlig drew a lead-off walk and then moved to second on a perfect sacrifice bunt by sophomore Jake Engle. Muehlig would move to third on a passed ball on the next pitch. After an attempted suicide squeeze didn't work out, junior Connor Scott smacked a two-out double to deep right-center field to plate Muehlig with the tying run. Scio got out of the inning when pitcher Cam Loucks induced Hare into a short groundout.

In the bottom half of the sixth, Scio, who had been held hitless all day, suddenly got hot at the plate. Three straight hits by the Tigers, including a double to deep right-center by Cory Bolzan that scored the go-ahead run, highlighted the inning. The Tigers would add an insurance run shortly after when an infield hit by Loucks was misplayed by Elba.

Loucks went the distance for Scio, striking out five and walking three while surrendering just the one hit.

The Lancers finish the season at 4-9 while Scio will play Northstar Christian in the semifinals on Friday.

Oakfield youth tosses no-hitter, fans 18

By Howard B. Owens

Oakfield's Mason Vigiano, pitching in a 12-U league, was dominating against Alden yesterday, notching a no-hitter while striking out 18 batters on 71 pitches.

He walked one batter at the top of the third inning. He struck out the first six batters he faced.

Oakfield won 10-0.

Photo and info submitted by Sam Vigiano.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Muckdogs v Pioneers

By Press Release

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Press release:

As players and coaches reported to Dywer Stadium on Tuesday, they were determined to give the fans what they deserved on “Guaranteed Win Night” at the ballpark. Mission accomplished after a 10-1 route of the Elmira Pioneers to get back in the win column.

Pitchers allowing walks, errors in the field, and leaving too many runners on base have been the Muckdogs kryptonite ever since their last victory against the Pioneers at Dunn Field on opening night.

Tonight, Batavia checked off all the boxes to the winning formula, limiting the number of walks to six, playing error-free baseball, and tallying 13 hits.

Reliever Tyler Prospero explained his opinion of the team’s recent struggles saying, “we talked in the clubhouse today and we don’t feel like we’ve lost a game yet. There are some serious competitors and dogs in that clubhouse who come out and work their tails off every day.”

Prospero was crucial to tonight’s success for the Muckdogs, as the Niagara Purple Eagle pitcher pitched a scoreless three and a third innings, two walks, and two strikeouts out of the pen. The Batavia native did not have an ideal debut this past Friday against Elmira. Once the nerves settled down today, you could see that Prospero was locked in and that “dog mentality” held Elmira to just one run and four hits.

Julian Pichardo picked up the win as the Coastal Alabama CC right-hander had another masterful start against Elmira. In his first start of the season against the Pios, Pichardo went four and two-thirds scoreless frames with nine strikeouts and three hits given up. Tonight the Muckdogs ace was still very effective throwing five innings on four hits, one run, and two strikeouts.

After the lethal Muckdogs lineup came back down to Earth the past two games only mustering up five runs and seven hits, Batavia broke things open in the fourth and fifth innings scoring four runs in each inning. Second baseman Caden Walton got things rolling with a leadoff double in the fourth, as he would be driven in by cleanup hitter Daniel Burroway to tie the game at one.

In the next at-bat, shortstop Charlie Szykowny would slice a ball down the left-field line that would score Burroway as the flood gates opened for Batavia. Batavia would score 10 unanswered runs as they continued to put the ball in play against the Pioneer bullpen after starter Holden Wilder ran into turbulence in the fourth.

Instead of pressing the panic button Monday following the 13-3 loss in an exhibition game against the Mansfield Destroyers, skipper Joe Martinez and assistant coach Tony Brewington decided a better course of action would be to motivate their team to reach their full potential. After having deep conversations with both the hitters and the pitching staff, the Muckdogs saw it as a learning experience to build off and learn from the adversity that comes with a three-game losing streak.

