2026-07-14

Amsterdam Mohawks Edge Saugerties Stallions 8-7 in Back-and-Forth Battle at Rao Family Stadium

The Amsterdam Mohawks held off a late charge from the Saugerties Stallions to secure an 8-7 victory in a tightly contested PGCBL matchup on July 14 at Rao Family Stadium. The game featured multiple lead changes, timely hitting, and strong performances from both lineups, with Amsterdam ultimately prevailing thanks to a go-ahead single by Aiden Dill in the eighth inning.

After falling behind in the middle innings, the Mohawks used a four-run sixth to seize momentum before fending off Saugerties’ persistent rallies in the late frames.

Early Innings: Pitchers Set the Tone

Amsterdam struck first in the bottom of the second. Chris McLaughlin drew a walk and later came around to score when Tyler Figueroa reached on an error by the Saugerties third baseman, giving the Mohawks a 1-0 lead. Starting pitcher Warren Miller kept the Stallions off the board through three innings, striking out five and allowing no hits.

Saugerties Surges Ahead in the Fourth

The Stallions broke through in the top of the fourth, capitalizing on defensive miscues and timely hitting. Steven Ramirez led off with a single and scored on Nick Croce’s RBI single up the middle to tie the game. After a fielder’s choice by Anthony Depetro brought home another run—helped by an error that allowed Danny Surowiec to score—Aiden Schmidt delivered the big blow with a two-run homer down the left field line. The four-run inning put Saugerties ahead 4-1.

Amsterdam responded in the bottom half, narrowing the deficit. Jordan Perry grounded out to second to score Chris McLaughlin, and Andrew Ezell followed with an RBI single to bring home James Haughton, making it 4-3.

Midgame Fireworks: Home Runs and Lead Changes

Saugerties extended its lead in the sixth when Nick Croce launched a solo home run to left center, putting the Stallions up 5-3. But the Mohawks answered decisively in the bottom of the frame. After a walk and a single set the table, Andrew Ezell connected for a three-run homer, his second hit and fourth RBI of the night, vaulting Amsterdam into a 6-5 lead. Moments later, Gabriel Rivera singled to right to score Aiden Dill, pushing the advantage to 7-5.

Late-Inning Drama

The Stallions refused to go quietly. In the seventh, Jack Beyl drew a walk and advanced to second before Michael Hanna singled up the middle to drive him in, trimming the gap to 7-6. Saugerties tied the game in the eighth when Jayden Hamilton worked a bases-loaded walk, scoring Danny Surowiec and knotting the score at 7-7.

Amsterdam wasted no time reclaiming the lead in the bottom of the eighth. Jordan Perry singled and advanced to second on a groundout before Aiden Dill delivered a clutch RBI single to center, plating Perry with what proved to be the winning run.

Ninth Inning and Final

Brandan Shea took the mound for Amsterdam in the ninth and retired the Stallions in order, sealing the 8-7 victory for the Mohawks.

Notable Performances

Saugerties Stallions:

  • Nick Croce led the offense, going 3-for-4 with a home run, two RBIs, and a run scored.
  • Aiden Schmidt finished 1-for-3 with a two-run homer, two RBIs, and a walk.
  • Michael Hanna contributed an RBI single in the seventh.
  • Danny Surowiec reached base twice and scored two runs.
  • On the mound, Matt Murtagh started and worked four innings, allowing four hits and three runs (two earned).

Amsterdam Mohawks:

  • Andrew Ezell was the offensive standout, going 2-for-5 with a three-run home run, four RBIs, and a run scored.
  • Aiden Dill collected three hits in five at-bats, including the game-winning RBI in the eighth.
  • Tyler Figueroa and Gabriel Rivera each added an RBI.
  • Warren Miller pitched three hitless innings to start, striking out five and walking four.
  • The Mohawks used five pitchers, with Brandan Shea closing out the ninth for the save.

Box Score Notes

  • Team Totals:
    • Saugerties Stallions: 7 runs, 8 hits, 2 errors
    • Amsterdam Mohawks: 8 runs, 10 hits, 1 error
  • Key Hitters:
    • Saugerties: Nick Croce (3-for-4, HR, 2 RBI), Aiden Schmidt (HR, 2 RBI), Michael Hanna (RBI single)
    • Amsterdam: Andrew Ezell (2-for-5, HR, 4 RBI), Aiden Dill (3-for-5, GW RBI), Gabriel Rivera (RBI single)
  • Pitching Highlights:
    • Saugerties: Matt Murtagh (4.0 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER), Angel Paulino (2.0 IP, 4 H, 4 ER), Lucas Vargo (2.0 IP, 2 H, 1 ER)
    • Amsterdam: Warren Miller (3.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 5 SO), Brandan Shea (1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, save)
  • Decisive Plays:
    • Andrew Ezell’s three-run homer in the sixth gave Amsterdam the lead.
    • Saugerties tied the game in the eighth with a bases-loaded walk.
    • Aiden Dill’s RBI single in the bottom of the eighth put Amsterdam ahead for good.

Amsterdam’s win keeps them in strong form as the season continues, while Saugerties showed resilience with multiple rallies but ultimately fell just short in a seesaw contest.