Errors Hurt Indians

by Scott Montesano
Rome Indians Marketing Intern

(Rome, NY) The Rome Indians committed several costly erros, and surrendered a late lead, as they were defeated by the Watertown Wizards 5-4 Saturday afternoon at Larry DeLutis Field.

Leading 4-3 entering the eighth, Rome would allow an unearned run to tie the game.

Rob Gladwell reached base to start the inning on a throwing error by shortstop Jeremy O'Neill. Gladwell went to second base on the error, and eventually moved to third base on a passed ball by catcher Damian Blakeley.

Keith Douglass then tied the game 4-4 with a RBI single.

In the ninth Watertown would capitilize on two more critical Indians errors to plate the game winning run. After Josh Watkins singled to start the inning, Matt Maculauy hit a ground ball to second base. However, Josh Pardo mishandeld the ball for his first miscue of the season.

With runners at first and second, Chris Zaccaro laid down a sacrifice bunt which was then bobbled by Rome pitcher Soren Johnson to load the bases. Eric Meacham then drove home to winning run with an infield single to make it 5-4 Watertown.

Despite the two errors, the run is scored as an earned run.

The Indians did threaten to tie the game in the ninth inning, placing runners at first and second with two outs. But Watertown reliever Matt Halloran was able to get Kyle Barrett to hit into a fielder's choice to end the game.

Overall Rome was charged with five errors in the game, which led to three unearned runs for Watertown. Soren Johnson took the loss for Rome. Johnson came out of the bullpen to relieve Indians starter David Rodriguez with two outs in the eigth inning.

A total of 15 Rome players saw action in the game. Trailing 3-0 entering the bottom of the fourth, Indians manager Bill Kurich made wholesale subsitions. The decision made immediate dividends as the Indians tied the game at 3-3, thanks to RBI doubles from Terron Acuff and Jeff Justice.

Rome took a 4-3 lead in the sixth on a squeeze bunt by Justice that scored Josh Pardo.

With the loss Rome falls 2.5 games behind first place Schenectady in the race for the NYCBL eastern division title. Schenectady was scheduled to host Plattsburgh in a doubleheader Saturday afternoon. The Indians return to action Sunday afternoon for a 3pm doubleheader against the Plattsburgh Thunder. Rome swept a doubleheader from Plattsburgh earlier this season.

Box Scores

WP: Ryan Feacteau (1-0)
LP: Soren Johnson (1-3)
S: Matt Halloran (3)

2B: Rome - Watertown - Trevor Piester
                  - Rome - Terron Acuff, Jeff Justice

LOB - Watertown 9
          - Rome: 9

Time: 2:51

Rome (13-10) Watertown (11-18)