News

August 14, 2023

PUTNEY FOSSILS WIN THIRD STRAIGHT CRVBL CHAMPIONSHIP

(photo by Daniel Wagner)

DUMMERSTON, VT - The Putney Fossils defeated the Connecticut River Iron Men, 6-3, on Sunday, August 13, to retain the Richard W. Bissell Cup as champions of the Connecticut River Valley Baseball League. The victory marked the Fossils’ third CRVBL championship in a row and fifth in the past six years.

Peter Wagner pitched a complete-game gem for Putney, allowing only five hits while striking out ten and walking one. Wagner’s performance capped a stellar season, in which he went 4-0 with a 0.84 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and 43 strikeouts in 32 innings pitched.

The Fossils got on the scoreboard first in the bottom of the second inning. With one out, designated hitter Keith Lyman drew a walk. Wagner and third baseman John Peloso followed with singles to load the bases. Right fielder Ryan Lawley hit a sharp ground ball to shortstop, forcing Peloso out at second as Lyman scored the game’s first run. Attempting to race home from second, Wagner was thrown out at the plate by second baseman Dan Felicetti.

In the third inning, the Fossils loaded the bases again, with three straight singles by shortstop Andrew Peloso, second baseman Brandon Reilly, and center fielder Ryan Smith. Iron Men pitcher Tyler Kerr retired the next two Fossils on a line out to second and a strikeout, but then Lyman laced a two-out single to right, driving in both Peloso and Reilly to give the Fossils a 3-0 lead.

The Iron Men answered in dramatic fashion in the top of the fourth. After Wagner recorded two quick outs, third baseman Andrew Robbins singled, and first baseman Kris Keelty walked. Right fielder Brendan Mayhew then blasted a home run to deep center field, tying the game at 3-3.

Although the Fossils would load the bases again in the bottom of the fourth, they could not push across a run, and the score remained deadlocked at three apiece until the bottom of the seventh.

With one out, Smith reached on an error and advanced to second on an errant pickoff attempt by Kerr. First baseman Alex Gauthier also reached on an error and stole second, placing runners at second and third. Kerr recorded the second out of the inning before issuing a full-count walk to Lyman and loading the bases with Fossils for the fourth time in the game. Wagner then walked to force in the go-ahead run.

Armed with a one-run lead, Wagner retired the side in order in the top of the eighth. In the bottom of the inning, the Fossils’ bats came to life. Andrew Peloso stroked a one-out double to right. Reilly promptly drove him in with a double of his own in the right-center gap. And Smith followed with a single to drive in Reilly, making the score 6-3.

The Iron Men did not go quietly in the ninth. Center fielder Jed St. Pierre led off with a single, and Kerr followed with a screaming line drive to center that Smith managed to snag for an out. After St. Pierre stole second, Wagner induced two ground balls to end the inning, the game, and the 2023 CRVBL season.

“We put in a great team effort today,” said Fossils manager Danny Lichtenfeld, “just like we have all season long.”

Lichtenfeld noted that although the Fossils may have been the presumptive favorite coming into the season, he wasn’t so sure. “Just before the season started, we lost two of our best players, Kyle Whitworth and Chayse Cunniff, to season-ending injuries. But as it turned out, our newest additions, the Peloso brothers and outfielder Blake MacLellan, along with Steve Stanley and Keith Lyman, both of whom came out of retirement to play again this year, made sure we didn’t miss a beat.”

Information about the Connecticut River Valley Baseball League, including box scores, stats, photos, and more, is available at www.crvbl.com. Players or teams interested in joining for the 2024 season should fill out the inquiry form on the website.

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June 25, 2023

IRON MEN EDGE GRANITE IN 13 INNINGS

Fossils rally late to defeat Cavalry

(photo by Wayne McElreavy)

DUMMERSTON, VT - Connecticut River Valley Baseball League (CRVBL) action on Sunday, June 25, featured two hard-fought contests, each decided by a single run. At Gouin Field in Dummerston, the Connecticut River Iron Men edged the Walpole Granite, 2-1, in 13 innings. At Fall Mountain Regional High School in Langdon, N.H., the Putney Fossils overcame a 5-1 eighth-inning deficit to defeat the Charlestown Cavalry, 6-5.

Iron Men edge Granite, 2-1, in 13 innings

At Gouin Field, newcomer Ben Tufano started on the mound for the Granite. In six innings of work, he allowed only one unearned run on two hits, while striking out four. His counterpart for the Iron Men, starting pitcher Tyler Kerr, was just as effective, holding the Granite scoreless over five innings, yielding only two hits and striking out three.

Entering the eighth inning, with the Iron Men up 1-0, it looked as though Tufano would be pinned with the hard-luck loss. That was until Walpole leadoff hitter Gus McGee reached on an error, stole second, and scored on an RBI single by Rob Stevens, tying the game at one apiece and taking Tufano off the hook.

From that point forward, the the game was in the hands of the relief pitchers–the Iron Men’s Duncan MacDonald, who entered in the sixth inning, and Walpole’s Taylor Grover, who came on in the seventh.

A 10th-round draft pick of the Boston Red Sox in 2013 whose professional career topped out at the Double-A level with the Portland Sea Dogs and Bowie Bay Sox, Grover was making his first appearance for the Granite. From the seventh inning through the twelfth, Grover kept the Iron Men off the board, allowing only two hits while striking out twelve.

In the top of the 13th, the Iron Men finally broke the stalemate. Jed St. Pierre led off with a single, his second of the day, then stole second and third. With one out, Kris Keelty hit a soft roller in front of the plate. Tufano, now catching for Walpole, pounced on the ball and threw to first, nabbing Keelty but allowing St. Pierre to scamper home with what would prove to be the game-winning run.

In the bottom of the 13th, Tufano singled and stole second for the Granite, but MacDonald escaped the jam and emerged with the win, having pitched eight innings and giving up only one unearned run.

