muckdogs

Press release:

For the second year in a row, Batavia will be honored with an inductee to the New York Penn League Hall of Fame.

The 2019 class features Batavia's Gene Baker, who was not only an outstanding player and manager, but a pioneer in breaking the color barrier in Minor and Major League Baseball.

Baker will be joined in the NYPL Hall of Fame with Jane Rogers, Josiah Viera and Bernie Williams.

The purpose of the New York‐Penn League Hall of Fame is to recognize individuals for their overall accomplishments and contributions to the league, on the field of play or in an administrative role, in addition to their overall career in baseball.

“As the oldest, continuously operated Class-A league in professional baseball, the list of players, coaches, field managers, general managers, and owners reads like a Who’s Who of Baseball,” said Ben Hayes, president of the New York‐Penn League. “We are proud to induct another class of extraordinary nominees.”

The following individuals comprise the New York‐Penn League’s 2019 Hall of Fame Class:

GENE BAKER

A man of firsts, Baker played a significant role in the history of the New York-Penn League and baseball in general when he broke the managerial color barrier by becoming the first African-American manager in organized baseball when the Pittsburgh Pirates named him skipper of the Batavia club in 1961.

In 1963, he became the second black coach in the major leagues following Buck O’Neill by a half season. He can also be credited with being the first black manager in Major League Baseball when he took over for ejected Pirates Manager Danny Murtaugh on Sept. 21, 1963.

After his coaching days, Baker spent many years as a scout for the Pirates' organization. He spent eight seasons in the majors with the Cubs and Pirates and was the first African-American player to ever make the Chicago Cubs' roster in 1953.

JANE ROGERS

As the first person hired by the Staten Island Yankees in 1999, Jane Rogers has been with the club for the entirety of its 20-year history in New York City.

Originally hired as the organization’s office manager, Rogers has progressed through various roles, including that of general manager, and her current position as senior vice-president, Baseball Operations.

Her tireless efforts leading the organization, and in particular the club’s relationship with the New York Yankees, have led to strong relationships with players and front office administrators alike. Rogers’ personality, generosity and kindness have led to her holding a special place in the hearts of many present Major League superstars.

During the three months that followed the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, Rogers was responsible for managing Richmond County Bank Ballpark’s operations, which included a 24-hour/7-day-a-week distribution center for NYFD, NYPD and other city agencies that used the ballpark for a staging area.

Over the past two decades, she has mentored and led countless former SI Yankees employees, who have gone on to become executives throughout organized baseball. In addition, Rogers has been an important contributor to the Staten Island community and the New York-Penn League as a whole.

JOSIAH VIERA

Josiah captured the hearts of baseball fans around the country during his life, but it was in the New York-Penn League, with the State College Spikes, that his impact was most directly felt.

Josiah was born with Hutchinson-Guilford progeria, a rapid aging condition. His joyous spirit and enthusiasm was a source of inspiration for players, coaches, staff and fans. During his time as the Spikes' honorary bench coach, Josiah helped propel the club to three Pinckney Division titles and New York-Penn League championships in 2014 and 2016.

Just like all of the other coaches, Josiah gave instructions, encouraged players and exhorted them with his life’s motto, “Never Give Up.”

His presence created an unforgettable moment at the 2019 NYPL All-Star Game, held at his home field, in State College, Pa. As he made the final pitching change of the game, he left the field to a standing ovation from both teams and every fan in attendance.

Late in 2019, Josiah passed away at the age of 14. While he is greatly missed by every member of the Spikes and the New York-Penn League family, Josiah's spirit remains as a shining example of determination and perseverance in the game of baseball and the game of life.

BERNIE WILLIAMS

Williams hit .344 as a member of the 1987 Oneonta Yankees playing in 25 games before a promotion to Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. He made his Major League debut with the N.Y. Yankees on July 7, 1991 and would go on to play his entire 16-year MLB career in pinstripes. In his 16 seasons, he collected 2,336 hits, 449 doubles, 287 HR and 1,257 RBI to go along with a lifetime batting average of .297. He is a four-time World Series champion and the all-time leader in postseason RBI with 80. He also ranks second all-time in postseason HR (22), hits (128), doubles (29), total bases (223), and runs (83).

A five-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner, Williams won the 1996 ALCS MVP, 2002 Silver Slugger and 1998 AL Batting Title. He joined Yankee immortals by having his number 51 retired in 2015.

The New York‐Penn League Hall of Fame was established in 2012. Inductees are nominated and voted on by New York-Penn League club officials.

Inductions are scheduled to take place on Aug. 21, during pregame ceremonies at the 2019 New York‐Penn League All‐Star Game at Richmond County Bank Ballpark, home of the Staten Island Yankees.

