By: Rebekah Rivette

Saugerties, N.Y.- Vying for a playoff spot in a game the Saugerties Stallions desperately needed to win, the Albany Dutchmen defeated them 6-5 on Thursday night in Saugerties.

In a game lasting just over 2 1/2 hours, it was Albany who struck first in the second inning. Zach Durfee (Siena) hit a sacrifice fly to right field, allowing Ubaldo Lopez (Dartmouth) to score.

It was a pitchers duel for the next few innings, until Saugerties’ bats came alive in the fifth. Brian Picone (Iona) scored off a single by Danny Martin (Stetson). Cam Coakley flew out to left field, Derek Ripp (Arkansas) was able to tag up to put the Stallions ahead 2-1.

After Jason Antalek (Iona) relieved John Clayton (UAlbany) in the 7th inning, the Albany offense went to work. Antalek faced seven batters before being replaced by Logan Teske (Angelo State) to get the final two outs.

Durfee singled, scoring Griffen Herrera (Azusa Pacific) to tie the game at two. Peter Burns (Boston College) advanced to third base on a throwing error by Picone, allowing a pair to score, Durfee and Nick Jacques (Le Moyne). Lucas Dunn (Louisville) also singled in the inning with Burns scoring to make it a 5-2 Albany lead.

Saugerties was able to tack on another run in the eighth after a sac fly by Cameron Comer (University of Virginia) scored Coakley cutting the Albany lead to three. It looked like the Stallions would make a comeback in the ninth.

With the bases loaded, Coakley grounded to short allowing Picone to score. With Jordan Kozicky (University of Minnesota) up to bat, a pass ball on a check swing allowed Herman Alvarado (Nyack) to score and make it a one run game. It was all the Stallions could pull together, losing to Albany by a final score of 6-5.

Deaven Phillips (Tampa) picked up the win for Albany, while Antalek took the loss for Saugerties. Nick Bird (UAlbany) picked up the save. Albany plays next against the Utica Blue Sox at home tomorrow, while the Stallions play tomorrow at the Oneonta Outlaws.