In addition to St. Pierre, Dan Felicetti had two hits for the Iron Men. McGee, Tufano, Brian Pearlman, and Caleb Donahue each had two hits for the Granite.

Fossils rally late to defeat Cavalry, 6-5

At Fall Mountain Regional High School, Cavalry starting pitcher Wyatt Carey, a hard-throwing lefty, confounded the Fossils through the first six innings, allowing only one run on five hits while striking out two. Meanwhile, the Cavalry touched up Fossils starter Danny Lichtenfeld for five runs (four earned) in six innings, racking up eight hits and six walks, while also stealing six bases in eight attempts.

The Fossils’ bats finally came to life in the eighth inning against the Cavalry bullpen. The first five batters reached base on a single, double, two walks, and a hit batsman. By the time the inning was over, ten Fossils had come to the plate, and the game was tied 5-5.

In the top of the ninth, after the Cavalry recorded two quick outs, Ryan Smith walked, stole second, and scored what would be the game-winning run on a single by Alex Gauthier. The run batted in capped a great day at the plate for Gauthier, who went 3-for-4 with a double, stolen base, one run scored, and three runs batted in.

Smith earned the win for Putney, pitching the final three innings and allowing only one hit while striking out three.

Hunter Paquette and Aidan Yates each had two hits for the Cavalry. Preston Hewett and Koltin Stetson both blasted two-run doubles.

The CRVBL season continues on Sunday, July 9. The Cavalry (2-5) travel to Gouin Field in Dummerston to face the Walpole Granite (0-8), and the Iron Men (6-1) host the Fossils (7-1) at Maxfield Sports Complex in Hartford. Both games are at 10 a.m.

For more information on the Connecticut River Valley Baseball League, including box scores, stats, and standings, visit crvbl.com.

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June 18, 2023

FOSSILS SMASH GRANITE, 17-3

(photo by Wayne McElreavy)

DUMMERSTON, VT - In Connecticut River Valley Baseball League (CRVBL) action at Gouin Field, on Sunday, June 18, the Putney Fossils defeated the Walpole Granite by a score of 17-3.

Keith Lyman earned the win for Putney, pitching the final two innings of the “mercy rule”-shortened seven-inning affair. Lyman helped himself at the plate too, going 3-for-4 with two runs batted in and one run scored. His battery mate, catcher Steve Stanley, also notched three hits on the day, elevating his team-leading batting average to .500. Peter Wagner pitched the first three innings for the Fossils, extending his consecutive scoreless-inning streak to 14. Wagner and shortstop Andrew Peloso each contributed two hits and two runs batted in.

Mike McMahon, Rob Stevens, Abe Allen, and Ty Kirkwood each had a hit for the Granite, with Gus McGee, Brain Pearlman, and Kirkwood scoring their team’s three runs.

The CRVBL season continues on Sunday, June 25. The Fossils travel to Fall Mountain Regional High School in Langdon, N.H., to take on the Charlestown Cavalry, and the Granite host the Connecticut River Iron Men at Gouin Field in Dummerston. Both games are at 10 a.m.

For more information on the Connecticut River Valley Baseball League, including box scores, stats, and standings, visit crvbl.com.

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June 11, 2023

FOSSILS SHUT OUT IRON MEN, MOVE INTO TIE FOR FIRST PLACE

Cavalry pick up second win over Granite

(photo by Wayne McElreavy)

HARTFORD/DUMMERSTON, VT - In Connecticut River Valley Baseball League (CRVBL) action at Maxfield Sports Complex in Hartford, on Sunday, June 11, the Putney Fossils handed the Connecticut River Iron Men their first loss of the season and moved into a tie for first place.

“This is my twentieth season in the league,” said Fossils manager Danny Lichtenfeld, “and that was the best pitching duel I can remember.”

Both starting pitchers – Peter Wagner for the Fossils and Arric Mather for the Iron Men – pitched 10-inning complete games. Through the first nine innings, neither one had allowed a runner to reach third base. Wagner had given up only one hit – a double by Kris Bornholdt in the seventh inning – and struck out 12. Mather had allowed just three singles and struck out 14, including the side in the ninth.

“Those are probably the two best pitchers in the league,” said Lichtenfeld, “and they were both nasty on Sunday.”

In the top of the tenth inning, the Fossils finally broke through. After Mather struck out the leadoff batter, Putney’s leading hitter, Ryan Smith, surprised everyone with a perfectly placed bunt down the third-base line. Smith then advanced to second on a passed ball. Cleanup hitter Alex Gauthier hit a sharp ground ball that ricocheted off the first baseman’s glove into shallow right field, allowing Smith to race home with the game’s first run. Gauthier would later score an insurance run on a ground ball by John Peloso.

With the complete-game victory within reach, Wagner returned to the mound in the bottom of the tenth and retired the side in order, securing the 2-0 win.

Both starting pitchers were aided by crisp defense. Fossils shortstop Andrew Peloso made two highlight-reel plays, including a diving stop in the hole and long throw to first from his knees to record the final out of the game.

At the midway point of the CRVBL season, the race between the Iron Men and Fossils could hardly be tighter. Both teams are 5-1. The Iron Men have scored 59 runs to the Fossils’ 57, and the Fossils have given up 14 runs to the Iron Men’s 15. The rivals will face each other two more times in the remaining six games before playoffs.

At Gouin Field in Dummerston, the Charlestown Cavalry (2-4) picked up their second win of the season with a come-from-behind 10-8 victory over the Walpole Granite (0-6). Trailing 8-6, the Cavalry plated three runs in the eight and one more in the ninth to deny the Granite their first win of the season. The Cavalry attack was led by Hunter Paquette (2-for-2, walk, hit by pitch, double, triple, three runs scored, two runs batted in), Preston Hewett (2-for-3, walk, double, one run scored, three runs batted in), Wyatt Carey (3-for-4, double, two runs scored), and Koltin Stetson (2-for-3, walk, double, one run scored, three runs batted in). Rob Stevens has a strong day at the plate for the Granite, going 2-for-5, with a triple, one run scored, and one run batted in.

