Indians Split Doubleheader
Rome and Plattsburgh battle in two pitchers' duels

by Scott Montesano
Rome Indians Marketing Intern

(Rome, NY) Seth Shuket walked with the bases loaded in the eighth, and Ryan Meron added an RBI single in the ninth as the Plattsburgh Thunder edged the Indians 2-0 in the nightcap of their NYCBL doubleheader Sunday evening at DeLutis Field.

Rome had won the opener of the twinbill 2-1 to give the Indians a split on the day.

In game two of the doubleheader, each team squandered chances, before Plattsburgh finally broke through in the eighth.

Mike Rivers started the inning with a single off of Rome starter Nick DeMaro. After a flyout, DeMaro walked Pat Hughes to put runners at first and second.

DeMaro then gave way to relief pitcher Gary Tarantino, who was unable to get out of the inning unscathed.

Tarantino walked Doug Eitleman to load the bases with one out. The Rome native, was then able to strikeout the next batter for the second out, but walked Shuket on four straight pitches to give the Thunder the 1-0 lead.

Plattsburgh added insurance in the ninth on an RBI single to center by Meron.

Nick DeMaro suffered the loss for Rome, despite throwing a season-high 7.1 innings and scattering four hits.

Meanwhile, Toby Johnson picked up the win for the Thunder, going 7.1 innings as well, and allowing only two Rome hits.

While both starting pitchers finished with solid numbers, they did combine for 14 walks.

The Indians did not help their own cause, by failing to capitalize on scoring chances spawned by the walks. The Indians stranded runners in scoring position in the third, fourth, fifth, six and eighth innings.

The Indians bats were no more prolific in the doubleheader’s first game, but Rome was able to push across just enough runs to secure a 2-1 victory.

In the second inning, Kevin Ryan had an RBI double and Damian Blakeley followed with an RBI single to give the Indians a 2-0 advantage.

Indians starting pitcher Chase Huotari did the rest, shutting the door on Plattsburgh until the ninth inning.

Down to their final out in the ninth inning and trailing 2-0, the Thunder made things interesting. Shuket singled and then pinch-hitter Pat Hughes followed with a double to make it 2-1.

Huotari was then relieved by closer Soren Johnson, who was able to get a groundout by Meron to end the game.

With the doubleheader split, the Indians remain 3.5 games behind eastern division leader Schenectady. The Mohawks had a game with Mohawk Valley on Sunday.

Rome plays host to Schenectady Monday night at 7pm.

Box Scores

Game 1

					R	H	E		LOB
Plattsburgh	000	000	001	-	1	8	1		7
Rome	020	000	00	-	2	9	1		5

WP: Chase Huotari (2-0)
LP: Rick Suter (N/A)
S: Soren Johnson (4)

2B: Plattsburgh - Bob Tewksbary, Pat Hughes
                  - Rome – Kevin Ryan

Time: 2:20

Game 2

					R	H	E		LOB
Plattsburgh	000	000	011	-	2	5	1		9
Rome	000	000	000	-	0	2	0		6

WP: Toby Johnson (N/A)
LP: Nick DeMaro (0-1)
S: Matt Callachio

2B: Plattsburgh - Liam Miller

Time: 3:00

Rome (14-11) Plattsburgh (10-18)