Syracuse NY – The Cortland Crush closed out the regular season with a commanding win over the Syracuse Spartans 6-1 on Sunday afternoon. 

The Crush got things started early when Jamison Howland singled on the first pitch of the game and stole second base but the Crush were unable to bring him home. Cortland threatened in the second inning with two outs as Grayson Saltzer walked and Robby Harrison hit a single but again they were unable to Score. 

Cortland drew first blood in the top of the third inning when Jamison Howland and Zach Masnikoff had back to back lead off singles before a base hit from Carson Molinaroli scored Howland to make it 1-0 in favor of the Crush. Cortland would pose a threat in the top of the fourth when Robby Harrison and Joe Manesitois placed singles to left field but they could not capitalize on the opportunity. 

The game was then a pitchers duel as Hunter Harmon for the Crush cruised through 7 innings and the Crush entered the top of the eighth still clinging on to the 1-0 lead. Cortland would get a Ryne McKinney single and a walk from Carson Molinaroli to put two on with one out. 

After a balk advanced both runners 90 feet Nick Mahar stepped up and crushed a double that one hopped over the wall to score both runners and make it 3-0. A walk to Grayson Saltzer put two on and a double from Robby Harrison hit a double to deep left center field to score them both making it 5-0. Jack Coogan got another base hit to score Harrison and make it 6-0 after the top of the eighth. 

Syracuse got one back in the bottom of the inning but that would be all they could muster as Joe Yovino pitched the final two innings to close out the ballgame. 

Starting pitcher Hunter Harmon went 7+ innings striking out 5 as he picked up the win in a stellar performance to close out the regular season. 

Cortland has clinched third place in the NYCBL Eastern Division and will play Sherrill at Noyes Park on Tuesday starting at 4:30PM.