The Pioneers entered play Thursday night with the chance to inch closer to the Hornell Dodgers and First Place in the West as they traveled to Webster to take on the Yankees. Elmira came into the game riding a two game winning streak against Webster and 2-1 overall in the season series.

Aaron Zaleznik brought a 2-2 record to the mound in his first start against the Yankees and a long awaited victory after the decision was made from the Nitro’s game in which he was the pitcher of record.

Zaleznik and the Pioneers fell behind early as Webster plated two runs in the second inning off a double from Ollie Bertrand scoring Beemer and Francis. Webster would break through again in the third inning after two Elmira errors allowed the Yankees to plate two more runs giving them a 4-0.

The Pioneers would break into the hit column in the fourth inning as Ryan Ferguson and newcomer Carlos Lopez hit a pair of singles, but both would be stranded as Elmira failed to score them. Mike Cleary and John Snyder tried to start another rally in the fifth inning with a pair of singles but a play at third base would end the inning and another chance for Elmira to inch closer.

Elmira scored their lone run of the game in the sixth inning as Ryan Ferguson scored after Webster turned a double play getting two outs at second and first. The Yankees opened up the lead in the seventh inning as they scored seven runs off relief pitcher Nate Kowal who came in for Zaleznik after he registered 6 innings allowing 5 runs off 5 hits and striking out 3 batters.

Ryan Ferguson and Carlos Lopez finished the game with 2 hits apiece and Jake Rickenbach reached base three times via the walk. Zaleznik in taking the loss saw his record fall to 2-3 on the year. The loss move Elmira to 14-10 on the season and they will be back at Dunn Field on Friday night as they take on the Alfred Thunder at 7:05 P.M. It will also be Fantastic Friday at the ballpark as fans will have the opportunity to win lots of different prizes and giveaways throughout the night!

For ticket information or team news visit the Pioneers on the web at www.elmirapioneers.com or call 607-734-2690.

This Summer Have Some Fun at Dunn!