Last year, the late Wayne Fuller was joined in the Hall of Fame with Marvin Goldklang and Andres Galarraga.

Fuller's voice was a constant in Batavia, the birthplace of the New York-Penn League. For almost four decades Wayne served various roles for his hometown team including radio broadcaster, PA announcer and official scorer from his spot in the Batavia press box which was named the Wayne H. Fuller Press Box in 2009.

Press release:

The Tri-City ValleyCats kept J.D. Orr hitless on Tuesday night, a rain-shortened 1-0 Batavia Muckdogs win. It snapped a 10-game hitting streak for Orr.

Wednesday night, Orr made the ValleyCats pay. With one out in the ninth inning and Batavia trailing, 5-4, Orr laced a two-RBI single to left and the Muckdogs held on to win, 6-5.

It is the third straight win for the first-place Muckdogs, who are 27-18. The Muckdogs had a lot of help as the three teams chasing Batavia for first place in the New York-Penn League Pinckney Division all lost on Wednesday.

West Virginia (22-21) now trails Batavia by four games, Mahoning Vally trails by five along with State College, Pa., and Auburn. The only team to win on Wednesday in the Division was 15-29 Williamsport.

Batavia Manager Tom Lawless used five pitchers in the victory, but the last one he turned to was closer Evan Brabrand, who pitched a perfect ninth with a strikeout. Brabrand, a ninth-round draft pick of the Miami Marlins, picked up his ninth save of the season. In 11 appearances he has the nine saves, a 2-1 record and in 10.1 innings has struck out 15.

Orr, a left-handed outfielder who was drafted in the 10th round this year by the Marlins out of Wright State in Dayton, Ohio, hit third in the lineup Wednesday and went 2-for-4 with three RBIs, a run and a walk. Orr, who has 20 stolen bases on the season, is hitting .368.

Batavia had a lead in the sixth when newest Muckdog Julian Infante belted a two-run home run to left field for a 3-2 lead. C.J. Stubbs hit his fifth home run of the season in the bottom of the eighth for Tri City and Batavia was down to their last three outs.

However, Orr's single brought in Milton Smith II and Jack Strunc.

Strunc (run), catcher Andres Storms (double, run) and Rosario all had hits.

Geremy Galindez improved to 3-0 on the season with the win, as he pitched the eighth. Julio Frias started and went five innings, striking out five, allowing one walk and two runs. Brock Love, a 34th-round pick out of Alabama came in a tough situation and went 1.1 innings, pitching perfect baseball with two strikeouts. Love has a 0.00 ERA this season for the Muckdogs in five appearances and 6.2 innings.

Batavia is at Tri-City Thursday then returns home to Batavia on Friday to play the Connecticut Tigers. Check muckdogs.com for a new ticket special for Friday's game, a family four-pack of tickets is just $20. The game is at 7:05 p.m.

Submitted photo and press release:

TROY -- The Batavia Muckdogs have won a lot of close games this season. Tuesday night, the Muckdogs won not only a close game, but a game that was stopped because of rain after six innings.

Jackson Rose and Eli Villalobos combined on a "perfect" one-hitter as the Muckdogs defeated the Tri-City Valley Cats (Houston Astros), 1-0.

Rose, a 35th-round draft pick of the Miami Marlins in 2018 out of Minnesota, improved to 5-2 on the season as he went five innings, struck out four and did not allow a walk or a run. He gave up a single in the third inning.

Villalobos, a 14th-round pick of Miami in 2018, threw the sixth, striking out two and getting a ground out to Nic Ready at third topic up his second save of the season.

After that play, the rains came down and the thunder and lightning were closer and the game was called.

Batavia improved to 26-18, and remains in first place in the New York-Penn League Pinckney Division.

Julian Infante, who joined the Muckdogs Tuesday from the Gulf Coast League, singled and scored the only run of the game.

Infante, a first baseman, was a 36th round draft pick of Miami this year and played at Vanderbilt. he is a Miami native.

Catcher Andres Sthormes singled in Infante for the game-winning RBI in the fifth inning. Another new Muckdog (who has played Batavia), Harrison Dinicola, had a single and Jack Strunc also singled.

After Batavia took a 1-0 lead, Rose had a seven-pitch inning thanks to the defense of Muckdogs' left fielder J.D. Orr. The first batter, Joe Perez, hit a low-liner to left and Orr made a running, diving catch and rolled twice, holding onto the ball. With little time to enjoy the grab, C.J. Stubbs then hit what appeared to be a base hit and again made a great catch.

Batavia is at Tri-City on Wednesday and Thursday.

