Boulders Crush Federals, 11-1

The Rockland Boulders rolled over the New York Federals, 11-1, Saturday night at Provident Bank Park in Pomona. 

Suffern’s own Ryan Mollica homered to lead off the sixth and sparked what turned out to be an 8-run inning. The game also featured the first pet parade from nearby Hi-Tor Animal Care Center.

Boulders pitcher John Muller had struck out at least seven in three of his four appearances so far this season. He stuck out none on Saturday. Muller had also allowed at least three runs in three of his four appearances so far this year. He allowed one on Saturday.

“He learned a whole lot tonight and throughout the week that you don’t have to throw 95 to get people out,” said Boulders’ manager Dave LaPoint. “If he learns that sinker and throws the ball over the plate, he’s going to get a lot of ground balls and he sure did.”

Muller was pleased with his performance but credited his manager for pushing the right buttons.

“Dave (LaPoint) had everything to do with what happened tonight,” said Muller. “Tonight went smooth. Everything worked exactly like (LaPoint) said it would; the pitches Dave worked with me on, holding the ball the way he wanted me to and I threw the ball.”

Muller pitched the first complete game of his career as a result of the recent adjustments. Allowing only a single run on eight hits and issuing only one base on balls must be a confidence builder for any new starter.

“I’ve always been a closer, wanting to go out there and throw the ball hard, strike out everyone I can,” said Muller. “Today I was able to see what can happen if I don’t go out there like that. If I can keep the ball down and keep working hard I’ll definitely feel confident.”

The Boulders entered the bottom of the sixth inning with a 3-1 lead. Ryan Mollica’s lead off home run was the only hard hit ball of the inning. five walks and a 3-run error by Federals’ centerfielder Stephen Pinto—who slipped when trying to catch a routine fly ball that would have ended the inning—gave Muller all the run support he would need.

“Can we carry this back to back games, can we carry it five games in a row? If we can, we got a good team. This was a message we sent to the team last night and they better get it.”

The Boulders play the Federals again today, when  children will have a chance to run the bases after the game, and again on Monday June, 27 before hitting the road again. The series is even at one game a piece.