In their first real test since the all-star break, Norwich was unable to shut down in-state rivals New Britain in a rare Futures League three-game set.
After Thursday’s NESN contest was suspended due to rain, the Sea Unicorns had a chance to regroup in New Britain on Friday. The game was dominated by Norwich for most of the game.
Until the eighth inning, Norwich held a slim bu firm lead of 5-3. Alistair Morin continued his dominance on the mound going five deep, allowing five hits and two earned runs. Mark Capell, a newcomer, was sharp with one inning pitched striking out two.
Dean Ferrara kept his league leading batting average up with three runs batted in and Zach Donahue contributed with two hits of his own.
The game fell from Norwich’s grace in the bottom of the eighth with a three-run homer from Bees lefty Christian Scanlon. Brian Hart came in during the top of the ninth to shutdown Norwich. Your final score Bees six, Corn’s five.
Game two, Norwich looked to get on-track at home wearing the Military Appreciation Night uniforms. Deadlocked at zero, Johnny Knox knocked a single to center for the first run of the night. Dean Ferrara would then score from a throwing error.
Saturday’s contest was then suspended till Sunday. Resuming in the top of sixth, Wootton relieved Brad Lewis, pitching the rest of the game allowing one run, a solo homer. The Corn’s took game two 2-1.
The decisive game three started thirty minutes after the conclusion of the suspended game. The Bees caught fire early scoring two runs. Norwich was able to bring the game within one in the bottom half.
After the Bees went on to score four in the sixth, Norwich attempted to come back with a three run bottom half. The game was now close with a score of 8-5.
Looking to get a shutdown inning, the Sea Unicorns called upon Robert Zawacki. A costly error became the buzz kill for the home faithful. A total of five errors where committed by the home side.
The Bees would make quick work of the Sea Unicorns in the bottom of the condensed seven inning game. The final score 9-5 and a Bees win of the doubleheader.
We now head into the last full week of the regular season as the Sea Unicorns look to clinch their first playoff berth. Home games include a doubleheader Wednesday, followed by the last Thirsty Thursday and then Fan Appreciation Night Saturday.