: Snapper News: Snappers Unleash Fury; Top Dawgs

The Niagara Snappers opened their 2008 GHFL season with a pair of wins last night at Ker Park in Niagara Falls. 

Under cold and damp conditions, the Snappers defeated the Niagara Storm's Fury 5-1 and the Niagara Dawgs 7-3.  New addition to the Snapper pitching staff Jamie Simpson had an impressive debut going 5 innings in the opener to pick up the win.  The offense was paced by Jason Paylove and Scott Young who both had 2 run home runs and Perry Bartley who picked up an RBI with some crafty hitting.  Scott Wagar took the loss but looked in mid season form striking out 15 Niagara batters while not issuing a walk. 

In the nightcap, Mike Bateman, who picked up the save in the 1st game, got the start and the win with 3 workman like innings of 2 hit ball as the Snappers took it to the Niagara Dawgs 7-3.  Jason Paylove picked up the save with 3 innings of relief in which he struck out 8 batters.  Perry Bartley was the man behind the offense, hitting a 3 run home run and finishing with 5 RBI's.  Jarrod Burtt and Dean Carr also picked up RBI's in the win.  Tom Berube, who will pitch with the Snappers outside of GHFL play this year, came out firing, striking out 5 of the first 6 batters he faced but was left with a no decision in the game. 

Next action for the Snappers is Friday, May 23rd when they play a GHFL double eheader at Memorial Park in NOTL with game times at 7pm and 9pm.  The next day, the Snappers open their ISC Travel League play with a double header in St. Thomas.

Niagara Snappers 5
Niagara Storms Fury 1

WP:  Jamie Simpson (1-0) 5IP, 1R, 2H, 5K, 3BB: save Mike Bateman (1) 2IP, 1H, 2K, 0BB
LP:  Scott Wagar (0-1) 7IP, 6R, 9H, 15K, 0BB

Niagara:  Scott Young 2-3 HR (1st) 2 RBI, Jason Paylove HR (1st) 2 RBI, Perry Bartley RBI
Fury:  Matt Lyons 2-3 RBI, Phil John 1-3

Niagara Snappers 7
Niagara Dawgs 3

WP:  Mike Bateman (1-0) 3IP, 1R, 2H, 6K, 1BB: save Jason Paylove (1) 3IP, 2R, 4H, 8K, 1BB
LP:  in relief Gerry Bongers (0-1) 1.66IP, 4R, 4H, 3K, 1BB: starter Tom Berube 4.33IP, 3R, 4H, 8K, 3BB

Niagara Snappers:  Perry Bartley HR (1st) 5 RBI’s, Jarrod Burtt RBI, Dean Carr RBI
Niagara Dawgs:  Glen Crocker 1-3 3RBI’s, Jim Bedard 2-3