Boulders Crush Pittsfield For Third Victory

Sean Smith led the way for the Rockland Boulders, slamming two home runs and posting  4 RBIs Monday in a 10-2 Can-Am League win over the Colonials in Pittsfield, MA.

“It was a big plus for us to get Sean going today,” said Rockland manager Dave LaPoint after the new team took its third victory of the season.

Rockland struck early in the top of the first behind Smith’s two-run blast that went over the left field fence. Norm Hutchins advanced to first on a dropped third strike with two outs, which sent Smith up to bat.  Colonials’ starter Pat Moran left the 1-2 pitch over the plate for Smith, who sent it over the wall giving Rockland the 2-0 lead.

"I'm glad we won today, and Casey [Hodges] was great for us," said Smith.  "Tomorrow is a new day so we need to be focused on that as well."

Pittsfield scratched across two in the bottom halves of the first and second on an error and sacrifice fly, however that would be the only runs the Colonials scored. Boulders starting pitcher Casey Hodges shut the door, as he threw eight solid innings in his Boulders’ debut.  He struck out four Colonials while only issuing one walk for the win.

“Casey pitched the game we desperately needed,” said LaPoint.  “He controlled the tempo, and the offense fed of his confidence.”

The game did not see another run until the top of the fifth, but Rockland would regain the lead scoring three runs to go up 5-2.  Ryan Mollica picked up an RBI single to score Dustin Smith, which was later followed by Smith’s second two-run homer of the contest.

Rockland put together one of its best innings in the young season, with a five-run rally in the top of the eighth.  Tommy Giles and Norm Hutchins had RBI singles, Todd Jennings drove in Hutchins on a ground out, and Eric Flynn scored two on his single, putting the game out of reach at 10-2.

Adrian Martin came on in relief, and got Johnny Welch to strike out swinging to end the game.

The Boulders move to 3-2 on the year, and send Bobby Blevins (0-1, 7.20 ERA) to the hill tonight.  Pittsfield drops to 3-2, while Pat Moran is charged with the loss for the Colonials going 5 2/3 giving up five runs on five hits.

"We have a talented group of hitters," Hodges said.  "If I can put up zeros and take the pressure of our offense, then they have the ability to put up big numbers like today."

Game three of this four game series is set for 7 p.m. at Wahconah Park in Pittsfield, MA.  Chad Paronto (0-1, 7.50 ERA) gets the ball for Pittsfield.

Rockland Boulders single-game tickets are still available by calling 845-364-0009, or by logging onto www.rocklandboulders.com.  Don’t miss any of the Boulders’ Firework Nights in June, and for more information about the Boulders, visit www.rocklandboulders.com.

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