The CRVBL season continues on Sunday, June 18. The Fossils host the Granite at Gouin Field at 10 a.m., and the Cavalry travel to Maxfield to take on the Iron Men, also at 10 a.m.

For more information on the Connecticut River Valley Baseball League, including box scores, stats, and standings, visit crvbl.com.

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June 4, 2023

IRON MEN AND FOSSILS CONTINUE WINNING WAYS

(photo by Wayne McElreavy)

DUMMERSTON, VT – In Connecticut River Valley Baseball League (CRVBL) action on Sunday, June 4, the Connecticut River Iron Men and Putney Fossils continued their winning ways, with victories over the Walpole Granite and Charlestown Cavalry, respectively.

At Maxfield Athletic Complex in Hartford, Vermont, the Iron Men routed the Granite 11-1 in a game shortened by the “mercy rule.” Iron Men starting pitcher Duncan Macdonald outdueled the Granite lineup, allowing only one run on six hits over seven innings, while striking out five. Meanwhile, Iron Men batters piled on eleven runs in their six turns at the plate. Jake Perkins (2-for-2, double, triple, two runs scored, two runs batted in), Kris Bornholdt (2-for-3, double, two runs scored), and Andrew Robbins (2-for-3, one run scored, one run batted in) each had two hits, and five other Iron Men added runs batted in. Chris Hall had two hits, including a double, for the Granite.

At Gouin Field in Dummerston, Vermont, the Fossils defeated the Cavalry by a score of 6-2. Starting pitcher Danny Lichtenfeld went the distance, allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits over nine innings, while striking out seven. Lichtenfeld helped himself at the plate as well, going one-for-three with a run batted in. Peter Wagner (2-for-3, two runs scored), Kyle Blais (2-for-3, one run scored), and Brandon Reilly (2-for-3, double, two runs scored, two runs batted in) each had two hits for the home team, and Alex Gauthier hit a bomb over the centerfield fence. Blake MacLellan picked up his first hit of the season, a timely two-run single. Brandon Wilbur had two of the Cavalry’s four hits.

The CRVBL season continues on Sunday, June 11. The Iron Men will look to remain undefeated as they host the Fossils at Maxfield Athletic Complex at 10 a.m. The Granite will make a bid for their first win of the season as they welcome the Cavalry back to Gouin Field, also at 10 a.m.

For more information on the Connecticut River Valley Baseball League, including box scores, stats, and standings, visit crvbl.com.

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May 28, 2023

IRON MEN REMAIN UNDEFEATED

Fossils Resume Winning Ways

(photo by Wayne McElreavy)

DUMMERSTON, VT – In Connecticut River Valley Baseball League (CRVBL) action on Sunday, May 28, the Connecticut River Iron Men fought off a ninth-inning rally by the Charlestown Cavalry to win 5-3 and extend their record to 4-0. After suffering their first loss of the season a week earlier, the Putney Fossils returned to the win column with a 12-3 victory over the Walpole Granite.

Iron Men starting pitcher Garrett Gagnon earned a complete-game victory, his league-leading third win in as many starts, scattering three runs on ten hits while walking five and striking out ten. Pedro Celaya, Kris Keelty, Andrew Robbins, and Jake Davis notched two hits each for the winning side, and Jed St. Pierre, Davis, Gabe Brison, and Saer Murray each drove in a run. Hayden Chandler, Hunter Paquette, Alex Taylor, and Billy Wilder each had two hits for the Cavalry.

For the Fossils, starting pitcher Peter Wagner, returning from a brief stint on the injured list, picked up the win, allowing two runs on five hits while walking none and striking out 13 in six innings of work. Ryan Smith (2-for-3, two walks, two stolen bases, three runs scored) and Keith Lyman (2-for-4, double, two RBIs, one run scored) led the Fossils' offense. Brian Pearlman blasted a two-run home run for the Granite, and teammate Kevin Baca went 3-for-5 with a double and a run scored. Kirkwood brothers Trace and Ty had two hits each.

The CRVBL season continues on Sunday, June 4, with the Fossils hosting the Cavalry at Gouin Field in Dummerston, and the Granite visiting the Iron Men at Maxfield Sports Complex in Hartford. Both games start at 10 a.m.

For more information on the Connecticut River Valley Baseball League, including box scores, stats, and standings, visit crvbl.com.

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May 21, 2023

IRON MEN TAKE SOLE POSSESSION OF FIRST PLACE

Cavalry Earn Their First Win

(photo by Wayne McElreavy)

DUMMERSTON, VT & LANGDON, NH -- In Connecticut River Valley Baseball League (CRVBL) action on Sunday, May 21, the Connecticut River Iron Men topped the Putney Fossils by a score of 8-6 to remain undefeated and take sole possession of first place. The Charlestown Cavalry picked up their first win of the season, downing the Walpole Granite 13-6.

Making his debut for the Iron Men, starting pitcher Arric Mather earned the win, striking out 13 over five innings, allowing only one run on one hit, while walking four. Mather helped his own cause at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two walks and two runs scored. Jake Perkins (2-for-3, walk, one run scored, three RBIs) and Gabe Brison (3-for-4, two runs scored) also notched multiple hits for the winners. For the Fossils, Ryan Smith (2-for-4, double, home run, two runs scored, two RBIs) and Steve Stanley (2-for-4, home run, one run scored, three RBIs) both homered to deep right-center, powering a late-inning comeback that ultimately fell short.

Hard-throwing lefty Aaron Kent started for the Cavalry, allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits while striking out six, and left with a no-decision after six innings and the score tied 3-3. Hayden Chandler picked up the win, the beneficiary of his team’s 10-run offensive outburst in the seventh. Preston Hewett and Billy Wilder each had three hits for the winners. For the Granite, Brian Pearlman, Rob Stevens, and newcomer Mike McMahon each had two base knocks.

