Williamsport, PA — After a 50-minute rain delay between the 5th and 6th inning, the Williamsport Crosscutters were able to complete the come-from-behind 3-1 win over the Batavia Muckdogs to remain perfect at BB&T Ballpark in 2016.
Cutters starter Bailey Falter worked his best outing in a Crosscutters uniform in 2016, going a season-high five innings, allowing just one unearned run while scattering five hits, Falter was impressive in the strike zone, primarily with the fastball, totaling a season-high eight strikeouts.
Falter lowered his season ERA from 7.50 to 4.09 while taking the no decision in his 3rd start of the season.
The Muckdogs plated their lone run off of Falter in the top half of the 1st inning on a pair of Cutter throwing errors. Jhonny Santos attempted to steal 2nd base, the trow to 2nd base from Gregori Rivero wound up in center field allowing Santos to advance to 3rd. David Martinelli tried to throw out Santos, but his throw was high and went out of play allowing Santos to score the game’s first run, giving the Muckdogs a 1-0 lead.
Falter was relieved in the 6th inning, after a rain delay that lasted 50 minute. The Cutters had the bullpen active in the fifth, with Falter’s pitch count at 79.
Williamsport got their offense in the bottom of the 7th inning, scoring all three of their runs in the frame. The biggest blow came from Cutters outfielder Luke Maglich, dropping in a two-run double down the left field line scoring William Cuicas and Arquimedez Gamboa to give the Cutters a 2-1 lead.
Gregori Rivero followed Maglich’s double with a double of his own that dropped inside the right field line to bring home Maglich and extend the Williamsport lead to 3-1.
That is all the scoring the Crosscutters would need, as the bullpen tossed up four straight zeros, following the four straight zeros Falter had put up in his last four innings of work.
Scott Harris replaced Falter in the 6th, and pitched two shutout innings of relief, en route to earning his first win of the season. Harris struck out three Muckdogs batters over his two innings.
Jake Kelzer followed Harris, working two shutout innings of relief, earning his 2nd save of the season. Kelzer struck out four Batavia batters in his outing, combining with Harris and starter Bailey Falter to strike out 15 batters in the win.
Batavia starter Jose Diaz was strong in his 3rd start of the season, tossing five scoreless innings, allowing two hits and striking out two before his outing was cut short by the rain delay. Diaz lowered his ERA from 25.31 to 13.06 in the outing.
Williamsport remains home to continue a three-game series against Pinckney division for, Batavia tomorrow night at BB&T Ballpark.. Bailey Falter is scheduled to start as he makes his third start of 2016 for the Williamsport Crosscutters. He will be opposed by Jose Diaz, who will be making his third start for the Muckdogs. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
Cutter Carvings – Bailey Falter’s eight strikeouts are the most by a Crosscutters pitcher in 2016…Luke Maglich has collected 8 hits during his current four-game hit streak…Williamsport remains perfect at home with a 5-0 record…The Cutters are 6-3 vs the Pinckney division…Scott Harris has seven strikeouts in five innings of relief in Williamsport…
