Boulders Take Two From Federals

The Rockland Boulders swept the New York Federals in a double-header by scores of 7-3 and 4-1 on Friday night at Provident Bank Park in Pomona.

In the first game, the Boulders offense got off to fast start and never looked back by putting together seven runs on 10 hits.  The second game saw an early pitching matchup, which escalated into a big inning for Rockland, allowing them to take control.

In the first game, Rockland got on the board in the first inning bringing eight batters to the plate.  They jumped out to a 4-0 lead off New York’s starter Steve Merslick despite only earning one hit.

Rockland added another run in the second on a sacrifice fly from Cole Kraft to put the Boulders up 5-0.

The Federals came back in the third with three of their own, including a solo home run from Dan Coury to cut the Boulders lead to 5-3.

Rockland would score again in the fourth on an infield single from Jeremy Slayden stretching the Rockland’s lead to 6-3.  They would then add another run in the fifth on back-to-back doubles from Chad Duesler and Mike Richard making the final 7-3.

In the second game, the Federals took the lead in the fourth inning on a Tom Malony rbi single, which scored Steve Detwiler to put New York up 1-0 off starter, Jon Velasquez.

Rockland responded in the bottom of the inning.  Ryde Rodriguez doubled to center field scoring Slayden to tie the game at one. Chase Weems then came up to the plate and singled to score Norm Hutchins to give the Boulders the lead.  Later in the inning, New York’s reliever John Masklee walked Ray Stokes with the bases loaded to extend it to 3-1.

New York added a run in the fifth on a sacrifice fly from Detwiler to cut the Boulders lead to 3-2.

Rockland would score again in the sixth on an rbi single from Mike Richard to finalize the game at 4-2.

The Boulders (18-19, 37-46) will play another double-header against the Federals (4-35, 14-72) today at Provident Bank Park. The first game is scheduled for 12 p.m.

Game One’s pitching matchup will feature Rockland’s Justin Fry (0-1), making his third start, going up against New York’s James Kukucka (3-7).

Due to the anticipated hurricane potentially affecting the New York-Metro area, the Rockland Boulders-New York Federals Sunday, Aug. 28, 5:05 p.m. contest has been rescheduled.

The game will be played today, as part of a double-header that will take place at 12:00 p.m., consisting of two seven-inning games. 

The first game at 12:00 p.m is the original Saturday, Aug. 27th 7:05 p.m contest, while the Sunday, Aug. 28th 5:05 p.m. game, will be played as the second game of the double-header.

In addition, the post-game fireworks for today has been moved to Sunday, Sept. 4, when the Boulders welcome the Newark Bears to Provident Bank Park.