Elmira’s win streak was stopped at three in Monday night, as Batavia has been the thorn in their side up to this point with both losses this season coming at the hands of the Muckdogs. With five errors Tuesday night, Elmira will try to get their revenge against Batavia as they host the Muckdogs Wednesday at Dunn Field.

First pitch will be at 7:05 p.m. and can be viewed on YouTube Live by subscribing to BataviaMuckdogBaseball. Make sure to follow our Twitter @BataviaMuckdogs and liking our Facebook Page, “BataviaMuckdogBaseball.”

Photos by Jim Burns. For more photos, click here.

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Muckdogs drop fourth-straight game

By Press Release

Press release:

Batavia’s losing streak extends to four as the Mansfield Destroyers, a team in the NYCBL, beat them 13-3 Monday night. The game will not count toward the Muckdogs PGCBL record due to it being a crossover game between two different summer baseball leagues in New York.

The Muckdogs came out of the gates hot at home with a two-run bottom of the first after hits by outfielders Spencer Marcus and Abner Benitez. Mansfield, who was playing their first game of the entire season, tied the game in the third due to back-to-back doubles from Villanova catcher John Whooley and left fielder Tyler Castelli.

Batavia would answer in the bottom of the frame as Charlie Szykowny would reach via a throwing error by second basemen Randall Hiem that would score Ethan Frasca to take the lead. As starting pitcher Kyle Kohlhafer’s day game to close after allowing four hits and one earned run in four innings, things went south for the Muckdogs in the fifth.

As we have seen multiple times so far this year, opponents have put up crooked numbers against relief pitchers due to walking too many base runners. Mansfield would score five funs in the fifth to take the lead, and tack on four more in the seventh to increase their lead to 11-3. In those two blow-up innings, Batavia allowed nine runs on just four hits and two errors. The Destroyers lead would grow to double digits after right fielder Theron Schilling’s RBI double was Mansfields 10th hit of the ballgame.

Marcus would pick up Batavia’s only other hit of the contest with an opposite-field single to right field in the fifth. Even with only three total hits, Batavia could not cash in one of their eight runners left on base that reached via walks, hit by pitch, and errors. The Mansfield pitching staff of Vaughn, Shimp, Higgerson, and Kahn struck out 11 Muckdogs in the outing as well.

The Muckdogs will play home yet again tomorrow against the Elmira Pioneers who have won four straight games after losing to the Dogs 7-0 on opening night. It will be “Guaranteed Win Night” at Dwyer Stadium as all fans in attendance will receive a free ticket to a game later in the season if the Muckdogs fall to the Elmira.

First pitch tonight night will be at 7:05 and can be viewed on YouTube Live by subscribing to BataviaMuckdogBaseball. Make sure to follow our Twitter @BataviaMuckdogs and liking our Facebook Page, “BataviaMuckdogBaseball.”

Make sure to secure your ticket by calling the box office at (585) 524- 2260 or come to Dwyer Stadium today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Muckdogs fall to unbeaten Geneva 4-2

By Press Release

Press release:

The Geneva Red Wings remained unbeaten Sunday night as they picked up their third win of the year, defeating the Muckdogs 4-2.

Batavia’s bullpen struggled in the 9-7 loss to Elmira and the 12-10 loss to Jamestown during the homestand this past weekend. Today the pitching staff kept the game close when their offense was not putting up runs in bunches like we have seen up to this point.

Right-hander Nathan Hinkley got the start for Batavia in his first appearance for the Muckdogs after joining the team late due to Keystone College going deep into the NCAA Divison III tournament. Hinkley pitched six innings, allowing five hits, striking out six, and only allowing one earned run.

For Geneva, Joe Sperone also hurled six scoreless innings as the Muckdogs left six runners on base, including Charlie Szykowny and Brice Mortillaro stranded at third early in the ballgame.

After scoring two runs in the bottom of the sixth, (the second run was unearned due to an E7 charged to Luis Rodriguez) Kyle O’Neill gave up two runs in relief for the Muckdogs to make the deficit 4-0.