The CRVBL season continues on Sunday, May 28, with back-to-back games at Gouin Field in Dummerston. The Cavalry host the Iron Men at 10 a.m., and the Granite take on the Fossils at 1 p.m.

For more information on the Connecticut River Valley Baseball League, including box scores, stats, and standings, visit crvbl.com.

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May 14, 2023

CRVBL WEEK 2 SEES TWO LOPSIDED CONTESTS

(photo by Wayne McElreavy)

DUMMERSTON, VT & LANGDON, NH – The second week of the Connecticut River Valley Baseball League (CRVBL) season saw two lopsided contests, each cut short by the "mercy rule." The Putney Fossils defeated the Charlestown Cavalry, 20-1, and the Connecticut River Iron Men downed the Walpole Granite, 16-2. The Fossils and Iron Men each moved to 2-0 on the season, while the Cavalry and Granite dropped to 0-2.

In each game, the final score was not so much a reflection of strong hitting on the part of the winners as it was a product of wild pitching and sloppy fielding by the losing teams. Charlestown pitchers served up 14 walks, and their fielders committed seven errors. Walpole hurlers yielded 13 bases on balls, while their defense made five miscues.

Fossils starting pitcher Danny Lichtenfeld notched his second win of the season, allowing one hit and one run over four innings, while walking two and striking out four. Outfielder Ryan Lawley had a productive day at the plate, going 2-for-3 with three stolen bases, two runs scored, and a run batted in. For the Iron Men, Garrett Gagnon earned a complete-game win, allowing two hits and two runs, while walking four and striking out 10. Pedro Celaya went 4-for-5 with a triple, three runs scored, and two runs batted in.

With the Fossils set to host the Iron Men at Dummerston's Gouin Field on Sunday, May 21, at 10 a.m., and the Cavalry facing the Granite at the same time at Fall Mountain Regional High School in Langdon, one thing is certain: Once those games are complete, only one team will stand undefeated, and one will remain winless.

For more information on the Connecticut River Valley Baseball League, including box scores, stats, and standings, visit crvbl.com.

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May 7, 2023

IRON MEN AND FOSSILS VICTORIOUS ON OPENING DAY

(photo of Kris Bornholdt by Wayne McElreavy)

VERMONT – The 22nd season of the Connecticut River Valley Baseball League got underway today with games at Maxfield Athletic Complex in Hartford and Gouin Field in Dummerston. Each game saw the home team emerge with a win. In Hartford, The Connecticut River Iron Men downed the Charlestown Cavalry, who were making their CRVBL debut, by a score of 19-1. In Dummerston, the defending champion Putney Fossils topped the Walpole Granite, 11-0.

The Iron Men's offensive explosion was led by Jed St. Pierre (4 for 6, triple, 2 runs scored), Kris Bornholdt (3 for 4, 3 RBIs, 2 runs scored), and Tyler Kerr (2 for 4, 2 RBIs, 2 runs scored). Side-arming rookie Garrett Gagnon pitched 5 scoreless innings to earn the win, allowing five hits, two walks, and striking out seven.

For Putney, four batters recorded multiple hits, with Ryan Smith (3 for 4, 2 doubles, 2 stole bases, 2 RBIs, 2 runs scored) doing the most damage. Pitchers Danny Lichtenfeld (5 innings, 2 hits, 2 walks, 6 strikeouts) and Peter Wagner (2 innings, 1 hit, 2 strikeouts) combined to shut out the Granite, whose lineup included five newcomers to the league.

CRVBL action resumes on Sunday, May 14, when the Fossils travel to Fall Mountain Regional High School to take on the Cavalry, and the Iron Men head south to Dummerston to face the Granite. Both games are at 10 a.m.

For more information on the Connecticut River Valley Baseball League, including box scores, stats, and standings, visit crvbl.com.

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August 14, 2022

PUTNEY FOSSILS ARE 2022 CRVBL CHAMPIONS

DUMMERSTON, VT – The Putney Fossils defeated the Connecticut River Iron Men by a score of 5-0 on Sunday afternoon to win the Connecticut River Valley Baseball League championship and take home the Richard W. Bissell Cup. The win marked the Fossils’ fourth league title in the past five years. Earlier in the day, the Iron Men outslugged the Walpole Granite 17-9 to advance to the championship game against the Fossils.

In a contest that featured crisp pitching and stellar defense, the Fossils broke a scoreless tie in the bottom of the sixth, sending nine batters to the plate and tallying four runs. They would add an insurance run in the eighth to complete the scoring for the day.

The Fossils’ rally got started with a leadoff single through the right side by Chayse Cunniff, followed by a single to right by Kyle Whitworth. Brandon Reilly grounded out to the pitcher, but the runners advanced to second and third on the play. Cunniff then tagged up and scored on a sacrifice fly to left by Ryan Smith. A double in the gap by Alex Gauthier scored Whitworth, a single by Ryan Lawley plated Gauthier, and a single by Peter Wagner brought home Lawley.

Smith and Gauthier teamed up to generate another run two innings later. Smith led off the eighth with a single, then advanced to third on two wild pitches. Gauthier walked, putting runners on the corners. On the next pitch, Gauthier broke for second. As catcher Kris Bornholdt released his throw to second, Smith dashed home and scored with a head first slide.

Fossils starting pitcher Danny Lichtenfeld earned the win, allowing no runs, four hits, and one walk over six innings of work. Peter Wagner picked up the save, holding the Iron Men scoreless on three hits while striking out three.

“Our defense was unreal today,” said Lichtenfeld, noting a diving stop by second baseman Kenny Howe to rob Iron Men leadoff hitter Joey Parrott of a hit in the first inning and a full-extension diving catch by first baseman Whitworth on a blistering line drive by Jed St. Pierre.

Whitworth, Smith, Gauthier, Lawley, Wagner, and Cunniff each had two hits for the victors, and Steve Kapral and Chris Lasch added one base knock apiece.