The team returns home to Batavia on Friday to play the Connecticut Tigers. Check muckdogs.com for a new ticket special for Friday's game, a family four-pack of tickets is just $20. The game is at 7:05 p.m.

The Muckdogs also play at home Saturday at 7:05 p.m. and Sunday at 5:05 p.m.

There will be fireworks on Saturday and specials all three games.

Tickets are available at muckdogs.com or stop by the Dwyer Stadium Ticket office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week. The number is 585-483-3647.

Photo: Eli Villalobos earned his second save of the year, throwing a perfect inning with two strikeouts as the Batavia Muckdogs defeated the Tri City Valley Cats, 1-0 in a game called after six innings because of rain. Batavia is 26-18 and in first place.

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs had lost four straight and were suddenly down 3-0 on Sunday to Williamsport with their first-place lead in danger.

That's when Muckdogs Manager Tom Lawless started pulling out the stops as he has all season. The team started bunting, double steals with a steal of home and then a big home run.

The Muckdogs then turned to the bullpen with the lead and held on to win, 5-4 before an Irish Night crowd of 1,021 at Dwyer Stadium, just a day after a near-record crowd of 2,779 filled Dwyer. That's a three-day total of 4,687 to see the 25-18 Muckdogs.

Down 3-0, in the fourth, Brayan Hernandez singled in Troy Johnston, advancing Andrew Turner to third. On the double steal, Hernandez swiped second then Turner stole home, cutting the lead to 3-2.

In the bottom of the fifth, Dalvy Rosario's RBI double scored Milton Smith II to tie the game then Nic Ready's sacrifice fly scored Rosario for the lead.

In the bottom of the sixth, Batavia catcher Michael Hernandez crushed an opposite-field home run to give Batavia a 5-3 lead they would not lose. it was the second home run of the season for Hernandez, who came to the Miami Marlins organization out of Nova Southeastern College.

J.D. Orr blasted a triple for Batavia and his average of .374 still leads the entire New York-Penn League.

Left starter Andrew Miller, a 2018 Marlins draft pick out of Kentucky, had the win to even his record at 3-3. He went five innings and struck out five walking just one.

Josh Simpson, another lefty and a 32nd-round pick this year out of Columbia University, earned his fifth hold of the season throwing a perfect sixth.

Bryan Hoeing, a 6-foot-6, 225-pound righty who was a seventh-round Marlins draft pick out of Louisville this year threw 2.2 innings for his second hold, striking out one and allowing one run.

Evan Brabrand, one of the best closers in the minor leagues, picked up his eighth save of the year, striking out the last batter of the game with runners on base. Brabrand was a ninth-round pick of the Marlins this year out of Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va.

Batavia at 25-18 holds a two-game lead over 22-19 West Virginia in the Pinckney Division and a three-game lead over State College in Pennsylvania and Mahoning Valley, both 22-21. Only Lowell with 26 wins has more wins in the entire NYPL than the Muckdogs.

Batavia is on the road for three games with the Tri-City ValleyCats (Houston farm club) before returning home to take on the Detroit Tigers Class A team, the Connecticut Tigers Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 2, 3 and 4. There will be fireworks on Saturday and specials all three games.

Photos by Jim Burns.

Submitted photo and press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs will try again today to end the toughest losing streak of the 2019 season as they host the Williamsport Crosscutters at 5:05 p.m. as part of Irish Night.

On Saturday, a crowd of 2,779 packed Dwyer Stadium -- thanks to Tompkins Bank of Castile purchasing all of the general admission tickets in an effort to draw a record crowd (the bank also hosted an employee picnic) -- but the Muckdogs fell to Williamsport, 7-0.

Batavia (24-18) remains not only in first place in the New York-Penn Pinckney Division, but in the hunt for the best overall NYPL record, trailing Lowell (Red Sox) 26-14) and the Mets' farm club, Brooklyn Cyclones (24-16).

The Muckdogs, the affiliate of the Miami Marlins, still have a two-game lead over the West Virginia Black Bears, who have lost two in a row and are 21-19. Mahoning Valley (22-20) has won two in a row and State College (22-20) has won three in a row. The Muckdogs have lost four.

The first year of the Batavia minor league team in the current league, the team drew 3,000 fans on May 10, 1939. The stadium was called State Street Park and to accommodate so many fans, they watched from the outfield fence, which was a snow fence at the time, and borrowed chairs from a local funeral home.

The record-setting attendance was set on July 4^th 2008,when the Muckdogs drew 3,021 fans.

Saturday night, thanks to Tompkins Bank of Castile buying 2,000 tickets for fans who packed the park, the Muckdogs drew 2,779. This time, kids and families were in the grass on the first- and third-base lines and the picnic area was full of fans.