With only three hits for Batavia heading into the eighth inning, outfielder Abner Benitez hit a two-run no doubt homer off reliever Andrew Matthews. Benitez has been red hot at the plate as the freshman from Alabama State already has seven hits and four runs scored this season.

Byron-Bergen native Colin Noeth held the score at 4-2 in the eighth, making it the third straight night that the Muckdogs were down two runs with the game on the line. Matthews shut the door with a 1-2-3 inning that solidified the win for Geneva.

Batavia now falls to 1-3 after winning the season opener at Dunn Field against the Pioneers this past Thursday. They travel back to Dwyer Stadium for a two-game homestand on Monday and Tuesday. The Mansfield Destroyers, a team in the NYCBL will come to Batavia for a league crossover game tomorrow night while the Pioneers will come back to town on Tuesday.

The first pitch tomorrow night will be at 7:05 and can be viewed on YouTube Live by subscribing to BataviaMuckdogBaseball. Make sure to follow our Twitter @BataviaMuckdogs and liking our Facebook Page, “BataviaMuckdogBaseball.”

Make sure to secure your ticket by calling the box office at (585) 524- 2260 or come to Dwyer Stadium tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Video: New era of Batavia Muckdogs baseball opens at Dwyer Stadium

By Howard B. Owens
Video Sponsor
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New era of Batavia Muckdogs baseball opens at Dwyer Stadium

Photos below by Jim Burns. For more photos, click here.

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Muckdogs win first game in PGCBL

By Press Release

By Griffin Della Penna:

The Batavia Muckdogs defeated the Elmira Pioneers in their inaugural game as a member of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League Thursday night 7-0 at Dunn Field.

Strong performances on the mound from Julian Pichardo, Andrew Parr and AJ Winger were crucial to halt the Pioneer offense. The Muckdog bats came through in big moments, as all seven of their runs were scored with two outs.

In the start, Pichardo hurled a scoreless four 2⁄3 innings on three hits, no walks, and nine strikeouts. With a runner on second base, reliever Andrew Parr struck out left fielder Kevin Serrano on three pitches to retire the side in the bottom of the fifth. Parr finished with four strikeouts while only allowing a hit in 2 1⁄3 innings pitched. Winger did not record a baserunner in the final two innings of work, retiring all six batters he faced in order.

Batavia’s runs came in bunches as the three runs came around to score in the third and ninth innings. Catcher Brice Mortillaro safely got to first after a drop third strikeout which would later be the first run of the game after an Abner Benitez line drive single. First baseman Daniel Burroway knocked in Alabama State University teammates Luis Rodriguez and Benitez to build the lead to 3-0.

Outfielder Spencer Marcus’ two-out single resulted in a Mortillaro opposite-field RBI single in the fourth inning to increase the lead to four. Batavia added their next trio of runs stemming from errors by Elmira’s Sam Polanco and Ryess Youmans. Utility player Charlie Szykowny and outfielder Trevor Dean were late-game substitutions who contributed with RBI singles to add some more insurance runs in the top of the ninth.

Elmira will travel to Dwyer Stadium in Batavia tonight with intentions to spoil the Muckdogs home opener. The Muckdogs will be playing their first home game in 637 days in what is anticipated to be a sold-out crowd. Make sure to secure your ticket by calling the box office at (585) 524- 2260 or come to Dwyer Stadium from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

First pitch will be at 7:05 p.m. and can be viewed on Youtube Live by subscribing to BataviaMuckdogBaseball. Make sure to follow our Twitter @BataviaMuckdogs and liking our Facebook Page, “BataviaMuckdogBaseball.”

Go Dogs!

Muckdogs host 'Eat and Meet' night June 1 at Eli Fish for season ticket holders

By Press Release

Press release:

As a token of appreciation to their season ticket holders, the Muckdogs would like to announce “Eat and Meet” night at Eli Fish Brewing Co. on June 1st at 6 o'clock.

