In fact, Jamestown plated four runs in the first inning and five runs in the second inning, then rode the blistering-hot start to an impressive 10-6 Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League victory over the Geneva Red Wings.

“It’s a big difference,” Jammers head coach Anthony Barone said when asked about his team’s offensive output. “Our offense just came out hot. They were doing sort of the things I envisioned … using our speed and going from first to third on singles … stealing some bases … that’s sort of how I wanted to build this team. A little different than last year. (We) just started right from the beginning. Great approaches at the plate early on.”

Jimmy Standohar (Mercyhurst University) got things rolling in the bottom of the first by working a walk and advanced to third on a single from Skyler Valentine (University of Texas at San Antonio). Ben Brookover (University of Texas at San Antonio) and Christ Conley (Canisius College) followed with consecutive run-scoring singles to put the Jammers on the board. Later in the frame, Alex O’Donnell (Mercyhurst University) ripped a two-run double into left field to plate both Brookover and Chris Estrada (University of Texas at San Antonio) and give the home team a 4-0 lead.

The five-run second was highlighted by another RBI single from Conley and bases-loaded walks to both Christian Deaton (CSU Bakersfield) and John Conti (Canisius College).

Jammers starting pitcher Michael Ginther delivers to the plate. P-J photo by Cody Crandall

After just two innings of play, Jamestown (2-1) held a comfortable 9-0 advantage.

Matt Cross (Niagara County Community College) contributed an RBI double in the sixth to account for the Jammers’ other run, Conley ended up with three hits, Valentine and O’Donnell had two hits, Deaton drew four walks and Standohar drew three walks in the win.

“From top to bottom, I thought Deaton was huge tonight, I thought Standohar was excellent,” Barone stressed. “And just our big boppers, Conley, Brookover, Valentine, Cross had a big double, so it was a nice team effort.”

The big early lead was plenty of support on the hill for Michael Ginther, a 6-foot-7 left-hander out of Canisius College.

Ginther ended up working five effective innings en route to picking up the win, only surrendering five hits and striking out three.

“He’s always been a bullpen guy at Canisius College,” Barone stated. “I know we wanted to see what we had on the mound as a starter and I thought he was outstanding. Commanded the zone … it was a good start by Mike.”

Nate Grant (St. Bonaventure University) relieved Ginther and threw 1 2/3 innings and the duo of Colin Johnston (Monroe Community College) and Connor Ryan (Mercyhurst University) combined to toss 2 1/3 scoreless innings and strike out two.

Geneva battled but the early deficit proved too much to overcome. The Red Wings’ offense was led by three hits and two RBIs from Mikey Arman and two hits from Joseph Tassin.

Jamestown will continue its four-game homestand tonight with a matchup back at Diethrick Park against the Elmira Pioneers. The Jammers will then square off against the Newark Pilots on Wednesday and Thursday.

Monday’s win for the Jammers also avenged a loss Saturday to the same Geneva team.

“You’ve got to get the ones at home because in this league, it’s really difficult to win on the road,” Barone emphasized. “It’s important you beat a team in your division (like Geneva). … It was huge to get back to even with (Geneva). We’re happy with the win.”

NOTES: Sunday’s postponed game at Elmira will be made up as part of a doubleheader (two seven-inning games) in Elmira on Sunday, June 18th at 5:05 p.m.