Rockland entered tonight’s meeting with Ottawa one game out of the Can-Am League lead. They would get back at the top after a 1-0 pitcher’s duel victory. The loss also hurt the Champions, who now sit two games out of a playoff spot with three to play.

The Boulders got on the board in the first via Joe Maloney, per usual. He drove in Dylan Tice on a single to record his 96th RBI of the season.

Ottawa starter Austin Chrismon would settle down for the next six innings and finish his night on a good note. He concluded with six hits, one earned run, three strikeouts and four walks. Alex Vargas and Garrett Cortright pitched the eighth and ninth for the Champions respectively.

Justin Topa on the other hand continued his dominance for Rockland. He ended with seven innings, three hits, four strikeouts and one walk en route to his 14th win of the year.

C.J. Riefenhauser and Jon Velasquez handled the relief duties before Mayckol Guaipe came on for his 13th save.

The Boulders will resume action tomorrow at RCGT Park for the second game of the series. First pitch is set for 7 p.m.