Mohawks Take Game One
8/7/2009
The Amsterdam Mohawks scored six runs in the 8th inning to break open a 2-1 game en route to a 8-1 victory over the Hornell Dodgers in Game 1 of the NYCBL Championship series.

The Dodgers scored their lone run in the top of the 1st inning when Jeff Lockwood (U of Tennessee) connected on a towering solo shot over the right field fence.

The Mohawks scored single runs in the 1st and 2nd innings to take the lead.  Joe Sclafani had a RBI single in the 1st while Dan Gamache doubled home a run in the 2nd.

Both teams had scoring chances as the game went on but it wasn't until the bottom of the 8th when the Mohawks got a lead-off homer by Tillman Pugh and were able to capitalize on three Dodger errors and a capped the inning off with a grand slam by Joe Sclafani.

Sean Bouthilette earned the win on the hill with 7.1 innings of three hit ball.  He walked two and struck out eight.  Ryan Smith struck out two in the 8th to perserve the one-run lead while Brendan Chapin recoded the final three outs.

Jordan Backes (Quincy) allowed seven hits and two runs in six innings of work for the Dodgers.  He walked three and struck out six.

Sclafani led the Mohawks 12-hit attack with a 3 for 5, 5 RBI day.  Austin Sheffield and Mel Rojas were each 2 for 5.

The Dodgers host Games 2 & 3 (if necessary) at Maple City Park on Saturday.  First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m.