This event allows season ticket holders to pick up their tickets for all 29 home games, as well as a meet-and-greet session with Muckdog players and management.

Food and drinks at Eli Fish will be at your own expense.

If you are a season ticket holder and cannot come to “Eat and Meet,” other accommodations can be made to pick up your tickets if you come to Dwyer Stadium any weekday, 9 a.m. -5 p.m.

Season tickets and single game tickets are available now! To purchase, please call (585) 524-2260, or to buy in person, come down to Dwyer Stadium. Tickets for our home opener Friday, June 4th, vs. Elmira are selling out fast!

Please follow our Facebook page, “Batavia Muckdogs Baseball,” and Twitter @BataviaMuckdogs.

Go Dogs!

Single-game tickets for Muckdogs home games now available

By Press Release

Press release:

As heavily requested, single-game tickets are now available for all 29 home games throughout the 2021 season. The official Muckdogs schedule can be found on the Perfect Game website (pgcbl.com) and on our Facebook page, “Batavia Muckdogs Baseball.”

To purchase tickets, please call (585) 524-2260 to be in attendance and cheer on your Muckdogs at historic Dwyer Stadium!

Season ticket packages are also still available for the 2021 season. For inquiries, make sure to call (607) 734-7825 before our home opener against Elmira on June 4th. Be on the lookout for more Batavia Muckdogs news as the season kicks off in less than two weeks!

Home Schedule

  • Friday, June 4th vs Elmira (7:05 p.m.)
  • Saturday, June 5th vs Jamestown (7:05 p.m.)
  • Monday, June 7th vs Mansfield (7:05 p.m.)
  • Tuesday, June 8th vs Elmira (7:05 p.m.)
  • Friday, June 11th vs Geneva (7:05 p.m.)
  • Sunday, June 13th vs Newark (4:05 p.m.)
  • Monday, June 14th vs Elmira (7:05 p.m.)
  • Thursday, June 17th vs Niagara (7:05 p.m.)
  • Saturday, June 19th vs Jamestown (7:05 p.m.)
  • Sunday, June 20th vs Niagara (4:05 p.m.)
  • Monday, June 21st vs Elmira (7:05 p.m.)
  • Thursday, June 24th vs Geneva (7:05 p.m.)
  • Saturday, June 26th vs Elmira (7:05 p.m.)
  • Monday, June 28th vs Niagara (7:05 p.m.)
  • Thursday, July 1st vs Newark (7:05 p.m.)
  • Saturday, July 3rd vs Niagara (7:05 p.m.)
  • Sunday, July 4th vs Mansfield (4:05 p.m.)
  • Monday, July 5th vs Syracuse (7:05 p.m.)
  • Tuesday, July 6th vs Geneva (7:05 p.m.)
  • Thursday, July 8th vs Elmira (7:05 p.m.)
  • Saturday, July 10th vs Elmira (7:05 p.m.)
  • Monday, July 12th vs Niagara (7:05 p.m.)
  • Thursday, July 15th vs Jamestown (7:05 p.m.)
  • Saturday, July 17th vs Newark (7:05 p.m.)
  • Sunday, July 18th vs Elmira (4:05 p.m.)
  • Thursday, July 22nd vs Newark (7:05 p.m.)
  • Friday, July 23rd vs Jamestown (7:05 p.m.)
  • Sunday, July 25th vs Jamestown (4:05 p.m.)
  • Thursday, July 29th vs Niagara (7:05 p.m.)

Muckdogs' promos include fan favorites -- postgame fireworks, Thirsty Thursdays, Free T-shirt Night and more

By Press Release

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League are gearing up for their first season in their new league and are gearing up to make it the place to be in Batavia this summer!

With the release of the promotional schedule today the Muckdogs are proud to bring back exciting events like: Meet the Team; Postgame Fireworks; Free Posters; Thirsty Thursdays; Sahlen’s Dollar Dog Nights; Free T-shirt Night; O’Lacy’s Irish Night; 716 Night; Free Face Masks; and many more! 

