Kats Explode for Game One Win, Earn Split with Finger Lakes

Erie split a doubleheader with Finger Lakes on Wednesday, using a dominant offensive burst in game one before falling in the nightcap.

The Kats opened the day with an 11-1 victory, powered by a decisive six-run fourth inning that broke the game wide open. Erie piled on with contributions throughout the lineup, highlighted by RBI hits from Ryan Boyle, Jim Buettner, and Layne Staubitz, along with a run-scoring groundout from Noah LaPierre.

Erie had already taken control earlier in the game, responding to an early deficit with a four-run third inning. Elijah Williams sparked the rally with a double, while Boyle, Nolan Nobile, and Staubitz each drove in runs to give the Kats the lead for good.

At the plate, Erie totaled 11 hits, with Boyle and Zach Bedard each collecting two. Staubitz led the way with three RBIs, continuing to provide production from the lower half of the lineup. The Kats were also sharp defensively, turning a double play and committing no errors.

On the mound, Nick Gold delivered a strong outing, going six innings while allowing just one run on six hits without issuing a walk to earn the win.

In game two, Erie jumped out early but couldn't keep pace in a 13-4 loss. Bedard tied the game in the first inning with a sacrifice fly, and the Kats showed some offensive life behind multi-hit efforts from Williams and aggressive baserunning that resulted in four stolen bases.

Bedard again led the offense with three RBIs, while Williams and Boyle created pressure on the bases throughout the game. However, Finger Lakes capitalized on key opportunities and controlled the game from the middle innings on.