The Williamsport team was having the fun on the field as Kendall Simmons hit a home run and Juan Aparicio went 3-for-4 with a double and a triple.

Batavia was led by the hot-hitting J.D. Orr, who went 2-for-4. The 10th-round pick this year of the Marlins is now hitting a lead-leading .375 on the season.

Andrew Turner, Troy Johnston and Dalvy Rosario all had hits for Batavia.

Muckdogs' pitching has now put up some budding two-game stars. A total of seven pitchers have thrown 18 innings with 21 strikeouts and zero walks.

Saturday, Easton Lucas (four Ks in three innings), Dakota Bennett (two strikeouts in 5.0 innings) and Joey Steele (a scoreless ninth and he struck out the side) combined for nine strikeouts and no walks.

Muckdogs catcher Dustin Skelton, an 18th-round Marlins draft pick this year, threw out three runners trying to steal.

Sunday is a 5:05 p.m. start and it's O'Lacy's Irish Day. O'Lacy's has specials and tickets, you can visit the restaurant or follow them on Facebook. It is also free admission for MuckPups and kids can run the bases.

Before the game, next to the souvenir stand, it is Autograph Alley as eight players will sign autographs, pose for photos and selfies with fans. There will be special Irish Chips, which are fries covered with fresh corned beef, gravy and cheddar cheese. There will also be specials on Irish beers.

Tickets are available at muckdogs.com or stop by the Dwyer Stadium Ticket office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week. The number is 585-483-3647.

Photo: Fans received foam fingers entering Dwyer Stadium on Saturday, courtesy Tompkins Bank of Castile. A crowd of 2,779 came close to the near record-setting crowd of 3,000 on May 10, 1939. The record-setting attendance was set on July 4^th 2008, when the Muckdogs drew 3,021 fans.​

Submitted photo and press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs dropped a tough home game to Williamsport, 5-3 Friday night.

With a loss by West Virginia, Batavia keeps a two-game lead in the New York Penn-League Pinckney Division.

Saturday night could be a record crowd, as it is Tompkins Bank of Castile Night and they bought 2,000 tickets which have been given out to fans.

"We are looking forward to seeing new and familiar faces," said Batavia Muckdogs General Manager Brendan Kelly. "In addition to fireworks, there will be events all games and it should be a great atmosphere for families."

On Friday, Batavia had the pitching, hitting and defense, but did not get the timely hits to win. The Muckdogs out-hit Williamsport and the three Batavia pitchers racked up 12 strikeouts and zero walks.

Milton Smith II is now hitting .358 on the season as he went 2-for-4 and Dalvy Rosario had two hits for Batavia (24-17).

Catcher Andres Storms belted a two-RBI triple that brought Batavia within one, 4-3 in the sixth but the Muckdogs could not bring in another run. Troy Johnston, Nic Ready and J.D. Orr all singled for Batavia.

On the mound, Edgar Martinez struck out seven in 5.2 innings of work and did not walk a batter. he gave up three earned runs and took the loss, given up just four hits.

Edison Suriel threw 1.1 scoreless innings with three strikeouts and Jonaiker Villalobos threw two innings and struck out two without a walk and gave up one hit.

On Saturday, the Muckdogs not only have fireworks after the game, but Tompkins Bank of Castile bought all the general admission seats and are giving them away to fans. There are still a few available at the box office.

Sunday is a 5:05 p.m. start and it's O'Lacy's Irish Day. O'Lacy's has specials and tickets, you can visit the restaurant or follow them on Facebook. It is also free admission for MuckPups and kids can run the bases. Before the game, next to the souvenir stand, it is Autograph Alley as eight players will sign autographs, pose for photos and selfies with fans. There will be special Irish Chips, which are fries covered with fresh corned beef, gravy and cheddar cheese. There will also be specials on Irish beers.

Tickets are available at muckdogs.com or stop by the Dwyer Stadium Ticket office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week. The number is 585-483-3647.

Press release:

The race for first-place in the Pinckey Division of the New York-Penn League got interesting on Thursday night as West Virginia scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth to down the Batavia Muckdogs, 4-3.

Batavia is now in first place at 24-16 and West Virginia is 21-17, taking 2-of-3 from the Muckdogs.

Batavia returns home for three games Friday, Saturday and Sunday against Williamsport.

A bright spot for the Muckdogs was the pitching of Julio Frias, who pitched six strong innings, striking out six, five of them in the first three innings. He gave up four hits, one run and walked two.

Frias, 21, was signed out of Boca Chica, Dominican Republic, by the Miami Marlins. The Marlins were patient with the young 6-foot-2 lefty, giving him two years with the Dominican Summer League Marlins and two years with the Gulf Coast League Marlins.