All of the Muckdogs promotions and their regular season schedule can be found at canusamuckdogs.com.

Baseball returns to Batavia on Friday June 4th as the Muckdogs take on the Elmira Pioneers with fireworks presented by the Graham Corporation immediately following the action!

Single game tickets are on sale now by calling the box office at (585) 524-2260! Be sure to like our Facebook page and subscribe to our YouTube channel, “Batavia Muckdogs Baseball.” Go Dogs!

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Here's the PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE for the 2021 season:

  • Friday, June 4th -- Opening Night -- Postgame fireworks presented by Graham Corp.
  • Saturday, June 5th – Opening Weekend  -- Postgame Autographs on the Field
  • Monday, June 7th -- Free Poster Schedules
  • Tuesday, June 8th -- Meet the Players After the Game on the Field, Guaranteed Win Night
  • Friday, June 11th -- Batavia Blue Devils Night
  • Sunday, June 13th -- Free T-shirt Night
  • Monday, June 14th -- Dewey's Birthday Party
  • Thursday, June 17th -- Thirsty Thursday Drafts $2
  • Saturday, June 19th -- Postgame Fireworks presented by UR Medical & Skyworks
  • Sunday, June 20th -- Father's Day Game -- Play Catch With Dad on the Field
  • Monday, June 21st -- Sahlen's $1 Dog Night
  • Thursday, June 24th -- Guaranteed Win Night
  • Saturday, June 26th -- Faith & Family Night
  • Monday, June 28th -- Arc of Genesee Orleans Giveaway
  • Thursday, July 1st -- Canada Day -- Canadian $$ Taken at Par
  • Saturday, July 3rd -- Postgame Fireworks Presented by Tompkins Bank and Chapin Manufacturing
  • Sunday, July 4th -- Free USA Face Masks
  • Monday, July 5th -- USA Homestand
  • Tuesday, July 6th -- USA Homestand
  • Thursday, July 8th -- OLacy's Irish Night
  • Saturday, July 10th -- Free Diamond Dance Team Photo
  • Monday, July 12th -- Sahlen's $1 Dog Night
  • Thursday, July 15th -- STOP DWI Night
  • Saturday, July 17th -- Postgame Fireworks Presented by Batavia Downs & Oak Orchard Health
  • Sunday, July 18th -- 716 Night
  • Thursday, July 22nd -- Thirsty Thursday Drafts $2
  • Friday, July 23rd -- Postgame Fireworks Presented by O-AT-KA Milk and Turnbull Heating & Air
  • Sunday, July 25th -- Genesee Valley Penny Saver Free Team Photo Night
  • Thursday, July 29th -- Bring Pet Food -- Get In For Free

Single game tickets for Muckdogs now available for all 29 home games

By Press Release

Press release:

As heavily requested, single game tickets are now available for all 29 home games throughout the 2021 baseball season. The official Muckdogs schedule can be found on the Perfect Game website (pgcbl.com) and on our Facebook page, “Batavia Muckdogs Baseball.”

To purchase tickets, please call (585) 524-2260 to be in attendance and cheer on your Muckdogs at historic Dwyer Stadium!

Season ticket packages are also still available for the 2021 season. For inquiries, make sure to call (607) 734-7825 before our home opener against Elmira on June 4th.

Be on the lookout for more Batavia Muckdogs news as the season kicks off in less than three weeks!

We hope to see you in the stands; Go Dogs!

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Muckdogs hire assistant general manager and head groundskeeper

By Press Release

Submitted photos and press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs are proud to announce the newest additions to the organization, Assistant General Manager Tyler Benenati and Head Groundskeeper Larry Hale!

Benenati (left inset photo) will assist Marc Witt, general manager of CAN-USA, in the Muckdogs' first season as a part of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League (PGCBL).

