By Christian De Guzman

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Syracuse Spartans (7-2-0) defeated their first West Division opponent of the season in walk-off fashion on Saturday. Grant Shepherd’s single gave Syracuse a 5-4 win over the Genesee Rapids (6-3-0) in game one of a scheduled doubleheader. Game two was cancelled due to rain.

NYCBL doubleheaders are seven-inning games, and the Spartans were level against the Rapids in the bottom of the seventh with the score at 4-4. The Baldwinsville brothers – Patrick and Anthony – singled to start the inning. A walk loaded the bases, and with one out, Shepherd came to the plate. He launched a single over the head of Genesee’s center fielder to win the game for the Spartans. 

The game didn’t start well for the Spartans as the Rapids scored all four of their runs in the first two innings. Syracuse starter Derek Jann struggled through 3.1 innings of work, allowing four hits, four walks, and all four Genesee runs. 

Shepherd moved from center field to the mound to relieve Jann. The Monroe, La. native made his first pitching appearance for the Spartans and nullified the Rapid bats. Shepherd threw 3.2 scoreless innings with one strikeout to earn the win for the Spartans.

After Syracuse got their first run of the game on a bases loaded walk, the other Spartan runs came courtesy of Kyle Hoog. The Northeastern outfielder launched Syracuse’s second home run of the season with a shot over the right field fence in the third inning. Hoog came back to the plate in the sixth inning and hit a single to left field to score two runs and tie the game at four, setting up Shepherd’s walk off.

Game two momentarily got underway before the contest was cancelled due to rain. As of now, there are no plans to replay the game. 

The Spartans hosted Syracuse Challenger Baseball on Sunday and raised money for the Challenger Baseball players.

The next Spartans game is on Sunday, a doubleheader at Hornell. The next Syracuse home game is on Thursday, June 24, against the Sherrill Silversmiths. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. For tickets, email [email protected].