Utica, NY (WIBX) - On a day when the air was thick and the threat of a thunderstorm was on the horizon, the Utica Brewers were left scratching their heads at Donovan Stadium as they fell to the Geneva Red Wings, 5-1.
Utica (19-14) was able to draw first blood in the third inning, starting with a triple by right fielder, Eros Modena. Modena would score on the next play, a single by Stephen Negron. That would be the only offense the Brewers could muster on the night, though they piled up eight hits over seven innings.

Geneva (11-20) later took advantage, knotting the game up in the top of the fifth. After Utica's starting pitcher, Jason Ziegler, issued three walks to start the inning, a double by Paul Cotler scored Cameron Stimpson.

The Red Wings would strike again in the sixth inning, adding another two runs, with the first coming off a wild pitch from Dylan Reid to plate Chris Ray. Soon after, Robbie Enslen would score off a fielder's choice to open the game up at 3-1.

Unable to respond, the Brewers remained two runs down going into the seventh inning. A single by Zachary Lander would allow Leon Stimpson and Chris Ray to each get home, widening the gap to 5-1. The Brewers, however, remained unable to respond as they dropped the shortened game and slipped to five games back of the Syracuse Junior Chiefs.

Jason Ziegler pitched five innings, allowing three runs and tallying five strikeouts. His ERA still stands at a very respectable 2.70. Geneva's starting pitcher, Matt Hockenberry, pitched all seven innings, allowing the lone run and striking out two. His ERA sits at 2.64.

Heading into the final stretch of the season, Syracuse has already clinched the Eastern Division and will continue on into the post-season.

The Brewers will be back in action tonight as they take on the Junior Chiefs at home in Donovan Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.

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