Staff Reports
July 16, 2008 10:37 pm
—
In the midst of their hottest stretch of the season, only Mother Nature could slow the Niagara Power on Wednesday.
A Geneva error brought home Niagara’s Justin Tucker and Drew Hollinghead in the continuation of a postponed game as the Power scored a 2-0 victory over the Red Wings in a contest at McDonough Park.
The victory was the fifth in six starts for Niagara since the all-star break, and the team’s fourth straight win overall. But before the two teams could play a scheduled contest, thunderstorms rolled through the field and forced another postponement.
“I’ve never seen a storm like the one that came through here,” Power coach Sam Kirby said. “It was cracking and popping like I’ve never heard or seen.”
During the three inning continuation, Harrison Helms finished what he started, throwing three perfect innings to complete the game he started three weeks ago. Helms retired all nine batters he faced, giving him a 3-1 record on the season.
Helms spent the spring with Niagara University, but didn’t see much playing time with the Purple Eagles. He has since become one of the aces of the Power staff.
“He’s doing a great job,” Kirby said. “He’s learned a lot about how to pitch and not just how to throw. He’s got some confidence in his breaking ball and that makes his other two pitches better.”
Niagara returns home tonight for a meeting against Hornell at Sal Maglie Stadium, but Friday’s scheduled game was moved. The Power will meet Elmira at 5 p.m. on Saturday.
And although Niagara’s crowds aren’t the biggest in the league, Kirby said the team’s recent hot streak has been fueled by a string of home games.
“It’s a huge thing,” he said. “We don’t pack the stadium, but the fans that show up are very loyal. It’s a great atmosphere. They know there playing for something now. We’re not out of the hunt.”
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