(Pomona, NY) – With tonight’s victory, the Rockland Boulders are tied again for first place with the New Jersey Jackals. They move to 17-9 on the season.   

The righties, David Fischer (2-1) and Michael Tamburino (0-2), brought the heat early on. In the first inning, they retired a combined six batters in just 24 pitches. However, Fischer would outshine Tamburino.

Mike Fransoso got it started for the Boulders in the second inning with a long single to right field. The catcher and DH, Marcus Nidiffer and Jared Schlehuber, came in to score making it 2-0.  

The center fielder for the Miners, Jay Austin, was ejected after arguing the called strike three against him in the fourth inning. Michael Antonio subbed in for him and moved to right field, one of many defensive substitutions for the team in the inning. Nick Gonzalez took the mound, Dominique Taylor shuffled on down to left field and Carl Thomore moved to center.

Brenden Webb hit a three-run home run to right field, increasing Rockland’s lead to 5-0 in the fourth. It was his first of the season. Fransoso and Pat McKenna also came in to score on the play.

After walking Fransoso and loading up the bases in the seventh, J.B. Kole took over the bump for Gonzalez. Kole delivered four pitches to McKenna before getting the Miners out of the inning.

Things got worse for the Miners in the eighth inning, as the Boulders tacked on another three runs. Alex DeBellis, Junior Arrojo and Mike Schwartz came in, making the final score 8-0. Gonzalez was ejected as well as the manager, Bobby Jones. Sussex suffered from three ejections, and move to 12-14 on the season.

Fischer was the star tonight over eight innings. He struck out nine, allowing only three hits and two walks. His ERA drops to 4.44. Donnie Joseph picked up his second save.

The Boulders look to sweep the Miners when they play again tomorrow night at 7pm. Tickets are available by visiting the box office, www.RocklandBoulders.com, or by calling (845) 364-0009.