Utica, NY (WIBX) - The Utica Brewers battled through the rain last night, taking a game from the dominant Syracuse Junior Chiefs at Donovan Stadium.
Syracuse (15-4) came into the game with a stranglehold on the division, but the Brewers (14-11) were dominant, playing for a crowd of more than 400 fans.

Utica started scoring early, taking control of the game with a three-run first inning. Steven Negron led the inning with a walk, followed by a Stephen Dezzi double. Negron would later score off a wild pitch. Two batters later, Kenny Durling would open up the game with his first home run of the season - a two-run shot scoring himself and Matt Bahnick.

The Brewers extended their 3-0 lead in the bottom of the second during a double steal. Though Eros Modena was caught, Andrew McNett stole home, scoring another run.

Syracuse was able to tighten the game in the top of the third and fourth innings, scoring two runs, leaving the top of the fourth with a 4-2 deficit.

Utica turned up the heat, though, breaking out with a five run fourth inning, seeing runs from McNett, Modena, Negron, Dezzi and Bahnick. The outburst widened the gap to seven, leaving the Junior Chiefs looking for a miracle. The rally never came.

The Brewers would score another four runs, while shutting down Syracuse's offense. Utica would go on to win, 13-2.

Jason Ziegler would pick up the win for the Brewers, throwing five frames and allowing two earned runs. His ERA stands at a miniscule 1.80 for the season.

Syracuse's Keenan Stare took the loss, pitching three innings. He was battered for ten hits and seven earned runs, with three strikeouts.

The Brewers' will spend the next two days on the road before coming home for a Friday night game under the lights. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m., when they take on the Adirondack Trailblazers.

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