The Syracuse Spartans couldn’t hold an initial lead against the Syracuse Salt Cats as the Spartans only managed five hits in a 5-1 loss.
The Spartans struck first in the top of the second inning. After two Spartans reached base safely due to hit by pitches, Gibby Sullivan delivered an RBI single to give the Spartans the early 1-0 advantage.
From there, the game evolved into a pitching duel as neither offense could figure out the opposing starting pitcher. John Tully for the Spartans and Ryan Degnan for the Salt Cats shut down opposing batters as the starters only allowed a combined seven hits.
The breakthrough for the Salt Cats came in the sixth after two separate singles scored runs to give the opposing Syracuse team a 2-1 lead. The Salt Cats added another run in the seventh and two in the eighth to give them a 5-1 cushion over the Spartans.
The Spartans tried to rally in the ninth and loaded the bases to bring the tying run to the plate but failed to score.
The next Spartans game is at the Rochester Ridgemen on Saturday, June 22. First pitch is set for 6:00 pm. The next Spartans home game is on Thursday, June 27 against the Ridgement. First pitch is set for 7:00 pm.