OWEGO - The typical chilly April weather didn't slow down the River Hawks for their season opener, as they turned away Susquehanna Valley, 12-2 in a STAC Central vs STAC East match-up.

Owego jumped on the Sabers early, bringing home two runs in the first. Elijah Lewis and Conlan Taylor both walked to begin the inning. Lewis scored after stealing third and then tagging up on  a Connor Kotski sacrifice fly ball to left field. Taylor advanced to third and was driven in by Dylan Brace, who singled to right.

Lewis pitched a scoreless top half of the second by retiring the side in order. In the home half of the inning, Owego picked up three more runs, thanks in part to Jack Buchsbaum scoring on a passed ball, and Conlan Taylor singling to right field to score Lewis. 

After Taylor stole second, Evan English walked. With two runners on, Kotski reached first on a base hit to load them up. Brace came to the plate next and worked the count for a walk to bring in the third and final run of the inning. OFA lead 5-0 after two.

Lewis gave up two in the third after a run scored on a wild pitch, and the other run was driven in by Susquehanna Valley's Koedatich who hit a base knock to left field.

In the bottom part of the third, OFA responded with their biggest inning of the day by plating seven runs. One run came home after Joseph Palladino grounded into a fielder's choice. Another run crossed the plate when Brace walked for his second time, after being hit by a pitch. Elijah Lewis and Matt Higgins each hit two-run singles. The final run of the inning crossed the plate, thanks to a Jacob Bensley sac fly. The River Hawks held a 12-2 lead after three that wouldn't change.

Lewis pitched another scoreless inning in the fourth before being relieved by Mathew Lewis, who finished the rest of the way. 

When asked about his thoughts on the season opener, coach Nick Wegmann was encouraged by his team's start.

"Super proud of the effort and energy we got from the boys tonight. They were focused with great at-bats and played good defense," said Wegmann.

"We're looking forward to some weather that's a bit more conducive to baseball, but overall really happy with tonight."

Elijah Lewis went 1-for-2 with two RBIs and three runs scored. Lewis also pitched four innings, allowing two runs and striking out five.

Dylan Brace brought in three runs, while Taylor, Kotski, and Matt Higgins all chipped in a hit a piece. Higgins also finished with two RBIs on the day.

Elijah Lewis was a big contributor in the season opener and was excited about OFA's hot start.

"It doesn't get much better than what we put on the diamond tonight. I think everyone's approach at the plate was awesome and it showed on the scoreboard," said Lewis.

"Only allowing two runs in the first game of the season is great and that's all credit to the guys behind me. They made a plethora of plays that really shaped the game. Including my brother, Tyler, who made that great diving catch at the end," Lewis added.

Owego will look to make it two in a row, when they play Windsor next.