Nationals bow in playoff opener

A big comeback bid fell just short as the Niagara Nationals dropped a 13-10 decision to the Lancaster Legends on Monday evening in the opening round of the Boys of Summer Baseball League playoffs at the Anjo Fields in Lockport.

Trailing 8-1, the Nationals got right back in the game by erupting for 6 runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. A lead off single by Joe Dell’oso ignited that rally which also included a double by Liam Ward and singles by Matt Lyskawa, Brian Fry, Nate Sherman, Dom Cassata, Chris Goyette and Hunter Briggs.

The Nationals finally grabbed what proved to be a brief 9-8 lead by scoring twice in the fifth on singles by Fry, Sherman, Ward and Cassata and an RBI fielders choice play off the bat of Sherman.

However, the Legends answered right back with 5 runs in the top of the sixth on 6 hits to regain the lead for good at 13-9.

The Nationals did mount a rally in the bottom of the seventh but could score only once. Dell’oso reached on a single, advanced to second on a fielders choice play off the bat of Fry. Sherman and Ward followed up with singles to plate the one run but both were left stranded as the Legends claimed a 13-10 win.

Ward and Sherman both had a total of 3 hits as Fry, Dell’oso, Cassata and Lyskawa each added 2 and Trevor Luthard, Goyette, Sam Murphy, Mitchell Holtz and Briggs 1 each.