ELMIRA, NY- After losing in Victor Wednesday night, the Pioneers returned home ready to prove that they could compete with the Railriders. In a tight game, the Pioneers ultimately triumphed 8-6 after standout play from those at bat and in the bullpen.

The action started first with Elmira, who managed to score in the bottom of the first inning. Christian Santisteban (Manhattan), stepped up to the plate and hit the ball over the fence in right center for a solo home run to start the game.

Elmira would put up five more runs in the second, largely due to Will Larue’s (Xavier) triple, which brought in 3 runs, before a throwing error from the right fielder brought Larue home as well. One run was also scored earlier in the inning, after Jordan Bishop (Siena) singled in Tommy Mirabelli (University of Kansas), who reached base on a fielder’s choice.

Victor would respond next with a run of its own in the fourth inning, as Evan Fernandez (Jacksonville University) singled in Brady Acker (George Mason University). They would score three more in the fifth, two of them due to a throwing error made by Elmira pitcher Justin Lewis (University of Kentucky) trying to make the pickoff to first base. This brought the score to 6-4.

In the sixth inning, Victor tacked on another run, and the Pioneers responded with two of their own. Troy Squires (University of Kentucky) brought in a run off a single, and Keegan Maronpot (Wake Forest) would also single in another run.

After leading 8-5 through several innings of scoreless play thanks to a solid outing be Garett Schilling (Xavier), the Pioneers would give up one run in the top of the ninth due in part to some inconsistent pitching by Ryan Bellomo (Siena). He would only allow one run in one inning of work as he allowed a bases loaded walk. Fortunately, Bellomo managed to force a groundout to end the game, defending their position at the top of the division.

Earning his second win of the season is Justin Lewis who allowed five hits and five runs, three of them earned and also struck out four. Ryan Bellomo earns his fourth save of the season only allowing one run and Mitch Patishall will take the loss for the Railriders as he gave up eight runs in 5 and 2/3 innings of play.

Elmira plays at home again this Saturday against the Adirondack Trailblazers. Mini-bats will be given away courtesy of Weiss Construction, and there will also be post-game fireworks. For tickets for any Pioneers game, visit the Pioneers front office at 546 Luce St. or contact them by phone at 607-734-2690. For additional information about your Elmira Pioneers, visit their website at theelmirapioneers.com.