For the Iron Men, Parrott led the offense with two hits, and Kris Keelty, Bornholdt, Andrew Robbins, and Hayden Chandler all singled. Brendan Mayhew hit a scorching line drive double to the fence in left field.

In a brief, informal, on-field ceremony following the game, CRVBL founder Richard Bissell presented the Bissell Cup to the Fossils as a few dozen fans looked on. The Fossils dedicated their victory to Kallaway “Kali” Ann Whitworth, daughter of Kyle, who was born five days earlier and appeared to thoroughly enjoy her first baseball game.

For more information about the Connecticut River Valley Baseball League, visit crvbl.com. Players and teams interested in joining the league for the 2023 season should fill out the inquiry form on the website.

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(photo by Kelly Fletcher)

July 31, 2022

FIRST-PLACE FOSSILS WRAP UP REGULAR SEASON WITH WIN OVER IRON MEN

DUMMERSTON, VT – In Connecticut River Valley Baseball League action on Sunday, the Putney Fossils defeated the Connecticut River Iron Men by a score of 9-2. With the win, the defending-champion Fossils matched their 2021 regular-season record of 11-1. They now head into the playoffs as the #1 seed.

Although the Iron Men (5-5) and Walpole Granite (1-9) still have a doubleheader left to play against one another on August 7, the playoff seedings are set: Fossils #1, Iron Men #2, Granite #3. Mt. Monadnock (4-6) has forfeited its remaining games and is not eligible for the playoffs.

The single-elimination playoffs will take place on Sunday, August 14, at Claude Gouin Field in Dummerston, Vermont. The Iron Men will host the Granite in a “play-in” game at 10 a.m. The winner of that game will play the Fossils at 1:30 p.m. for the Bissell Cup, named in honor of league founder Richard W. Bissell.

“We wrapped up the regular-season on a great note,” said Fossils manager Danny Lichtenfeld. “Solid pitching, excellent defense, and timely hitting – let’s hope we can do it again two weeks from now.”

Lichtenfeld, Peter Wagner, and Ryan Smith handled the pitching duties for the Fossils, scattering seven hits over nine innings. Wagner picked up the win, his fourth of the season. The Iron Men’s only runs resulted from solo home runs by Doug Avellino in the third inning and Kris Bornholdt in the fourth. Bornholdt’s blast was his league-leading third four-bagger of the season. The catcher from Wilder, Vermont, also leads the league in RBIs (11) and batting average (.586).

The Putney offense was sparked by leadoff hitter Kyle Whitworth, who went 4 for 5, with 2 RBIs, 2 runs scored, and a stolen base. Alex Gauthier went 2 for 5, with two doubles, including a two-out, two-run double in the fifth inning that gave his team the lead for good. With bases loaded in the eighth inning, Wagner laced a two-out, bases-clearing double that effectively put the game out of reach.

For more information on the Connecticut River Valley Baseball League, including box scores, stats, and standings, visit crvbl.com.

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June 26, 2022

PUTNEY FOSSILS DEFEAT WALPOLE GRANITE 19-1

DUMMERSTON, VT – When Putney Fossils pitcher Danny Lichtenfeld climbed the mound to face the Walpole Granite at Gouin Field this past Sunday, he felt like he had something to prove -- to his teammates and even more so to himself.

Three weeks earlier, facing the very same opponent, Lichtenfeld turned in one of the worst outings of his 19-year Connecticut River Valley Baseball League career. He allowed 17 hits and 9 earned runs, narrowly escaping with a 14-11 victory, thanks to the Fossils’ potent offense.

“I felt like I was throwing batting practice for Walpole that day. I was lucky my teammates picked me up,” he said.

On this day, however, the 51-year-old hurler regained his winning form. When the last out was recorded, he had racked up a complete-game victory, allowing one run on five hits, while striking out three, including the last two batters of the game.

“That was a relief,” said Lichtenfeld. “At my age, playing against these kids in their 20s and 30s, I can’t help but wonder when my stuff will no longer be effective. I’m glad it wasn’t today, and that I was able to give our team a chance to win.”

Given that chance, the Fossils took full advantage of it, plating 19 runs on 16 hits.

Former Leland & Gray standouts Brandon Reilly and Ryan Lawley led the Putney attack. Reilly went 3 for 5 with a single, double, solo home run, 3 RBIs, 4 runs scored, and a stolen base. Lawley elevated his team-leading batting average to .520, going 3 for 4, with 4 RBIs, 4 runs scored, and 4 stolen bases.

Four other Fossils chipped in with multiple hits, including third baseman Steve Kapral, who went 3 for 4.

Lawley also played stellar defense, recording five putouts in left field, including two diving catches.

“He’s on fire right now,” said Reilly of his fellow outfielder. “It’s fun watching him play.”

With the lopsided victory, the Fossils (6-1) extended their lead in the CRVBL standings to two games over the second-place Connecticut River Iron Men (4-3). At 0-6, the Walpole Granite continue to seek their first win of the season, trailing third-place Mt. Monadnock (3-3) by three games.

CRVBL action resumes on July 10, following a break for the July 4 holiday. Games are scheduled on Sundays through August 7, with playoffs to follow on August 14 and 21. All games take place at Claude Gouin Field at the Dummerston School, in Dummerston, Vermont. Each Sunday, the morning game starts at 10 a.m., and the afternoon game starts around 1:15 p.m. For more information, including box scores, stats, and the complete 2022 season schedule, visit crvbl.com.

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June 20, 2022

IRON MEN BLAST FIVE HOME RUNS IN 17-3 WIN OVER WALPOLE

DUMMERSTON, VT - In CRVBL action on Sunday morning, the Connecticut River Iron Men blasted five home runs en route to a 17-3 rout of the Walpole Granite. Jed St. Pierre and Kris Bornholdt each had two round-trippers, and Jake Perkins notched the fifth. According to league founder Richard Bissell, the Iron Men’s offensive explosion marked the most home runs ever hit in a single CRVBL game.