During that time, Frias, who started his career at 16, went 3-15 with an ERA close to five.

However, this season with Batavia, Frias is 3-1 with a 1.73 ERA and he has struck out 50 in 41.2 innings with 12 walks and 25 hits.

Batavia took a 1-0 lead in the second when Milton Smith II scored on a mild pitch with two outs, then West Virginia tied the game at 1-1 in the third.

In the top of the fifth, Nic Ready, crushed his 21st double of the season to left scoring J.D. Orr then Smith II then singled to left scoring Ready for a 3-1 lead.

In the bottom of the ninth, a sacrifice fly tied the game and a single by Nick Patten to score Matthew Fraizer won the game for West Virginia.

Orr forced two balks of West Virginia pitchers while he was on the bases with his unique leading style. He had the hit and walked three times and it now hitting .375 on the season. He also stole his 20th base of the season

Smith II had two hits a RBI (his 15th) and a run. Ready's RBI was his 23rd on the season.

Andrew Turner had two hits for the Muckdogs while Dalvy Roasario and Jack Strunc also had hits.

M.D. Johnson had his fourth hold on the season, going 0.2 innings and Geremy Galindez had his first hold pitching 1.1 innings of perfect baseball with one strikeout. Evan Brabrand took the loss, he is now 2-1 on the season.

Tonight the Muckdogs host Williamsport; it is Flash Back Friday, there will be Crafty Hour as Eli Fish craft beers are $3 for an hour before the game. Fans can get a bag of tennis balls after the game and take the chance on throwing one into a hula hoop to win two round-trip airline tickets courtesy of Allegiant Air. There are other hoops to win other prizes.

On Saturday (also a 7:05 p.m. start), the Muckdogs not only have fireworks after the game, but Tompkins Bank of Castile bought all the general admission seats and are giving them away to fans. There are still a few available at the box office.

Sunday is a 5:05 p.m. start and it's O'Lacy's Irish Day. O'Lacy's has specials and tickets, you can visit the restaurant or follow them on Facebook.

It is also free admission for MuckPups and kids can run the bases. Before the game, next to the souvenir stand, it is Autograph Alley as eight players will sign autographs, pose for photos and selfies with fans.

Submitted photo: The patience the Miami Marlins have shown with lefty Julio Frias is paying off. He threw six strong innings Thursday and left with his team ahead, 3-1. The Muckdogs fell, 4-3. Batavia Muckdogs remain in first place despite last-inning victory by West Virginia.

Press release:

MORGANTOWN, W. VA. -- Nic Ready hit two home runs in a Muckdogs win on Tuesday, and two home runs were not enough on Wednesday for Batavia as they fell to the West Virginia Black Bears, 8-2.

Troy Johnston belted his second home run of the season for Batavia and shortstop Dalvy Rosario hit his first of the season. Both were solo shots. Johnston had two hits; he's a 17th-round pick of the Miami Marlins this year out of Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wa.

Eli Villalobos took the loss for Batavia, throwing the first 2.2 innings, giving up three runs and he struck out four.

Brock Love and Joey Steele once again had strong outings in relief for the Muckdogs and both have an ERA of 0.00 on the season.

Love, a 34th-round pick of Miami this year from Alabama, went 1.1 innings of perfect baseball and struck out one.

Steele, a 30th-round pick this year by there Marlins out of the University of San Francisco, tossed the eighth and struck out two without giving up a walk or a run.

Jackson Rose, a 2018 draft pick, threw three innings and struck out six without allowing a walk.

Batavia is now 24-15 and three games up on second place West Virginia (20-17) in the NYPL Pinckney Division. Third place State College (Pa.) also lost, and dropped to 19-20 with Mahoning Valley jumping ahead at 20-19. The Muckdogs are back in a battle with Lowell (23-13) for the best overall record in the league.

Batavia plays Thursday at 6:35 p.m. against West Virginia.

The fun continues at Dwyer Stadium in Batavia Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

On Friday when the Muckdogs host Williamsport, it is Flash Back Friday, there will be Crafty Hour as Eli Fish craft beers are $3 for an hour before the game and all fans can get a bag of tennis balls after the game and take the chance on throwing one into a hula hoop to win two round-trip airline tickets courtesy of Allegiant Air. There are other hoops to win other prizes.

On Saturday (also a 7:05 p.m. start), the Muckdogs not only have fireworks after the game, but Tompkins Bank of Castile bought all the general admission seats and are giving them away to fans. There are still a few available at the box office.

