Nationals miss out on tourney final

The Niagara Nationals split a pair of games Sunday just missing out on gaining a spot in the Lancer Classic Tournament finals at Lewiston.

The Nationals defeated Nickel City 7-1 to open Sunday’s action.

The Nationals grabbed a quick 1-0 lead in the first inning on a single by Nate Sherman and boosted the advantage to 3-0 in the second on a two-run single by Hunter Briggs. A single by Chris Goyette and a walk set up that threat.

The Nationals locked up the win by scoring 4 times in the fourth on a two-run homer by Dom Cassata and a two-run single by Mitchell Holtz. A lead-off double by Sherman ignited the uprising.

Goyette went the distance on the mound scattering 6 hits and striking out 6.

However, the Nationals title hopes were dashed in the second game with a 10-1 loss to the Titans.

The Nationals stayed close at 4-1 in the fourth inning after Brian Fry doubled and scored on a single by Sherman.

The Titans though answered right back with 6 runs in the home half of the fourth on 5 singles, a double and a walk to break the contest open.

Fry and Sherman both had 2 hits and Trevor Luthart and Sam Murphy 1 each for the Nationals only base raps.

The Nationals open the Boys of Summer League playoffs this evening against Lancaster at the Lockport Anjo Fields.