Lakers Cruise to Victory Against the Red Barons

By Logan Weingartner 

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. - The Lakers are winners of 8 of their last 10 games as the team's bats have been hot, outscoring teams 86-39 during that stretch. Consistent pitching on the mound has complemented the Lakers' late-season push as they moved to 22-11 (10-2) yesterday evening. The team currently sits third in the NJCAA Region III, Division III West standings and is heading into a crucial matchup this Sunday, April 28th against SUNY Niagara who holds the first seed with a record of 35-7.

In the Lakers game against Corning, The team would put away the Red Barons in 5 innings in game one with a 25-6 victory, tying the record for runs in a game broken on March 28th, 2004 against Penn State College. In game two, the Lakers would take the Red Barons to extra innings, ultimately prevailing in a 5-4 comeback victory after trailing 4-0 early in the nightcap. 

The Lakers were able to handle business in game one, with several players putting up standout performances. Lucas Granger (Horseheads, N.Y./Horseheads) posted an efficient outing at the plate, going a perfect 3-for-3, driving in 2 runs and 2 RBIs apiece. Granger also made good use of his speed, stealing base twice. Kyle VanAuker (Henrietta, N.Y./Rush-Henrietta) solidified himself in the lineup, delivering 3 hits on 4 at-bats, and driving in 2 runs along with 3 RBIs. Building on his strong season was Alex Ahlstrom (Dunkirk, N.Y./Dunkirk), who delivered an impressive game on offense. In 2 at-bats, Ahlstrom connected with the ball once and drove in a team-high 4 runs, while also being walked 3 different times. 

Drew Wilson (Brockport, N.Y./Brockport) earned the start and his third win of the season, while Tyler Arno (Geneva, N.Y./Geneva) came on in relief as both delivered 2 strikeouts apiece. Finn Conklin (Canandaigua, N.Y./Canandaigua) closed out the game in the final inning and delivered 15 strikes on 17 total pitches. 

The Red Barons jumped out to an early lead in game two, but a stagnant latter half of the game for Corning allowed Finger Lakes to rally. Kyle VanAuker once again facilitated the offense, riding on the success of his strong first game. VanAuker went 4-for-5 and brought in 3 crucial RBIs. Alongside him was Danny Melendez (Victor, N.Y./Victor), who assisted in all departments. Melendez went 2-for-4 at the plate, driving in 2 runs along with a single RBI. Melendez struck gold in the bottom of the 6th, homering to center field in the lone home run of the contest. Nicholas Olmo (Webster, N.Y./Webster Thomas) was crucial to the win, as the ace held his own on the mound. Over two innings, Olmo only allowed 1 hit, while striking out 2 batters and not allowing a single run. 

The Lakers will now look to Sunday, April 28, where they will welcome SUNY Niagara to the diamond for a crucial doubleheader, with the games taking place at 12 & 2 PM.