MALONE, NY – The undefeated Tupper Lake Riverpigs (6-0) defeated the Malone Border Hounds in Malone, New York in their first meeting this season.

Left handed starting pitcher Joe LaFiora made his Empire League debut going against one of the Empire Leagues top pitcher William Shea.

There was no action until the 3rd inning when the Tupper Lake Riverpigs scored their first run on a single to center field that scored Ryan Enos.

Malone got their first run in the 6th inning when Devon Hawks scored on a ball hit by Jose Torrealba to the pitcher in which William Shea made an errant throw.

The game took a turn in the Top of the 8th inning when the Riverpigs would score 4 runs. Collins Robinson scored the first one on a hit by pitch to Walner Espinal with bases loaded. Ryan Enos and Starling Paulino would score on the following at bat with a single by Christian Naccari. The 4th run would come in when Walner Espinal scored on a double play grounder with zero outs to make the game 5-1.

Border Hounds did however respond in the bottom of the 9th as they made a big comeback that fell short. Evan Keegan scored on a wild pitch, Nate Darwin scored on a single by Devon Hawks, and Devon Hawks scored on a bases loaded walk by Chris Loeb.

With a score of 5-4 in the bottom of the 9th, a new pitcher for the Riverpigs would come in and get Matt Golda to ground out and end the game.

Joe LaFiora was credited with his first win of the season going 6 innings giving up just 1 hit and striking out 7. William Shea was given a no decision as he went 7 innings allowing just 1 run on 6 hits, walking just 1 batter and striking out 7.

This was the first matchup of the rivalry in which Riverpigs remain undefeated for the season.

Article by Empire Media