Sunday is a 5:05 p.m. start and it's O'Lacy's Irish Day. O'Lacy's has specials and tickets, you can visit the restaurant or follow them on Facebook. It is also free admission for MuckPups and kids can run the bases. Before the game, next to the souvenir stand, it is Autograph Alley as eight players will sign autographs, pose for photos and selfies with fans.

Tickets are available at muckdogs.com or stop by the Dwyer Stadium Ticket office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week. The number is 585-483-3647.

Submitted photo: Milton Smith II gives a high-five to Troy Johnston (27), who hit his second home run of the season for the Batavia Muckdogs on Wednesday night. Johnston had two hits in the loss for the first-place Muckdogs.

Press release:

Nic Ready is starting to show some of his promised power this season -- with his first home-game home run on Monday, he jumped on a bus after the game to play the West Virginia Black Bears Tuesday night.

He had a chance to stretch his legs, this time rounding the bases again.

With Batavia trailing 1-0 in the third, Ready, the NCAA Home Run Derby champion as a senior at Air Force Academy, blasted a two-out, three-run home run.

As West Virginia (wearing their special Moonshiners uniforms) closed the lead to 5-2, Ready crushed another home run. That was it as Batavia cruised to an 8-3 victory.

For the game, Ready increased his average to .305 by going 3-for-5 and had a RBI double as well as he drove in six runs on the game.

Batavia catcher Andres Stormes also hit a home run, a solo shot as he went 2-for-3 with two runs.

Milton Smith II had a hit and a run and stole his 10th base of the season.

J.D. Orr, who jumped to the top spot in the NYPL average race with a .378 average, went 2-for-3 with two runs and two walks. Putting him on base means a steal, and Orr stole two bases and has 19 on the season.

Dalvy Rosario scored once and stole two bases, giving him nine on the season.

The win was big for Batavia, as the Muckdogs are 24-14 and gained a full game (up 4.0) on second place West Virginia (19-17) in the NYPL Pinckney Division. Third place State College Spikes of Pennsylvania also lost, and dropped to 19-19 with Mahoning Valley. The Muckdogs are back in a battle with Lowell (23-12), Mass., for the best overall record in the league.

On the mound, lefty Andrew Miller won his second straight to improve to 2-3 on the season. he went five strong innings with two strikeouts and did not walk a batter. Bryan Hoeing had his first career hold, going three innings and striking out two without allowing a walk. Josh Simpson, another lefty on manager Tom Lawless' roster, pitched the ninth and struck out the final batter of the game.

For Buffalo Bills fans, Batavia won on Jeff Hostetler Bobble Head Night. The former West Virginia baseball player was featured with a Black Bears No. 15 jersey on his bobblehead. Hostetler led the New York Giants over the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXV, 20-19 in 1990. The first 1,000 fans received the gift and the former QB was there to sign autographs.

Batavia has two more games in West Virginia, Wednesday and Thursday at 6:35 p.m.

The fun continues at Dwyer Stadium in Batavia Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

On Friday when the Muckdogs host Williamsport, it is Flash Back Friday, there will be Crafty Hour as Eli Fish craft beers are $3 for an hour before the game and all fans can get a bag of tennis balls after the game and take the chance on throwing one into a hula hoop to win two round-trip airline tickets courtesy of Allegiant Air. There are other hoops to win other prizes.

On Saturday (also a 7:05 p.m. start), the Muckdogs not only have fireworks after the game, but Tompkins Bank of Castile bought all the general admission seats and are giving them away to fans. There are still a few available at the box office. 

Sunday is a 5:05 p.m. start and it's O'Lacy's Irish Day. O'Lacy's has specials and tickets, you can visit the restaurant or follow them on Facebook. It is also free admission for MuckPups and kids can run the bases. Before the game, next to the souvenir stand, it is Autograph Alley as eight players will sign autographs, pose for photos and selfies with fans. 

Tickets are available at muckdogs.com or stop by the Dwyer Stadium Ticket office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week. The number is 585-483-3647.

Submitted photo: Nic Ready, with his signature toothpick, is all smiles. He has hit three home runs in two games, had six RBI's Tuesday and Batavia is in first place.

Press release:

As a senior at the Air Force Academy in 2018, Nic Ready won the NCAA Home Run Derby at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Neb., when he hit a record 55 home runs in three rounds for the title.

During his senior season, he hit .341 with 20 home runs.

A 23rd-round draft pick of the Miami Marlins this year, Ready hit his first home run in Batavia (his second on the season) as the Batavia Muckdogs defeated the Mahoning Valley Scrappers, 4-1 on Monday.

Batavia (23-14) is in first place in the New York-Penn League Pinckney Division.

