Ruben Castro led the way for Equipe Quebec with six RBIs on Friday night, as the New York Boulders’ five-game winning streak came to an end, as they dropped game one of a three-game set with an 8-3 loss.

Following a scoreless five innings at Palisades Credit Union Park, Equipe Quebec sent home the first run of the game in the top of the sixth inning. Jonathan Lacroix, who singled to left field, was sent home on a sacrifice fly by Castro giving Quebec a short-lived 1-0 lead.

The Boulders found some second-half rhythm heading into the bottom of the sixth inning. Zach Kirtley singled to left field and was shortly sent home after an RBI single from Marcus Mastrobuoni. Just one batter later, Ray Hernandez sent home Mastrobuoni with an RBI double to right field, giving New York a 2-1 lead.

The Boulder’s offense continued into the seventh, tacking on three more hits and one more run on Quebec relief pitcher Bret Clarke, who gave up three earned runs on seven hits.

Phil Caulfield led off the seventh with a double and made his way to third after a successful bunt from Milton Smith Jr. Jack Sundberg sent home Caulfield after an RBI single to center field, extending New York’s lead to 3-1.

However, Quebec answered back at the top of the eighth. After a leadoff strikeout from relief pitcher Nathan Alexander, Quebec answered back with three straight hits; a double from Lacroix, a single from L.P. Pelletier, and a three-run home run from Castro that gave Quebec a 4-3 lead over New York. Alexander tagged the loss for the Boulders tonight.

The last of Quebec’s runs came in the ninth inning. Pelletier hit another single, this time sending home Connor Panas. Two batters later, Castro tacked on a single of his own which sent home Pelletier and Hodges for his sixth RBI of the night. A seven-run eighth and ninth inning secured the 8-3 victory for Quebec.

Frank Moscatiello picked up the win for Quebec while Evan Rutckyi earned the save.

Boulder’s starting pitcher Danny Wirchansky made his 13th start on the mound tonight and found success early, keeping Quebec scoreless until the sixth inning. He allowed just one earned run on four hits in seven innings pitched. He tallied two strikeouts and two walks on the night.

The Boulders will look to bounce back tomorrow night in game two of the three game set against Equipe Quebec. First pitch is set for 6:30 pm at PCU Park