The battle for third place in the West Division in the PGCBL ensued today at Victor High School. It was also the first official start of Elmira Pioneer pitcher Sean Hjelle.

All around it was a sound defensive game as two of the best teams of the league battled it out to get a spot ahead in the PGCBL standings in the West Division. Hjelle in his first PGCBL start threw a scoreless 1-2-3 inning. The Railriders Nick Russo would hit a one out double on the third base line and would later score on a sacrifice fly from Cameron Briggs. The score after the 2^nd inning would be 1-0.

The score would stay the same throughout as the starting pitcher of Victor, Brian Reed, would keep the Pioneers off balanced and off the score board as he threw five and two-thirds innings only allowing three hits. As efficient as the Victor pitching was, there were times in the late innings when the Pioneers would threaten to score.

In the ninth inning, the Pioneers Jason Patnick would work a walk to first base off of reliver Luke Tomcyk. Joe Preziuso would then hit a bloop single to center field to put Patnick 90 feet away for the tying run. Zeke Lewis would then pinch run for Preziuso and Ty Denzer would work a walk to bring the bases loaded with two outs in the inning. Unfortunately, Catcher Nick Graham would strike out looking to end the ball game 1-0.

Hjelle will take the loss as he gave up the lone run of the day while Brian Reed will take the win. Luke Tomcyk will earn the save.

The Elmira Pioneers will take a short break before facing the Newark Pilots at Newark, NY on Monday. The games opening pitch is set to begin @7:00. The Pioneers next home game is Tuesday, June 14^th against the Geneva Red Wings at 7:05 p.m. This game will feature a Jubilee Flag giveaway and it is also Guaranteed Win Night! For more information about our next home games, visit the Pioneers front office at 546 Luce Street or contact them at 607-734-2690. For more information on the team, visit theelmirapioneers.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or follow our games live through Ustream!