Chris Edmonson, Dukes slam the Gulls
By: Michael Radomski
(NEWPORT) The Pittsfield Dukes only hit six home runs all of last
season, but they hit two big blasts to beat the Newport Gulls 12-4
on the road.
It all started in the top of the first inning when Chris Hertler
reached on walk, followed by a Tyler Stampone two run home run to
left field. The ball sailed over the 28 foot high fencing for his
first home run of the season, matching his total from all of the
2007 NECBL season.
The Dukes would add another two runs in the second, and the Gulls
answered with a bases loaded walk and an RBI fielder’s choice off of
Pittsfield starter Alex MacKenzie. The Canisius student athlete
struggled allowing 4 runs on eight hits over 4 innings and did not
factor into the decision.
Leading four to two in the top of the 4th, the Dukes built up a two
out rally that culminated in a grand slam by Chris Edmondson to the
deepest part of the ballpark. The Dukes took an 8 to 2 lead on the
blast and never looked back as they would go on to win.
Over the last 5 innings of the ballgame, the Pittsfield relievers
held Newport to no runs on just 2 hits. The Gulls stranded 7 in the
process.
Zach Anderson earns the win for the Dukes and goes 1-0. He pitched 3
innings, allowed two hits and struck out Cody Grisham with the bases
loaded to end the 5th inning.
With two other rainouts in the NECBL, the Dukes start the season 1-0
dropping the Gulls record to 0-1. The Dukes travel to Danbury
tomorrow and will start Michael Ness. The Gulls travel to Torrington
in hopes of earning their first victory.