A native of New Paltz, Benenati attended SUNY Cortland, where he studied Sports Management. In his senior year at Cortland, Benenati met Witt for the first time when Witt was a guest speaker in his Sports Management class.

They continued to stay in touch, and before Benenati graduated from Cortland in May of last year, he was offered an internship with CAN-USA down in Elmira.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Benenati didn’t have a “normal” summer with the Pioneers due to a canceled season in the PGCBL, but he still gained valuable experience. CAN-USA made it a priority to be involved in the Elmira community as much as possible, so they hosted youth camps at Dunn Field and allowed high school and travel teams to play games at the facility.

During those days, Benenati was involved in every aspect of game-day operations. He did it all from public address announcing, running the concession stand, and compiling data/research to help future sales.

“I’m excited to continue to work with CAN-USA while revitalizing baseball here in Batavia," Benenati said. "I appreciate the opportunity to work alongside Robbie [Nichols] and Marc [Witt] for another season. Can’t wait for the season to start and to see all the Muckdog fans at Dwyer Stadium throughout the season."

Hale (inset photo right) will be joining as the Muckdogs' head groundskeeper. He is very well-known in the Batavia community, but he is most notable for his prominent role with Batavia Minor League Youth Baseball.

In 2000, he starting volunteering as a T-ball coach for his oldest son, Zach, and that is where he found his passion for coaching. Since then, Hale has coached teams simultaneously at nearly every level for Zach and his four other sons: Tyler, Jake, Alex and Dillon.

He has been fundamental to the success of dozens of players that would go on top play in high school and college.

Hale has served as treasurer for the Batavia Minor League Board along with president and vice president on the Batavia Little League Board.

He and his wife, Diane, have taken an active role in the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation since its inception in 2007, being one of the head coordinators in the memorial weekend baseball tournament for many years.

Larry was also an honoree of the Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation of Genesee County, which named him an “Outstanding Italian-American" in 2018.

Hale's experience maintaining fields for two decades at nearby MacArthur Park ensure that Dwyer Stadium is in good hands for the upcoming season.

The Muckdogs are coming home to Dwyer Stadium on June 4th for their home opener after opening the season on the road in Elmira on June 3rd, which you can catch on YouTube Live on the Muckdogs YouTube page!

Make sure to call (607) 734-7825 and get your season tickets now before the 2021 season kicks off on June 4th. Be sure to like our Facebook page and subscribe to our YouTube channel, “Batavia Muckdogs Baseball.”

Congrats Tyler and Larry, Go Dogs!

Andrew Hare Ks 13 leading Elba to 400 win

By Press Release

Press release:

Elba's Andrew Hare pitched strong in what was the season opener for both teams, striking out 13 batters in five innings to earn the 4-0 win for the Lancers. Connor Scott also pitched well for Elba in relief, allowing no hits and striking out one to grab the save.

Byron-Bergen's Gianni Ferrara had the team's only hit, an infield single off of Hare in the first inning.

Elba struck first when a Caleb Scouten ground ball plated Zach Howard in the top of the first inning. Howard reached base three times in the game and finished with four stolen bases.

The Lancers added to their lead in the fourth when freshman Angelo Penna smacked a single to right-center field, scoring Travis Kauffman who singled moments earlier. Penna had two hits on the day.

Elba continued in the fifth with two more runs. The first came when Souten's grounder was misplayed by Byron-Bergen. Howard scored on the error and Scouten followed him home a few pitches later when Scott notched a line drive to center field.

Scouten led the Lancers with two RBI while he, Austin Hunt, and Caden Muehlig added singles for Elba (1-0).

Byron-Bergen falls to 0-1.

Lang twirls no-hitter as Pembroke wins 12U opener

By Mike Pettinella

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Play ball!

The umpire’s call to start the game was a welcome sound Tuesday afternoon as Pembroke went up against Oakfield on opening day of the Pembroke Youth Association 12U baseball season.

