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Muckdogs win 15th-inning shootout

By Howard B. Owens

After pushing a 2-2 tie into the 15th inning last night, Batavia and Staten Island lit up the scoreboard with seven runs in the decisive inning.

Fortunately for the Muckdogs, the balance of the runs tipped their way, giving them their 11th victory of the season, against 13 losses.

The 6-5 victory was powered by first basemen Victor Sanchez. The San Diego State University product hit a three-run blast in the 15th for his first home run of the season.

Yunier Castillo added what proved to be a much needed insurance run with a single later in the frame, driving in Adam Melker.

Relief pitcher and Riverside, Calif., native LaCurtis Mayes, in his third season with the Muckdogs, got the win. He's now 2-1.

Colin Walsh, playing second base, picked up three hits, as did third baseman Jonathan Rodriguez. Right Fielder Melker also had three hits, and Sanchez had two.

The Muckdogs return to Dwyer Stadium tonight to begin a six-game home stand, starting with a three-game series against the Red Sox farm club from Lowell, following by three games against longtime NY-Penn League rival Jamestown.

Wednesday is Volunteer Firefighters' Night. There will be fireworks after Friday's game. Saturday features a sun-visor giveaway, a community sleepover and music by Papa and Mama Root.

Pacers and trotters return to Batavia Downs on July 26

By Billie Owens

July is upon us, and that means the return of pacers and trotters to Batavia Downs Casino.

Opening night is July 26, which not only marks the 64th season of live harness racing at America’s Oldest Lighted Harness Track, but a newly expanded stakes schedule.

Batavia is doubling the number of New York Sire Stakes contests it will offer as compared to 2009 and is adding the County Fair Finals for 2- and 3-year-old pacers and trotters.

The 2010 Batavia Downs Casino stakes schedule boasts combined purses in excess of $1 million. Stakes racing culminates with the eighth annual Robert J. Kane Memorial Pace on Oct. 16.

“We are thrilled to see an expanded stakes schedule for 2010,” said Todd Haight, track analyst for Batavia Downs Casino. “I’m confident the New York bred pacers and trotters will bring as much excitement and as many fast miles for our patrons this year as they did in 2009.”

In all, there will be eight New York Sire Stakes and seven New York Late Closers throughout July, August and September at Batavia Downs Casino.

The glamour division, the 3-year-old New York Sire Stakes colt and gelding pacers, are set to race on Saturday, Sept. 4. In 2009, the 3-year-old pacers gave Kenneth J’s all-age track record of 1:52 a scare when Jim Morrill Jr., with OK Braveheart, Handsome Harry, and Hypnotic Blue Chip each did the mile in a sizzling 1:52.2, 1:53 and 1:52.3, respectively. OK Braveheart’s 1:52.2 mile established a new track record for 3-year-olds.

Haight is optimistic that the same level of talent will be showcased this year as well.

Sept. 18 marks a notable day in the 70-year history of Batavia Downs, as the second largest (combined) stakes purses ever will be up for grabs when the 2-year-old filly trotters and 3-year-old colt trotters vie for estimated purses of $280,000. This figure is second only to Armbro Flori’s victory in the Breeders Crown in 1988, which boasted a purse of $286,756.

Another highly anticipated event this year is the Robert J. Kane Memorial Pace, which carried a $40,000 purse in 2009. Scheduled for Oct. 16, Haight believes that the timing is attractive for pacers that want to continue racing after the Oct. 9 Breeders Crown.

“Scheduling the Robert J. Kane Memorial Pace a week after the Breeders Crown could be an attractive option for many of the best horses in all of harness racing,” Haight said.

Last year’s winner, Foiled Again, one of the top pacers in the sport, cruised around the Downs oval in 1:52.3. Matt Kakaley was in the sulky for trainer Ron Burke <http://fanguide.ustrotting.com/dt_stars_profiles.cfm?id=133792>.

For the complete Batavia Downs stakes schedule, visit www.bataviadownscasino.com <http://www.bataviadownscasino.com/>.

Batavia's 12-year-old All Stars shut out Wayland

By Billie Owens

Batavia's 12-year-old All Stars shut out Wayland 10-0 yesterday.

Josh Johnson led off the game Sunday with a home run to right center. CJ Suozzi led off the third inning with another towering home run to center field (his 2nd of the District 3 Tournament) and Mike Falitico added a 2-run laser to deep left field to lead Batavia.

Quentin Weis and Tyler Prospero combined for multiple strikeouts and pitched a 1 hitter.