After three innings, Walpole actually led by a score of 3-1, but the Iron Men exploded for 10 runs in the top of the fourth. Bornholdt led off with a double, Kyle Young followed with a single, then Perkins hit the first dinger of the day. Walpole pitcher Koltin Stetson struck out the next batter, but the next nine Iron Men reached base safely, with St. Pierre and Bornholdt slamming back-to back home runs – a feat they would accomplish again in the seventh inning.

In addition to St. Pierre (3 for 5, 2 HRs, 7 RBIs, 3 runs scored) and Bornholdt (5 for 5, 2 HRs, 3 doubles, 4 RBIs, 3 runs scored), Joey Parrott (3 for 4, double, triple, 2 RBIs, 3 runs scored) and Brendan Mayhew (2 for 4, double, triple, run scored) contributed to the Iron Men’s prodigious output at the plate.

Jack Brown, Alex Taylor, Tyler Bonneau, and Robbie Stevens all recorded multiple hits for the Granite.

The afternoon game between Mt. Monadnock and Putney seemed as though it would be a similar affair, when Mt. Monadnock’s leadoff batter, Gavin Motuzas, launched the second pitch he saw from Putney starter Pete Wagner over the centerfield fence. But Wagner bore down after that, not allowing another run until the ninth inning. He finished the day with a complete-game 4-2 victory, scattering seven hits and walking three while striking out 12.

At the halfway point of the season, Wagner leads the league in innings pitched (25), strikeouts (36), WHIP (0.88), and batting average against (.177).

Hot-hitting Alex Gauthier (2 for 4, double, 2 RBIs) and Ryan Lawley (2 for 3, double) led the Putney offense, while Wagner helped his own cause with two line-drive singles and a run scored.

Motuzas (2 for 4, HR, RBI, run scored) and Mason Holombo (2 for 4) each had two hits for Mt. Monadnock.

Connecticut River Valley Baseball League (CRVBL) action resumes on June 26 and continues every Sunday, through August 7, with the exception of July 3. Single-elimination playoffs are scheduled for August 14 and August 21. All games take place at Claude Gouin Field at the Dummerston School, in Dummerston, Vermont. Each Sunday, the morning game starts at 10 a.m., and the afternoon game starts around 1:15 p.m. For more information, including box scores, stats, and the complete 2022 season schedule, visit crvbl.com.

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June 13, 2022

FOSSILS DEFEAT IRON MEN, MOVE INTO FIRST PLACE

DUMMERSTON, VT – The Putney Fossils (4-1) defeated the Connecticut River Iron Men (2-3) by a score of 9-4 Sunday morning to move into sole possession of first place in the CRVBL standings.

After falling behind 1-0 in the top of the first, Putney scored three runs in the bottom half of the inning, on the strength of five walks, four stolen bases, and one timely hit – an RBI single by Alex Gauthier.

In the fourth inning, the Iron Men's Brendan Mayhew blasted a solo home run to trim Putney’s lead to 3-2.

“That was an absolute laser,” said Putney catcher Chayse Cunniff. “I don’t think it ever got more than 20 feet off the ground, and it was still rising when it went over the fence.”

After Putney extended its lead to 4-2 in the fifth inning, the Iron Men tied the game with two runs in the top of the sixth. Ryan Lawley promptly untied it with an RBI triple in the bottom half of the inning, giving Putney the lead for good.

Lawley (2 for 3, triple, RBI, run scored), Kyle Whitworth (2 for 3, two stolen bases, RBI, run scored), and Ryan Smith (1 for 2, three stolen bases, three RBIs, three runs scored) led the Putney offense.

Kyle Young (3 for 4, RBI, run scored), Mayhew (2 for 4, home run, RBI, run scored), and Joey Parrott (2 for 4, stolen base, run scored) each had multiple hits for the Iron Men.

Starting pitcher Danny Lichtenfeld picked up the win for Putney, allowing four runs over six innings. Pete Wagner recorded a three-inning save, striking out seven and lowering his ERA to 1.12.

CRVBL action resumes on June 19 and continues every Sunday, through August 21, with the exception of July 3. All games take place at Claude Gouin Field at the Dummerston School, in Dummerston, Vermont. Each Sunday, the morning game starts at 10 a.m., and the afternoon game starts around 1:15 p.m. For more information, including box scores, stats, and the complete 2022 season schedule, visit crvbl.com.

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June 6, 2022

MT. MONADNOCK, PUTNEY FEND OFF LATE RALLIES, REMAIN TIED FOR FIRST PLACE

DUMMERSTON, VT – In CRVBL action Sunday morning, Mt. Monadnock (3-1) opened up an 8-0 lead over the Connecticut River Iron Men (2-2) and then fought off a late-inning rally to win 8-4. In similar fashion in the afternoon game, the Putney Fossils (3-1) took a lead of 14-8 over the Walpole Granite (0-4) into the ninth inning, then held on to win 14-11 with the tying run at the plate.

Jack Plourde (2-0) was dominant on the mound for Mt. Monadnock, allowing no runs and only four hits over six innings, while striking out nine. Having pitched a total of 11 innings so far this season, Plourde has yet to surrender a run.

Danny Lichtenfeld (2-1) picked up the complete-game win for Putney, despite giving up nine earned runs on 17 hits and two walks. “It felt like I was throwing batting practice for Walpole today,” said Lichtenfeld. “I’m grateful that my teammates picked me up with some serious run support.”

The top of the Walpole batting order – Tim Beck, Jack Brown, and Alex Taylor – went a combined 10 for 15 against Lichtenfeld. Brown went 5 for 5 with a stolen base and two runs scored. Taylor went 3 for 5 with a double, a three-run home run, three runs scored, and four RBIs. The home run was Taylor’s league-leading second four-bagger of the season. Kevin Baca also had a strong day at the plate for the Granite, going 3 for 5 with a stolen base, one run scored, and three RBIs.