And the game turned out to be a thrilling one as Pembroke’s Brayden Lang spun a no-hitter with 13 strikeouts in his team’s 2-0 victory. Lang outdueled Mason Vigiano, of Oakfield, who also was strong on the mound, compiling 13 strikeouts.

Both runs came in the fourth inning when Leo Lang walked and moved up on a single by Zachary Hartz. Catcher Owen Shultz followed with an RBI single, setting the stage for Lang to drive a double to centerfield to make it 2-0.

Lang retired the next six batters to secure his first no-hitter, prompting a celebration on the mound.

“It was a great feeling for all to be on the field once again after the rough year the boys faced with the cancellation of last season,” said Pembroke Coach Dan Lang. “Hats off to players on both teams that battled in the season opener.”

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Photo at top: Brayden Lang, of Pembroke, winding up. Photos at bottom: Oakfield's Mason Vigiano; Lang as he closes in on the no-hitter. Submitted photos.

With first pitch a month away, Muckdogs announce three roster additions

By Press Release
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           Joe Battaglia             Andrew Parr             Abner Benitez

Press release:

With opening day exactly a month away as the Muckdogs travel to play the Elmira Pioneers on June 3rd, three additional players to the Muckdogs 2021 roster! They are freshman OF Abner Benitez, RHP Charles “Andrew” Parr, and sophomore Catcher Joe Battaglia.

Benitez is a true freshman outfielder at NCAA Divison 1 Alabama State and has immediately made an impact for the Hornets. Listed at 5’10” 185 lbs the Miami native played his high school ball at Miami Christian, where he was a four-year starter. Benitez has started 21 games for Alabama St. in his freshman campaign, hitting a respectable .267 batting average with 12 RBIs. His first career three-hit game was on March 10th against Samford, the same game that he hit his first collegiate home run. He is tied for the highest fielding percentage on the team (1.000 on 47 of 47 putouts) and top 10 in doubles, runs scored, and total walks. Alabama State currently is on a seven-game win streak, boosting their overall record to 19-17.

Charles “Andrew” Parr is also a true freshman playing at Andrews College, a JUCO located in Cuthbert, Ga. Parr is from Opelika, Ala., and went to Opelika HS before committing to Andrews. The right-handed pitcher has made 12 appearances in his first season with the Tigers, posting a 3-2 record. His first win came on February 17th against Enterprise State Community College, hurling four innings, allowing four hits, and no earned runs. As the season has progressed, Parr has been coming out of the bullpen as a reliever and now has 16.2 innings pitched in 2021 with 13 Ks. Andrews College is currently sitting at 31-22-1 with a 16-14 record in conference play, securing the three-seed in the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association. The Tigers will square off on May 7th against Southern Georgia St. with the winner playing Gordon State on May 9th.

Battaglia is a sophomore at nearby Niagara County Community College after spending his first two collegiate seasons at Niagara University. The 6’0” 185 lbs catcher from Williamsville had an impressive high school career at Williamsville North before deciding to attend Niagara, where his older brother, Pete, was the first baseman. As a Freshman in 2019, Battaglia started nine games for the Purple Eagles, recording seven hits and three RBIs. After seeing limited action in the shortened 2020 season, Joey decided to transfer and play for the Thunderwolves, a respected JUCO in the area. NCCC has a 25-8 record with an 11-1 conference record, with their opponent Region III Sub-Regionals still to be determined. Battaglia has played 17 games behind the plate for the Thunderwolves, posting a near .200 batting average with 10 runs scored, four RBIs, and two stolen bases.

The Muckdogs are coming home to Dwyer Stadium on June 4th for their home opener after opening the season on the road in Elmira on June 3rd, which you can catch on YouTube Live on the Muckdogs YouTube page! Make sure to call (607) 734-7825 and get your season tickets now before the 2021 season kicks off on June 4th. Be sure to like our Facebook page and subscribe to our Youtube channel, “Batavia Muckdogs Baseball.”

Welcome Abner, Andrew and Joey, Go Dogs!

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