Golden Eagles Strive For Second Straight Over Mohawk Valley Diamond Dawgs
Winning in front of the home crowds at East Field this season seems to have been a chore thus far for the 2009 Glens Falls Golden Eagles.
With just one win in three games at home this season, the Glens Falls Golden Eagles still sit in first place with a 5-2 win-loss record. Despite the 12-run and 19-hit outburst fans witnessed against the Wizards back on June 6, Glens Falls has managed six hits and three runs in the other two games. Though their pitching has been superb, allowing 19 hits in three home games.
“Once the kids start to relax a little bit more, and just getting a chance to play everyday is a big factor,” Golden Eagles Head Coach John Mayotte said. “We had a chance to do some extra hitting and drill work. I think the preparation has been a little better and the kids are starting to get in a routine.”
Last night they avenged one of their two previous home losses, blanking the Saratoga Phillies on the road 6-0, behind an outstanding pitching performance from senior starting pitcher Nathan Forer (Southern Illinois). Forer tossed 90 pitches last night, exiting the game in the ninth after working his way of a one-out, bases-loaded jam in the eighth.
“We’re going to try to stick with what we’ve done so far this season,” Mayotte said. “We might adjust or adapt as these kids get stronger and they can throw more pitches.”
Tonight Glens Falls returns home to host the Mohawk Valley Diamond Dawgs, a team they beat 7-4 on Wednesday up in Little Falls. The Diamond Dawgs finally picked up their first win of the 2009 summer, scoring four runs to the Watertown Wizards’ two and handing the Wizards their second loss in three games.
Junior righty pitcher Jerry A’Hearn (Central Arizona) starts tonight for the Golden Eagles. Pitching has been a strong point for the Golden Eagles over the years, especially with third-year pitching coach, Brett Merritt (New Mexico Military Institute) and first-year assistant pitch coach Jon McLain (Troy State) working with both the starters and relievers in the bullpen.
“As far a regular rotation, we’ve got a lot of great pitchers,” Mayotte said. “We’ll try to get them the ball and the number of innings they need to progress over the summer.”
Following Friday’s game against the Diamond Dawgs, the Golden Eagles go on the road for two weekend games against Watertown and Albany respectively. Glens Falls is off Monday, and the Golden Eagles return home for three games next week. Tuesday, they play Albany at 10:30 a.m., and Watertown and Saratoga travel to East Field Thursday, June 18 and Friday, June 19.