Greg Mruczek hit 2 line drives for doubles. Also, Dakota Swimline and Weis hit doubles. Other key hits were by Nathan Goodwin and Dominic Mogavaro.

Batavia #2 seed (2-1) plays in Dansville tomorrow (July 13). The #1 Seed Geneseo will play #2 seed Thursday at 6 p.m. in Geneseo for the District Championship.

This information submitted by a reader.

Tonight's Muckdogs vs. Tigers game postponed due to rain

By Billie Owens

Tonight's Batavia Muckdogs game versus the Connecticut Tigers has been postponed due to rain.

The two teams will play a double-header tomorrow night starting at 5:05. They will play two seven-inning games, with the second starting a half hour after the conclusion of game one.

The fireworks originally scheduled for Friday’s game will occur after the game on Saturday, July 31st versus the Jamestown Jammers. That night’s game is scheduled for 7:05, with gates opening at 6 p.m.

Ficarella finishes Oakfield

By Billie Owens

Nick Ficarella hit a walk off 3-run homer to finish the game 12 to 2 over Oakfield.

Oakfield scored with their first batter. Hale lead off the game with a home run to left field.

Batavia bounced back with a 3-run inning with runs scored by Trevor Sherwood, Tyler Prospero and CJ Suozzi to take a 3-to-1 lead after the first inning.

Batavia shut out Oakfield in the second inning with great pitching by Dominic Mogavaro (9 strikeouts on the day).

Prospero came up with a big 3-run homer over the left center-field fence to advance Batavia to a 6-to-1 lead after two innings of play.

Batavia's Dakota Swimline hit a solo home run in the third. His second homer in two games. Oakfield's first baseman Hamm followed with a towering home run to right center in the fourth inning.

Ficarella came up to bat in the bottom of the fifth to ice the game with a 3-run homer.

Batavia had multiple hits by Sherwood, Prospero, Swimline, Suozzi, Ficarella, Noah Dobbertin, Ryan Cummings, Jarret Lasket, Mike Falitco and Greg Mrucek.

Batavia is now 2-0 in pool play with a big game this Thursday at home against highly rated Geneseo.

This information was submitted by a reader.

Camping in the outfield at Dwyer's

By Billie Owens

On July 10 and 17 there will be overnight camping after each Muckdog game for City of Batavia residents.

All campers need to be accompanied by an adult family member and everyone needs to purchase a ticket to the game.

Advance tickets can be purchased at $1 saving per ticket from the game day price. When buying your ticket, all you have to do is to say you will be camping and you will be given a voucher. which will give you entrance to the outfield to set up your tent.

Tent stakes can not be longer that 10 inches. No pets allowed and everyone needs to be off the field by 8 a.m. the next day.

Any questions call the Muckdogs at 343-5454.

CJ Suozzi slams past Le Roy

By Billie Owens

CJ Suozzi hit a Grand Slam to lead Batavia 12-year-old All-stars 18 to 5 over Le Roy.

Le Roy came out of the gates fast with a 2-run lead in the first, with runs by Fix and Tygart. Batavia's "Q" (Quinten) Weis tied the game with one swing of the bat, hitting a 2-run homer as Josh Johnson led off the inning with a walk. Bro (Dakota) Swimline followed Weis with a back-to-back home run as Batavia ended the inning up 4 to 2.

Le Roy bounced back with 3 more runs in the second inning by Elliot, Fisher and Midwick to take the lead back 5 to 4.

Batavia's big hit came with bases loaded. Suozzi hit a towering home run over the center field fence to lead an 8-run inning, which was too much to overcome.

Suozzi, Weis, Swimline and Tyler Prospero went 3 for 3 while Johnson, Mike Falitico and Nick Ficarella contributed with hits.

Information submitted by a reader.

Muckdogs pick up win on the road, 9-6

By Howard B. Owens

Andrew Moss, perfect in his last outing, wasn't quite as perfect Monday night, but good enough to notch his third win of the season.

The Batavia Muckdogs beat Tri-Cities 9-6 behind the hitting of catcher Audris Perez, a  third-year pro out of the Dominican Republic. Perez had three hits, driving in four base runners.

Second baseman Colin Walsh had the team's only other multi-hit game with two singles. Walsh, a first-year pro from San Diego and a product of Stanford, recently joined the team from Johnson City.

For the second time of the season, Nick Longmire homered in the lead off spot. It was his fourth homer of the season.

Moss went 5 1/3 innings, surrendering three runs on three hits, but he also walked five batters.

Jose Rada fanned two hitters in the ninth to pick up his fourth save.

The Muckdogs are in Tri-Cities again tonight, have Wednesday off and start a three-game home stand Thursday against Connecticut.

