Thorpe’s complete game propels Pilots into playoffs

The Newark Pilots (25-19) add their win streak to five as they defeated the Elmira Pioneers (17-27) 3-1 Sunday night at Colburn Park. The Pilots officially clinch a playoff appearance as they improve to a 8-3 season record between the two teams.Newark took the lead, when they scored two runs in the bottom of the eighth inning. With the bases loaded, Austin Logan (UC Davis) singled in Ben Bostick (St. John Fisher College) and Barker to give the team a 3-1 lead.Daniel Thorpe (St. Joseph’s University) added to his team leading wins, as he notched his sixth victory of the season. The righty pitched a complete inning giving up one earned run on five hits. Thorpe struck out a season and game high 12 batters and surrendering two walks to Elmira.The Pioneers were the first team to put up a number on the scoreboard, as they jumped out for a 1-0 lead. The first baseman Tyler McIntyre (Central Conn. State) contributed to the team’s cause has he jolted a solo home run over the center field wall.The Pilots tied the score in the top of the fifth inning. With the bases loaded and one out, Cash Barker (Texas A&M Kingsville) flied out to centerfield, allowing Chris Doyle (UC Davis) to score on the sacrifice.Craig Pearcy (Morehead State) had himself an effective outing as well. The righty gave up one earned run on just three hits. He struck out a six batters and walking four batters. Josh Grant (Pace) took the loss for Elmira as he gave up two earned runs on two hits during his one-third inning of relief.Newark will have a scheduled off day on Monday, but they will be the visiting team on Tuesday night as they travel to Oneonta to take on the Outlaws at Damaschke Field for a game time start of 7:00. The Pioneers will travel back to Elmira as they will host Mohawk Valley Monday night at Dunn Field for a game time start of 7:05.