A late Blazer homer sealed a Mother’s Day weekend 6-5 comeback win against the Hounds at Baseball Alley, respectively spoiling the season and league debuts of Nick Albanese and Della Romano.

Returning Hounds Rookie of the year, Nick Albanese made his first appearance and pitching start of 2024, despite having eschewed every pre-season activity. The burly left-hander provided 4 innings of quality work, allowing only 2 runs.

Following a shaky first inning 1-0 deficit, the Hounds made an early jump, propelled in part by a single from Brandon “C” Jessee (RF, also making his 2024 season debut) and a line-drive 2-RBI double from Brian Lehman (SS), and a RoD3S wild pitch. The first frame would finish with a 4-1 Hounds advantage. The Blazers responded with one run, but it was quickly gained back on a self-help, turkey-seeking missile from the starting pitcher to make it 5-2. Relief came in the fifth from rookie Della Romano, who’s first inning in a Hounds “uniform” was spotless, striking out two and inducing two ground balls (a GO and ROE) on her four batters faced. Defensive miscues, including a pair of errors and a first-and-third pickoff mishap lead to the Doggo lead slimming to 5-4. The coup de grace game on a two run home run in the top of the last inning. The bottom half proved fruitless and the loss was solidified.

The Hounds’ five errors lead to their second loss of the year, disappointing their attending fans. Undeterred, the squad made a good showing at candidate sponsor LaVergne’s Tavern where they ordered an indeterminate number of High-Life/Miller-Lite buckets. They seek redemption on Wednesday night when they face the White Sox back at The Alley.