Photos: Area 51 Motocross

By Howard B. Owens

Today was race day at Area 51 Motocross. I thought it would be interesting to head out to the dirt bike track and snap a few photographs.

More pictures after the jump:

Muckdogs blanked 4-0 on fireworks night

By Howard B. Owens

There were plenty of fireworks at Dwyer Stadium tonight, unfortunately, they didn't come while any Muckdogs were at the plate.

Four Auburn pitchers shutdown Batavia's offense, as the Doubledays (8-8) picked up a 4-0 win over the home squad in front of more than 1,500 fans.

Starter Justin Edwards, of Guyton, Ga., and making his second swing through Batavia, held the Doubledays to only four hits in 5 2/3 innings, but he also walked three and the lone run he surrendered was enough to tag him with the loss.

Batavia is now 7-9, but trailed first place Jamestown (9-7) by only two games in the Pinckney Division.

The Muckdogs will be out of town for July 4, starting a three-game series against Tri-Cities.

The team returns home July 8 against Connecticut.

More pictures after the jump:

Sam Rooney Scores a 300 in Wii Bowling

By Bea McManis

52 residents, at 400 Towers, are  playing Wii Games. with 26 residents on the board with 200+ games.   

Sam Rooney became the second player to post a 300 game.  He joins Dennis Meyer, who now has 5.

Meyer, Bea McManis and Bob Clark competed in a Wii Golf game, this week, that had both Meyer and McManis posting holes in one.

The residents are also playing Tiger Woods PGA Tour on Wii. 

Wii Games are sponsored by the 400 Towers' Resident Council. 

Muckdogs starter tosses a gem

By Howard B. Owens

Andrew Moss, a 24-year-old, second-year pro from Piedmont, Mo., dazzled at Dwyer Stadium tonight.

Moss went seven innings -- the typical NY-Penn League starter is pulled after five innings -- and surrendered not a single hit, and of course, no runs.

The Muckdogs notched a 3-0 victory, with Jose Rada tossing two scoreless innings, giving up one hit, and picking up his second save of the season.

Moss (2-1) lowered his ERA to 1.69.

Joe Bergman, 22 and in his first pro season, picked up two hits. The second baseman is now hitting .394.

Catcher Luis Miguel De La Cruz, a fourth-year pro from the Dominican Republic, and in his second tour with Batavia, homered and picked up two RBIs on two hits.

The Muckdogs are now 6-7 and open a three-game series against Auburn, also 6-7, on Thursday.

There is no home game on July 4, but there will be fireworks following the games on Friday and Saturday nights.

64th racing season at Batavia Downs opens July 26

By Billie Owens

BATAVIA, NY – Batavia Downs Casino begins 64th season of live, harness racing on Monday, July 26. Pacers and trotters will meet at America’s Oldest Lighted Harness Track for 72 exciting dates of racing.

The 2010 season features a new post time of 6:40 for all evening races. Three matinees will take place on Aug. 29, Sept. 6 and Oct. 11, each with a post time of 1:15. For all racing promotional giveaways and handicapping contests, patrons may begin swiping their Player’s Club cards at 5 p.m. at the Players Club.

“The new 6:40 post time is designed to be more convenient for our patrons,” says Michael D. Kane, vice president of operations and live racing at Batavia Downs Casino.  “The new time should also increase the nightly handle, especially in the early races."

New for the 2010 season is a Pick 6 wager on races 7-12 with a $2 minimum. The Pick 6 will start out with a guaranteed pool of $1,000. Based on past popularity of Batavia Downs Casino’s annual Pick 6 Contest, the new nightly Pick 6 wager is sure to be a hit with race fans.

“We are excited about the new Pick 6 and believe it will be a nice addition for our patrons,” Kane said.

Also new this season is a fourth Daily Double. The Late Late Daily Double for races 10-11 has been added to the wagering menu. This will be in addition to the previous Early Daily Double (races 1 & 2), Mid Daily Double (races 4 & 5), and the Late Daily Double (races 8 & 9).

For more information visit www.bataviadowns.casino.com
 

Photos: Challenger Baseball

By Howard B. Owens

Challenger baseball opened last weekend, but I wasn't able to make it, so I stopped by the games today to take some pictures.

More pictures after the jump:

Muckdogs drop third straight in extra innings

By Howard B. Owens

The Batavia Muckdogs dropped its third straight game at Dwyer Stadium, losing to State College 4-2 in 10 innings.

Second-year pro Keith Butler, of Morgantown, Ky., surrendered two runs in the top of the 10th to get tagged with the loss.

