2026-07-07

Saugerties Stallions Use Big Innings to Top Amsterdam Mohawks, 9-3

Amsterdam, N.Y. — The Saugerties Stallions broke open a tight game with a pair of big innings, scoring four runs in the sixth and five more in the seventh to defeat the Amsterdam Mohawks, 9-3, on Monday night at Shuttleworth Park.

After trailing early, Saugerties used timely hitting and capitalized on Amsterdam miscues to surge ahead, turning a 1-0 deficit into a commanding lead and holding off a late Mohawks rally to secure the win.

Stallions Rally in the Sixth and Seventh

The Mohawks struck first in the bottom of the opening inning. Andrew Ezell led off with a single, advanced on a hit, and came around to score on Taylor Belza’s groundout to first, giving Amsterdam a 1-0 lead.

That score held through five innings as both starting pitchers, Carson Lietz for Saugerties and Saxon Roberts for Amsterdam, kept opposing hitters in check. Lietz allowed just one run over three innings, while Roberts tossed three scoreless frames for the Mohawks.

The game turned in the top of the sixth. Cooper Schmidt singled and later scored on Michael Hanna’s RBI single up the middle, tying the game at 1-1. With two runners on, Danny Suroweic delivered the game’s biggest blow, launching a three-run homer to left center. Steven Ramirez and Michael Hanna scored ahead of him, giving the Stallions a 4-1 lead.

Saugerties kept the momentum going in the seventh, taking advantage of defensive miscues and stringing together hits. With the bases loaded, Michael Hanna reached on an error by the Mohawks’ second baseman, allowing Aiden Schmidt and Magnus Krieger to score. Steven Ramirez followed with an RBI single, and Danny Suroweic and Nick Croce added run-scoring hits to cap a five-run outburst. By the end of the inning, Saugerties led 9-1.

Amsterdam’s Late Push Falls Short

Amsterdam threatened in the bottom of the eighth. Brandon McCraine singled and scored on Jordan Perry’s RBI double to left. Perry then came home on Aiden Dill’s double to right, trimming the deficit to 9-3. However, relievers Lucas Vargo and McCoy Rothe combined to limit the damage, and the Mohawks were unable to mount a further comeback in the ninth.

Offensive Leaders

Saugerties’ offense was led by several key contributors:

  • Cooper Schmidt sparked the lineup with a 3-for-5 night, scoring twice.
  • Danny Suroweic drove in four runs, including his pivotal three-run homer in the sixth and an RBI single in the seventh, finishing 2-for-4.
  • Michael Hanna contributed three RBIs, including the game-tying single and a two-run reach on error in the seventh.
  • Steven Ramirez reached base three times, scored twice, and drove in a run with a seventh-inning single.
  • Aiden Schmidt added two hits and scored a run.

Amsterdam collected nine hits, with Mason McCraine tallying two singles, while Jordan Perry and Aiden Dill each doubled and drove in a run during the Mohawks’ eighth-inning rally.

Pitching Summary

The Stallions’ pitching staff combined to hold Amsterdam to three runs on nine hits. Starter Carson Lietz worked three innings, allowing one run and striking out two. Angel Paulino and Merric Hunt followed with two scoreless innings apiece, combining for seven strikeouts and allowing just three hits. Lucas Vargo allowed two runs in the eighth, and McCoy Rothe closed out the game with a scoreless ninth, striking out two.

For Amsterdam, Saxon Roberts and Kieran Kostanoski combined for five shutout innings before the Saugerties bats came alive. The Mohawks’ bullpen struggled in the sixth and seventh, surrendering nine runs (all earned) on 10 hits and three walks.

How the Game Ended

After Saugerties’ offensive surge in the middle innings, the Stallions’ bullpen kept Amsterdam at bay, allowing just the two runs in the eighth. The Mohawks managed a single baserunner in the ninth, but could not close the gap, as Saugerties secured a 9-3 victory.

Box Score Notes

  • Final Score: Saugerties Stallions 9, Amsterdam Mohawks 3
  • Saugerties: 9 runs, 11 hits, 2 errors
  • Amsterdam: 3 runs, 9 hits, 2 errors
  • Key Hitters (Saugerties):
    • Cooper Schmidt: 3-for-5, 2 runs
    • Danny Suroweic: 2-for-4, home run, 4 RBI, 1 run
    • Michael Hanna: 1-for-5, 3 RBI, 2 runs
    • Steven Ramirez: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 runs, 1 walk
  • Key Hitters (Amsterdam):
    • Mason McCraine: 2-for-4
    • Jordan Perry: 1-for-1, double, RBI, run
    • Aiden Dill: 1-for-4, double, RBI
  • Pitching (Saugerties):
    • Carson Lietz: 3.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 SO
    • Angel Paulino: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 SO
    • Merric Hunt: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 SO
    • Lucas Vargo & McCoy Rothe: 2.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 4 SO combined
  • Pitching (Amsterdam):
    • Saxon Roberts: 3.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 SO
    • Kieran Kostanoski: 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 SO
    • Bullpen: 4.0 IP, 10 H, 9 R (all earned), 3 BB

Saugerties’ win was fueled by their sixth and seventh-inning rallies, turning a close contest into a comfortable road victory over Amsterdam.