Alle-Catts drop playoff opener

Emporium's hopes of a "three-peat" in the Alle-Catt Amateur Baseball League took a big hit Sunday afternoon, as the Cats lost a tough 4-3 game to Olean AOH in the championship playoff tournament.

Manager Ralph McKimm's men have their backs against the wall and must win all of their remaining games to claim a third straight league title.

That trip through the losers' bracket begins on Saturday when the Olean Oilers come to Portage Township Recreation Field for a 4:00 game. The loser is eliminated. The winner returns to action on Sunday.

Emporium's Ryan Bresslin and Olean AOH starter Mike Matz were locked in a duel, but Olean got to reliever Cameron Clingan down the stretch to pull out the win.

Kevin Gledhill's two-run homer was one of the few offensive bright spots for the Cats, who had trouble coming up with the timely hit with runners aboard. Clingan, Ken Meyer, Paul Baker and Drew Tompkins each nicked Matz for a pair of singles. He weathered the storm to earn a complete game victory, despite allowing 10 hits. Bresslin worked into the eighth inning, surrendering just two runs on five hits and one walk.

Emporium and the Olean Oilers are joined by Port Allegany and Kane on the brink of elimination in the losers' bracket, while Olean AOH and Shinglehouse remain in the winners' bracket.