Ready, who is now hitting .293, had a 3-for-4 day with two runs and his home run gave Batavia a 1-0 lead in the seventh.

With the game tied 1-1 in the eighth with two outs, Troy Johnston a 17th-round pick of the Marlins this year, ripped a 2-RBI double off the right-center wall to give Batavia the lead for good.

“I thought it was gone, I did, it was an awesome feeling, you love when you get a ball like that in a situation like that,” Johnston said. "Milton (Smith II) starting it off with a hit (in the eighth), Nic Ready squeaking one through and Andrew Turner got us an insurance run. Hitting is contagious especially with two outs.”

A crowd of 1,139 saw the Muckdogs win on Kids Day.

"The kids were awesome, they were loud, they got after it, I loved it. It was a great atmosphere here in Batavia,” Johnston said.

Batavia has the two top hitters in the NYPL and they both contributed, as J.D. Orr (.368) had a hit and Smith (.352) had a hit and a run. Orr was a 10th-round draft pick this year and Smith went in the 22nd round last year to Miami.

Andrew Turner, a 39th-round pick in 2018, continued his recent hot streak as he is hitting .329 in his last 10 games and .299 on the season. He had two hits including an RBI double.

On the mound, Evan Brabrand continued his dominating season.

Brabrand, a ninth-round pick this year out of Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., is now 2-0 with seven saves in nine mound appearances. He has struck out 14 in 9.2 innings and given up one run for a 0.93 ERA. on Monday, he had one strikeout in 1.1 innings, one hit allowed and no runs.

Starter Easton Lucas had a shutout for the three innings he pitched, struck out four and did not walk a batter. Lucas, a lefty, is a 14th-round Marlins draft pick this year out of Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif., and he has a 1.69 ERA.

Lefty Dakota Bennett went 4.2 innings, struck out two, gave up two hits and no earned runs.

The pitching is phenomenal, I am just glad I’m on the other side,” Johnston said.

Right after the game, the Muckdogs left for West Virginia for three games with the Black Bears. The Muckdogs are home Friday and Saturday at 7:05 p.m. with Williamsport and Sunday at 5:05 p.m.

The game Saturday is sponsored by Tompkins Bank of Castile and free general admission tickets are available at the box office while they last.

Tickets are available at muckdogs.com or stop by the Dwyer Stadium Ticket office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week. The number is 585-483-3647.

Press release:

Even when the Batavia Muckdogs lose, they find a way to keep the crowd excited to the last out.

The Muckdogs ended a 3-game win streak with a 5-4 loss to Mahoning Valley on Sunday.

The Muckdogs play at home at 11:05 a.m. on Monday as part of Kids Day and a special for fans age 55 and over. Tickets for anyone 55 and older is just $2 and there will be food and drink specials as well.

On Sunday, Mahoning Valley jumped out to a 5-2 lead in the sixth and held off a Batavia rally to win.

Batavia remains in first place in the New York-Penn Pinckney Division with a 22-14 record and Mahoning Valley is 18-18.

J.D. Orr had another strong game going 2-for4 with two runs and is now hitting .369 on the season, jumping just ahead of teammate Milton Smith III (.356) for the top average in the NYPL.

Dalvy Rosario (two runs), Nic Ready and Ronal Reynoso all had hits while Jack Strunc and Andrew Turner had RBI's.

Starting pitcher Edgar Martinez went four innings and struck out three, Jonaiker Villalobos, who took the loss, struck out one in .2 innings.

Jeremy Galindez went 2.1 innings giving up two hits and struck out one.

Edison Suriel lowered his ER to 1.69 throwing two scoreless innings one one-hit ball with four strikeouts to keep the Muckdogs in the game.

Tickets are available at muckdogs.com or stop by the Dwyer Stadium Ticket office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week. The number is 585-483-3647.

Photos by Jim Burns

Catcher Keegan Smith and pitcher Julio Frias were on the same page as Frias had a no-hitter through five innings on Saturday night in a 7-2 win over Mahoning Valley for the first-place Batavia Muckdogs.

Submitted photo and press release:

Julio Frias looked like he might take the hard-luck loss of the season for the Batavia Muckdogs. The 21-year-old Miami Marlins signing was tossing a no-hitter through five innings Saturday night, but the Muckdogs trailed, 2-0.

With the team trailing, 2-1 and two outs and two strikes, Andrew Turner belted a three-RBI double to give Batavia the lead. The hits kept coming with two outs, and after a seven-run inning, that was all the pitching staff needed.

The Muckdogs improved to 22-12 with a 7-2 win over the Mahoning Valley Scrapper. Batavia is in first place of the New York-Penn League Pinckney Division.