Reliever Nick McCully was impressive in four innings, striking out three and giving up only two hits.

Meanwhile, the Cardinal's 5th-round draft pick, San Diegean Nick Longmire, continued his hot hitting. Today, Longmire had two hits, including a triple and a run scored that tied the game 2-2 in the 7th inning.

Longmire tops the league in several offensive categories, including hits (15), triples (3), home runs (3), RBI (16; next best is 9), total bases (33; next best, 23), slugging (.892). He's second in average at .405.

The Muckdogs, now 4-6 and in last place in the Pinckney Division, begins a three-game home series tomorrow against Mahoning Valley. Auburn leads the division at 5-4, only a 1.5 games ahead. Mahoning Valley comes to town with a 4-5 record.

On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the Muckdogs host Auburn. Friday and Saturday's games feature post-game fireworks. This no home game on Sunday, July 4, so the team is providing an extra fireworks show on Saturday.

Top photo: Longmire arrives at third base after his 7th inning triple.

More photos after the jump:

Longmire's slam lifts Muckdogs to 6-3 victory

By Howard B. Owens

A grand slam home run in the 7th inning from Nick Longmire broke a 2-2 tie and powered the Batavia Muckdogs to a 6-3 victory over Mahoning Valley on Thursday.

It was Longmire's third HR of the season, giving him the league lead, and with 14 RBI over the first seven games, he's well ahead of any other player in that category as well.

The Muckdogs are in second place with a record of 4-3.

Jose Rada (1-1) threw three scoreless innings to pick up the win. Starter Kevin Siegrist went five innings and gave up two runs.

Left fielder Rainel Rosario had three hits.

Batavia faces off against Mahoning Valley again tonight, and then return home tomorrow to begin a five-game home stand. First up, State College. Game time Saturday is 7:05 p.m.

Muckdogs fail to hold late lead, drop second straight

By Howard B. Owens

Reliever Jose Rada was handed a one-run lead in the eighth inning Tuesday and let it slip away, surrendering two runs to State College and giving the Batavia Muckdogs their second straight loss.

Batavia (2-3) lost 5-4 to the Spikes (2-3).

The only Muckdogs with two or more hits Tuesday were catcher Audris Joel Perez, with three, and DH Adam Melker, with two. Perez had 2 RBIs and a stolen base.

No Muckdog managed an extra base hit.

Starter Ron Russell went four innings and gave up two earned runs. Reliever Travis Lawlor gave up one run in three frames.

The Muckdogs are in State College again tonight. Game time is 7:05 p.m.

Longmire's offense not enough to lift Batavia over State College

By Howard B. Owens

Nick Longmire's lead off home run at State College on Monday night might have provided a spark, but it wasn't enough to carry the Batavia Muckdogs to victory.

Batavia (2-2) dropped the game 8-7.

Longmire provided most of the offense, going 4-5 and driving in four runs. He also tripled and stole a base.

Shortstop Yunier Castillo added two hits and two RBIs.

Starter Nicholas McCully surrendered two runs on three hits in five innings. Houston Summers was charged with a blown save after giving up three runs in two innings, but because the Muckdogs regained the lead while he was still the pitcher of record, he could have picked up a win.

But reliever David Kington was also tagged with a blown save and a loss after giving up three runs on four hits in his one inning of work.

The victory was the first of the year for State College (1-3).

The Muckdogs have two more games at State College before moving on to Mahoning Valley.

Muckdogs out score Auburn, 10-8

By Howard B. Owens

The Batavia Muckdogs (2-1) put 10 runs on the board in Auburn on Sunday to edge out the Doubledays (1-2), 10-8.

Victor Sanchez, Patrick Biserta, Matt Valaika each contributed a pair of RBIs while outfielder Jon Edwards smacked two doubles in a three-hit performance.

Anthony Ferrera (1-0) picked up the win in five innings of scoreless relief. Starter Matthew North lasted only one-and-a-third innings, yielding six runs.

Photos: Horse driving competition at Silver Shoe Farms, Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Competitors from throughout Western New York -- and even West Virginia -- were at Silver Shoe Farms on Pratt Road, Batavia, today for carriage driving races.

Nicole Cable said this is the third year Silver Shoe has hosted the event.

The races feature two- and four-wheel carriages, some of them antiques -- remnants of the pre-automobile era.

Cable, 29, started carriage racing when she was 9. She now teaches carriage driving at the farm.

Competitors were ages 9 and up and both men and woman. Horse sizes ranged from 32-inches tall to 16 hands.

More photos after the jump:

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