Wings, Mendiola walk off with the win in 10.... Posted July 18th, 2008

The Wings have a certain way of breaking the hearts of the Elmira Pioneers, it almost goes by script as the Wings have beaten the Pios in the same way all four times this season. It goes something like this: The Wings take an early lead and allow for the Pios to slowly chip at it, then the Pios take a late game lead, only to have the Wings win it on their final at bat. Last night went according to script. The league leading pitching staff held the Pios to three runs on the night. Charly Bashara (Northeastern) pitched 6 solid innings scattering 4 hits and striking out 6. The trio of Kris Mengle (George Mason), Aaron Brett (Central Missouri), and Tim Crabbe (Westmont) would hold the game for 4 innings. The Pios would score a run in 8th to take a 3-2 lead on a passed ball. The Wings would go quietly in the botom of the inning, then Brett would hold the top of the ninth setting up the heartbreak again. In the 9th Tom Legregni (Hofstra) would pinch hit and drag a bunt just beating the throw for a base hit. Matt Perry (Holy Cross) would successfully bunt Legregni to second with one out. Doug Elliot (UConn) would ground out, and Jimmy Vahalik (Toledo) would be down to his last strike when he would rip a double in the right center gap, making the score 3-3. Vahalik would be stranded at second to send the game into extra innings. After Crabbe held the Pio's in the top of the 10th. The Wings would finish the heartbreaker. With one out and no one on in the 10th, Eddy Mendiola (Notre Dame) would come to the plate. Eddy would hit the Pio's second pitch on a line to deep left field, the ball was hit hard enough to go out but there was question whether the ball was high enough to clear the wall on the line drive. 360 feet later the ball cleared the Geneva General Hospital sign in left field giving the Wings a walk off win. Mendiola and Perry would both go 3-4 on the night to lead the team as they hung 12 hits on he Pios. The Wings now hold a 4-0 series advantage against the Pios, and more importantly a 2.5 game lead on the final playoff spot with the win.


The Wings are home tonight against the Bolivar AIA's on State Senator Mike Nozolio Night at McDonough Park. Senator Nozolio Night is always a huge draw and we look forward to seeing all of you out at the old park tonight. Admission tonight is free and courtesy of Senator Nozolio. Game time is 7:30 and gates open at 6:00. See you tonight!