Turner, a 39th-round draft pick of the parent-club Miami Marlins in 2018 out of Long Island University, finished 3-for-4 with a run, but his big hit was the bases-clearing hit to the right-center fence.

"I was just trying to get something to hit, something I could put in play and get it up the middle," Turner said. "We didn't need three runs, we needed one or two, but I was fortunate to get it up the middle and bring the runs in."

Frias improved to 3-1 throwing 5.2 innings with eight strikeouts and gave up just one hit and walked three. He now has a 2.02 ERA.

"With a guy like Frias on the mound, he is going to hold us there for a long time, he is going to keep throwing up zeros," Turner said. "We know it's going to take one inning, we have so many good guys the lineup, if he could just hold us there and we knew he would."

With a righty coming up, Manager Tom Lawless went to the pen with two outs and pitcher Joey Steele came in and got the Muckdogs out of a jam and kept his 0.00 ERA intact.

From there, M.D. Johnson struck out three batters in the seventh and gave up one hit. Brock Love, a 34th round Marlins pick out of the University of Alabama, threw the final two innings and was perfect, striking out three and still has a 0.00 ERA in four innings and three appearances.

At the plate, J.D. Orr stole his 17th base of the season and went 2-for-4 with a RBI and unto up his average to .363 while Ronal Reynoso was 2-for-4 with a RBI double and run. Milton Smith II singled in a run, stole his ninth base of the season and scored.

It was Wilmot Cancer Institute of Batavia's Cancer Survivors Night and the crowd impressed Turner.

"It's unbelievable. It's the whole reason you play. When you are playing for a team like this, it makes coming to the ball park fun every day," Turner said. "We're 40 games in, we've been here since spring training in February and March, we have a winning ball club, and the fans coming out.

"The fans are excited every day and it makes you want to be here and play that much harder for not only all these fans coming out, but also the guys around you. It's been great."

The Muckdogs have two more home games in this series.

Today (July 21) is a 5:05 p.m. start with autograph alley (players signing autographs around 4 p.m. or 4:20 p.m.), kids run the bases and it's a kids' day for the Muckpups.

Monday is a special 11:05 a.m. start with food and ticket specials. It is also summer camp and splash day.

Tickets are available at muckdogs.com or stop by the Dwyer Stadium Ticket office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week. The number is 585-483-3647.

Press release:

AUBURN -- The Batavia Muckdogs had a long day of travel and baseball Friday, but showed why they are in first place in the Pinckney Division with a 4-3, 401 sweep of the Auburn Doubledays.

Batavia scored three runs in the top of the final inning to stun Auburn in the first game.

With Auburn leading 3-1, Michael Hernandez singled in Andrew Turner when Dalvy Rosario hit a two-RBI double scoring Milton Smith II and Ronal Reynoso.

Roasario hit two doubles in the game and stole a base while J.D. Orr went 2-for-4 with his 16th stolen base of the season.

Turner, Jack Strunc each had a hit while Hernandez, the Muckdogs' catcher, went 2-for-3.

The pitching Eli Villalobos, a righty from Long Beach State and a 14th-round draft pick of the parent Miami Marlins in 2018, went 5.2 innings with three strikeouts and did not get the decision. Jonaiker Villalobos, a lefty from Venezuela, faced two batters, retired one and for the win to go to 1-0 on the season.

Evan Brabrand, a 9th round pick of the Marlins this year, made it a perfect seven on saves as he threw one inning of perfect baseball with two strikeouts to get his seventh win of the season in seven attempts.

In the second game, Jackson Rose, a 35th-round pick of the Marlins in 2018 out of Minnesota, continued his strong season on the mound for manager Tom Lawless.

Rose went six strong innings with five strikeouts and gave up just two hits and did not walk a batter. Josh Simpson, who was taken in the 32nd round this season, had a perfect inning in relief, striking out two for his first save of the season. In five games this season, Simpson, a Columbia grad, has a 0.00 ERA.

Batavia (21-13) scored two in the first and two in the final inning to put the game away.

Hitting was contagious as Reynoso had two hits, a stolen base and a run and Turner had two hits and a run. Catcher Andres Sthormes had two hits.

While Nic Ready blasted a double, Troy Johnston had a RBI single, Brayan Hernandex (run) and Milton Smith II (run) had hits.

The Muckdogs are home Saturday night at 7:05 with fireworks after the game and a Beach Boys theme. Sunday is a 5:05 p.m. start with autograph alley, kids run the bases and it's a kids day for the Muckpups. Monday is a special 11:05 a.m. start with food and ticket specials. It is also summer camp and splash day.

Tickets are available at muckdogs.com or stop by the Dwyer Stadium Ticket office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week. The number is 585-483-3647.