Eight of the nine Putney batters recorded hits on the day, with veteran third baseman Steve Kapral (2 for 3, two walks, stolen base, one run scored, one RBI) and the team’s two Ryans – Ryan Smith (2 for 6, double, stolen base, four runs scored, one RBI) and Ryan Lawley (3 for 5, double, one run scored, one RBI) – leading the Putney attack.

CRVBL action resumes on June 12 and continues every Sunday, through August 21, with the exception of July 3. All games take place at Claude Gouin Field at the Dummerston School, in Dummerston, Vermont. Each Sunday, the morning game starts at 10 a.m., and the afternoon game starts around 1:15 p.m. For more information, including box scores, stats, and the complete 2022 season schedule, visit crvbl.com.

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May 29, 2022

PUTNEY DEFEATS MT. MONADNOCK, IRON MEN SMASH GRANITE

Three teams tied for first atop CRVBL standings

DUMMERSTON, VT – The Putney Fossils handed Mt. Monadnock their first loss of the season on Sunday morning in a well-pitched contest that saw the Vermont squad prevail by a score of 4-3. Starting pitcher Peter Wagner went the distance for Putney, scattering seven hits, two walks, and two hit batsmen, while striking out ten. Wagner also helped himself at the plate, driving in two runs with an opposite-field single in the top of the first.

After tacking on single runs in the seventh and eighth innings – one on a balk, the other on an errant throw during a first-and-third stolen base play – Putney carried what looked like a comfortable lead of 4-0 into the ninth inning. Mt. Monadnock would not go down without a fight, however. With one out, Chance Kirby and Arric Mather hit back-to-back singles, and C. Kirby then scored from third on a wild pitch. After Wagner recorded the second out of the inning, Aidan Kirby reached on an error, and Gavin Ketola drove in Mather and A. Kirby with a single to center. Wagner ended the threat and Mt. Monadnock’s hopes of a comeback by inducing an infield popup for the final out of the game.

A highlight of the game occurred in the bottom of the fourth inning. With one out and runners on second and third, Mt. Monadnock’s Miles Holombo lofted a fly ball to right. Putney right fielder Ryan Lawley made the catch, and Nick Germano tagged up to score from third. Lawley then unleashed a perfect strike to catcher Chayse Cunniff who applied the tag, preventing the run from scoring and completing an unlikely double play to end the inning.

Asked after the game what was going through his mind when the ball was hit to him, Lawley said, “I was thinking ‘throw home’ all the way, but after I let it go, I was worried I was going to get yelled at for missing the cutoff man.”

To which Putney manager Danny Lichtenfeld replied, “There’s no yelling in this league, just good times.

In the second game of the day, the Connecticut River Iron Men pummeled the Walpole Granite 19-4. Hayden Chandler (2 for 2, walk, 2 RBIs, 3 runs scored), Tyler Kerr (2 for 3, 2 walks, 4 runs scored), and Kris Bornholdt (3 for 4, walk, RBI, 2 runs scored) led the Iron Men’s offensive explosion. Chandler picked up the win on the mound, allowing two hits and eight walks while striking out one in four innings of work.

With the win, the Iron Men moved into a three-way tie for first place with Putney and Mt. Monadnock. Each team has a record of 2-1. At 0-3, Walpole continues to seek its way into the win column.

CRVBL action resumes on June 5 and continues every Sunday, through August 7, with the exception of July 3. All games take place at Claude Gouin Field at the Dummerston School, in Dummerston, Vermont. Each Sunday, the morning game starts at 10 a.m., and the afternoon game starts around 1:15 p.m. For more information, including box scores, stats, and the complete 2022 season schedule, visit crvbl.com.

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May 22, 2022

MT. MONADNOCK AND CT RIVER IRON MEN PICK UP WINS IN WEEK 2 CRVBL ACTION

DUMMERSTON, VT – Under a scorching sun at Claude Gouin Field, Mt. Monadnock smashed the Walpole Granite, 19-6, and the Connecticut River Iron Men defeated the Putney Fossils, 7-3. With their win, Mt. Monadnock (2-0) moved into sole possession of first place in the CRVBL (Connecticut River Valley Baseball League) standings.

Mt. Monadnock batters racked up only nine hits on the day, but their patience at the plate served them well, as they also drew 16 walks. Brothers Chance Kirby (2 for 4, walk, run scored, 3 RBIs, 2 stolen bases) and Preston Kirby (2 for 4, 2 RBIs, 3 stolen bases), along with Nick Germano (1 for 2, 3 walks, 3 runs, 2 RBIs, 2 stolen bases) and Miles Holombo (1 for 4, walk, run scored, 2 RBIs), led the Mt. Monadnock offense. Tim Beck and Alex Taylor each had two hits for the Granite.

In the afternoon game, the Iron Men defeated the Fossils for the first time since 2020. Winning pitcher Duncan Macdonald scattered ten hits, all singles, and allowed only one run over seven innings, while striking out four. Kris Bornholdt (2 for 4, walk, RBI) and Kyle Young (3 for 4, run scored, RBI) paced the Iron Men attack. Five Putney batters had two hits each: Kyle Whitworth, Brandon Reilly, Ryan Smith, Ryan Lawley, and the newest Fossil, Chris Lasch.

The Connecticut River Valley Baseball League is an amateur wood-bat baseball league for players 20 and up in southeastern Vermont and southwestern New Hampshire. League action continues every Sunday, through August 7, with two weekends of playoffs to follow. All games take place at Claude Gouin Field at the Dummerston School, in Dummerston, Vermont. Each Sunday, the morning game starts at 10 a.m., and the afternoon game starts around 1:15 p.m. For more information, including box scores, stats, and the complete 2022 season schedule, visit crvbl.com.

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May 15, 2022

PUTNEY AND MT. MONADNOCK ARE WINNERS IN CRVBL OPENING DAY ACTION

DUMMERSTON, VT – In Connecticut River Valley Baseball League (CRVBL) opening day action at Claude Gouin Field in Dummerston, the defending champion Putney Fossils defeated the Walpole Granite, 8-5, and Mt. Monadnock topped the Connecticut River Iron Men, 7-2.

