Niagara Nationals score three wins

Highlighted by a barrage of home runs, the Niagara Nationals swept to a doubleheader victory over the Rochester Cougars Saturday by scores of 17-3 and 22-7.

Keeping the momentum, the Nationals then bested the WNY Elite 11-7 on Monday.

Nationals 17, Cougars 3
The Nationals pounded out 9 home runs in the victory ignited by a three-run blast by Liam Ward in the first inning and a solo shot by Sam Murphy in the second.

Leading 4-3, the Nationals broke the contest open in the third inning as Dom Cassata and Chris Goyette both hit two-run homers and Brian Fry ignited the six run uprising with a solo shot.

Ward hit another two-run homer in the fourth inning and Cassata, Trevor Luthart and Goyette followed up with back-to-back-to-back homers.

Ward, Luthart and Murphy each had 3 hits and Goyette and Cassata 2.

Nationals 22, Cougars 7
Trailing 3-1, the Nationals took charge by erupting for 10 runs in the second inning sending 13 batters to the plate. A solo homer by Cassata ignited that uprising which also featured a two-run homer by Luthart.

The Cougars did rally to within 11-7 but the Nationals answered with another six run uprising to pull away for good. A two-run homer by Ward and a double by Fry highlighted the rally.

A triple by Nate Sherman then highlighted a five-run fifth inning.

Fry had a total of 4 hits, including a pair of doubles, as Sherman added 3 and Cassata, Luthart and Goyette 2 each.

Nationals 11, WNY Elite 7
Down 5-2, the Nationals rallied for 5 runs in the third inning as Ward had a two-run double and Cassata a two-run homer.

The Elite pulled even at 7-7 but the Nationals regained the lead for good at 10-7 by scoring 3 times in the fifth on a solo homer by Ward and a two-run bases loaded single by Hunter Briggs.

Ward and Cassata both had 3 hits in the contest.

The Nationals next host the Anjo Bombers from Lockport at 8 this evening at Vets Park.