Herkimer sweeps Larry Doby Series
Utica, NY – The visiting Generals won both games with the Hawks of Mohawk Valley CC on Sunday afternoon, finishing their four-game sweep of the inaugural Larry Doby Series. Herkimer won the Sunday contests 9-4 and 7-1.
It was a beautiful day for a ballgame at Utica's historic Murnane Field. Temps were in the 70s, the sky was blue, and sunshine was plentiful for most of the afternoon.
The two teams had met for the first games of the Larry Doby Series at Herkimer on Saturday. The Generals won those two games 5-4 and 6-2.
Game One
The game was scoreless until the third inning. Right fielder AJ Fabrizio and first baseman Ryan Watson led off with walks. Catcher Brandon Overstreet, who had another big day for the Generals, doubled to left field. Designated hitter Chris Burns doubled to right-center, and Herkimer led 3-0. The Hawks responded with three runs of their own in the bottom of the third.
Photo: Lonnie Cohen making a great diving catch in left
HCCC regained the lead in the top of the fourth. Center fielder Hayden Caffey walked, advanced to second on a throwing error, then scored when Watson stroked an RBI-single to right field.
The Hawks made things interesting in the fifth. They loaded the bases and worked the count to 3-2, but the Generals' starter, Mike DeCarlo, got the timely strikeout.
The Generals expanded their lead with a big five-run sixth inning with key RBI-hits by Overstreet, Dan Smith, and Cody Newbigging.
The Hawks threatened again in the sixth. Reliever Joey Larson was on the mound. The first MV batter sent one sharply into left field, but General Lonnie Cohen sprinted, dived, and snared the ball. MV went on to load the bases again, but Larson ended the inning with a strikeout.
Mike DeCarlo got the win pitching five innings allowing five hits, walking seven and striking out six. Larson and Anthony Roma worked the final two innings of Herkimer's 9-4 win.
Game Two
Herkimer's first batter, right fielder AJ Fabrizio, doubled to left. Shortstop Carlos Almonte laid down a sacrifice bunt. Brandon Overstreet stepped into the batter's box, put a perfect swing on the pitch, and drove it well over the left field fence. (See photo sequence at the bottom of this page.) The Generals led 2-0.
Photo: Shortstop Carlos Almonte turning two: 4-6-3
Ryan Watson pitched Game Two. He set the Hawks down in order in the first. Third baseman Paxton Jordan made the final putout by dashing in to snare a soft blooper.
Herkimer enjoyed a four-run fourth. Jordan and Gerald Milanes-Iglesias stroked RBI-singles in that frame. Herkimer led 7-0. The final score was 7-1.
Watson pitched a complete-game victory, working seven innings, scattering six hits, walking three and striking out five.
Herkimer's Brandon Overstreet and MV's Bryan McGwire were named MVPs of the first Larry Doby Series.
The Generals are now 19-10 overall and 18-2 in Region III. Herkimer plays at home Tuesday at 2:00 p.m., hosting the #2-ranked team in Region 3-east, Jefferson Community College.
Photo sequence: Brandon Overstreet touches them all