Veteran pitcher Danny Lichtenfeld notched the win for Putney, allowing one earned run on six hits over five innings, while striking out four. Peter Wagner picked up a save, striking out six over the final four frames. Ryan Smith (2 for 5, double, RBI, run scored) and Ethan Blum (3 for 4, RBI, run scored) led the offensive attack for the Fossils. Alex Taylor and Brian Benjamin each had two hits for Walpole, including a solo home run by Taylor.

In the second game, Mt. Monadnock starter and former Franklin Pierce Raven Arric Mather, pitching for the first time since 2017, dominated the Iron Men, allowing no runs and only two hits over six innings, while striking out 15. After yielding a leadoff walk to start the game, Mather struck out the next eleven batters in a row. Four Mt. Monadnock players racked up multiple hits: Gavin Moutzos (3 for 4), Chance Kirby (3 for 3, walk, double, 2 runs scored, 3 stolen bases), Nick Germano (2 for 3, walk, RBI, stolen base), and Miles Holombo (2 for 4, run scored). Tyler Kerr had two of the Iron Men’s four hits, with Hayden Chandler and Dylan Kuhn picking up the others.

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April 23, 2022

CRVBL ANNOUNCES 2022 SEASON

Four teams to compete for Richard W. Bissell Cup

PUTNEY, VT – The Connecticut River Valley Baseball League (CRVBL), an amateur baseball league for ballplayers ages 20 and up, has announced its 2022 summer season. Four teams will play 12 games each, every Sunday from May 15 through August 7, with the exception of July 3. All games will take place at Claude Gouin Field at the Dummerston School in Dummerston, Vermont. Games will start at 10 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. and will last nine innings.

Playoffs will take place over the two weekends following the regular season. On Sunday, August 14, single-elimination semi-final games will be played between seeds #2 and #3 (10 a.m.) and seeds #1 and #4 (1:15 p.m.). The winners of the semi-final games will square off in the championship game on Sunday, August 21, at 1 p.m., at Hubbard Park in Walpole, N.H.

Founded in 2002 by furniture maker Richard Bissell of Putney, Vermont, the CRVBL has fluctuated in size over the years, from three teams to eight. The four teams slated to compete this season are the defending champion Putney Fossils, the Connecticut River Iron Men, and two new teams – Walpole Granite and Mt. Monadnock.

At the end of the 2021 season, CRVBL President Danny Lichtenfeld announced that beginning in 2022 the league championship trophy would be renamed the Richard W. Bissell Cup, in honor of the league founder.

For more information about the CRVBL, including the complete 2022 season schedule, rosters, statistics, and more, visit www.crvbl.com.

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August 22, 2021

PUTNEY FOSSILS CLAIM THIRD CHAMPIONSHIP IN FOUR YEARS

WALPOLE, NH -- The Putney Fossils defeated the Keene Monument Men by a score of 12-4 at Hubbard Park on Sunday, August 22, to win the 2021 Connecticut River Valley Baseball League championship. The victory marked the Fossils’ third championship in the past four years.

Putney dominated the opposition during the regular season, finishing in first place with a record of 11-1, scoring 104 runs and allowing only 31. The story remained much the same in the playoffs, as the Fossils drubbed the Walpole Wild Blue, 9-0, en route to the championship game vs. Keene.

The first two Monument Men to face Putney ace Pete Wagner reached base safely on a hit-by-pitch and an opposite field single, but Keene was unable to capitalize on the threat, as Wagner induced a 6-4-3 double play followed by a groundout to end the inning.

In the bottom of the first, Putney wasted no time grabbing the momentum. With two outs and Kyle Whitworth on first, cleanup hitter Alex Gauthier singled. Whitworth and Gauthier advanced into scoring position on a wild pitch, and then Wagner, helping his own cause, singled to drive in both runners. Ryan Lawley was then hit by a pitch, setting the table for Ethan Blum and Keith Lyman, each of whom responded with RBI singles. By the time the inning was over, ten Putney batters had come to the plate, and the Fossils had a 5-0 lead.

The Vermonters added four more runs in the top of the fourth, extending their lead to 9-0 before Keene finally broke through against Wagner for four runs of their own in the bottom of the sixth. That would be all the scoring the squad from New Hampshire would muster, however, as Wagner kept Keene off balance with an effective mix of fastballs, curves, and changeups. The righthander would go the distance for Putney, allowing only 6 hits and 5 walks, with 6 strikeouts, over 9 innings and 174 pitches thrown.

“I was really happy that Pete got to throw the final pitch of the season,” said Putney manager Danny Lichtenfeld. “I got to experience that in 2018, and [former Putney pitcher] Richard Bissell did it the year after. It’s a great feeling, and it was Pete’s turn to enjoy it.”

As was often the case during the regular season, the Putney offense was led by Whitworth (4 for 5, double, 3 runs, 3 RBIs, stolen base). Ryan Smith (2 for 5, 1 run, 1 RBI, stolen base) and Gauthier (2 for 4, double, 2 runs, 1 RBI, hit by pitch) contributed multiple hits. All ten Putney batters reached base safely at least once, and eight scored runs.

For Keene, Nick Wirkkala had a strong day at the plate, going 2 for 3 with a run scored and 2 RBIs. Brian Baker, Jeremy Ball, Tyson Cole, and Taylor Bergin accounted for the other Monument Men hits.

During the on-field trophy presentation following the game, it was announced that beginning next season, the league championship trophy will be named the Richard W. Bissell Cup, in honor of the CRVBL founder and longtime Putney Fossils pitcher.

The Connecticut River Valley Baseball League is an amateur baseball league for players 20 and up in southeastern Vermont and southwestern New Hampshire. The season begins in early May and runs through mid-August, with games played on Sundays. For more information, visit crvbl.com. Anyone wishing to join the league is asked to complete the player inquiry form on the website during the offseason.

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