Sea Unicorns Fall in Extras to Lake Monsters, Winning Streak Halted at 6

Burlington, VT – The Norwich Sea Unicorns saw their season-long six-game winning streak come to an end in wild fashion, falling 13-12 in extra innings to the Vermont Lake Monsters on Tuesday night. With the loss, Norwich drops to 26-25 with 11 games remaining in the regular season.

The Sea Unicorns opened the scoring in the second inning, manufacturing a run against Vermont starter Adam Schwartz. Anthony Tirado singled with two outs and came around to score on Gavin O’Brien’s RBI single to right. A fielding error by the shortstop extended the inning, setting up a first-and-third situation that allowed O’Brien to deliver.

Vermont answered quickly in the home second, striking for a pair of runs to take a 2-1 lead. Back-to-back doubles by Will Mahala and Massai Marshall tied the game, and Thomas O’Connell followed with the third straight hit of the inning off Norwich starter Landon Manzi, singling to center to give the Lake Monsters the lead.

The hosts added on in the third with a three-run inning to stretch their lead to 5-1. A walk and consecutive singles loaded the bases, setting the table again for O’Connell, who ripped a two-run double to right. Aidan Botti capped the frame with a sacrifice fly to center.

Norwich responded in the 4^th, plating four runs to tie the game at 5-5. After an error and an infield single put two aboard, a wild pitch moved the runners into scoring position for Gabriel Rivera, who brought home a run with a groundout to second. A two-out walk to Charlie Walsh loaded the bases, and another Vermont error allowed a run to score and kept the inning alive. Jack Sweeney made it count, drilling a game-tying two-run double into the left-center gap.

The Sea Unicorns took the lead in the fifth when Connor Scanlan dumped a two-out RBI single into left to score Tirado, who had walked earlier.

Norwich tacked on two more in the sixth to build an 8-5 advantage. Walsh reached on an infield single, and Chace Chaplin followed with a walk. After both advanced on a wild pitch, Cal Chance brought home a run on a groundout to second, and CJ Nolan ripped a two-out double to score Chaplin.

Vermont chipped away with a run in the 6^th and two more in the 7^th to tie the game at 8. Nolan Colby led off the 6^th with a triple and scored on a Shaun McMillan sacrifice fly. In the 7^th, Sam Cavossa delivered the big blow—a two-run ground-rule double down the rightfield line and once again the game was back to equilibrium.

Norwich momentarily reclaimed the lead in the ninth. Scanlan worked a two-out walk and came around to score on Charlie Walsh’s clutch RBI single to left after a costly error by the second baseman extended the inning.

Vermont had another answer, this time in the 9^th. Cavossa drew a leadoff walk, stole second, and scored on McMillan’s RBI single up the middle, sending the game to extras.

Norwich exploded for three runs in the top of the 10th to take a 12-9 lead, but the Lake Monsters once again clawed back. With the bases loaded, Cavossa came through with a bases-clearing triple to tie it at 12. Cooper Berry then lifted a sacrifice fly to center, completing Vermont’s comeback and walking it off in a 13-12 final.

Win: Brady Lane (1-0)
Loss: Eric Mathewson (1-1)
Time: 4:34

Norwich will look to bounce back tonight beginning with the suspended game that will pick up from the top of the 10^th inning with Norwich leading 6-5. Cooper Maher will take the mound for Norwich in the originally scheduled game following the completion of the suspended game opposite Matt Higgins.

Written by Adam Plager

Sea Unicorns Sweep Westfield to Extend Win Streak to 6

Norwich, CT – The Norwich Sea Unicorns continued their post-All-Star Break dominance, sweeping Sunday’s doubleheader against Westfield. The pair of wins pushes Norwich above .500 for the first time since June 13, improving their record to 26-24. Norwich walked off game one in dramatic fashion, 3-2, and cruised to a 10-6 win in game two.

Game 1

Norwich struck first in the second inning, plating a pair against Westfield starter Cody Hesselton. Chace Chaplin kickstarted the offense with a base hit up the middle, and Anthony Tirado followed smashing an RBI double to the left-center field gap. Tirado then stole third and later scored on a Joey Erace sacrifice fly to give Norwich a 2-0 lead.

Westfield answered with a run in the third and fourth to even the score. In the third, John Mass reached on an infield single and moved into scoring position on a one out hit by Evan Menzel. Griffin Enis delivered with a two-out single to center to score Mass and cut the lead in half.

The Starfires tied the game in the fourth thanks to Riggs Catlin. He walked, stole second, advanced to third on an errant throw by the Norwich catcher, and scored by stealing home.

The game remained tied until the bottom of the 7th, when Connor Scanlan walked it off for the Sea Unicorns. Cal Chance started the rally reaching on an error by the Westfield first baseman. Antonio Ducatelli followed with an opposite-field double to left, putting runners on second and third with no outs. Westfield brought in Josh Mayo from the bullpen and employed a five-man infield. The strategy didn’t work, as Scanlan came through with a game-winning single to center, scoring Chance.

Gio Conte was lights out in relief, tossing 3 scoreless innings of hitless baseball to earn the win. The only baserunner he allowed was via a walk.

Win – Gio Conte (2-2) Loss – Koby Seelig (0-1) Time – 2:22

Game 2

Norwich used a 6-run 2nd inning in the finale to fuel their way to a doubleheader sweep over Westfield.

Cal Chance led off with a walk, and CJ Nolan reached on an infield single to set the table. Chase Taylor delivered with an opposite-field RBI single to left, and another walk loaded the bases. A fielder’s choice grounder by Jack Byrne extended the lead to 2-0. Later, an error by the Westfield shortstop allowed Charlie Walsh to reach safely and made it 4-0. Gavin O’Brien capped the big inning by grounding a two-run single through the left side to give Norwich a 6-0 advantage.

Westfield answered with a pair of runs in the 3rd to cut the Norwich lead to 4. James McDermott began the rally crushing a one out double to the left field wall. Ben William followed with a single into center to give the visitors runners at the corners with one out. Evan Menzel delivered with the third hit of the inning to score McDermott. A throwing error by the Norwich third baseman after catching a line drive and attempting to double off the runner at first, sailed into foul territory, allowing the second run of the inning to score.

The Sea Unicorns added a run in the home 3rd, aided by defensive miscues and command issues. Taylor reached on a misplayed grounder by the Westfield first baseman, and back-to-back walks loaded the bases. A passed ball scored Taylor to make it 7-2.

The Starfires chipped away with a run in the fifth and two more in the sixth to pull within 2. In the 5th, they loaded the bases on a hit-by-pitch, single, and walk. Norwich starter Matt Wootton limited the damage to one run on a Menzel grounder and escaped the jam with back-to-back strikeouts.

In the 6th, Westfield capitalized on a defensive miscue by the Norwich first baseman and James McDermott continued his big day at the plate with his third hit of the ballgame to bring Westfield within 2.

Norwich quickly responded with three insurance runs in the bottom of the 6th. After back-to-back walks, Westfield brought in Caleb Martinek from the bullpen. A double steal advanced both runners before O’Brien drew a third straight walk. Chance followed with an RBI single to right, and Taylor added a sac fly to center to push the lead to 10-5.

Westfield plated their final run in the 7th off Norwich reliever Ryan Camp. Griffin Mills doubled, advanced to third on a wild pitch, and scored on an infield single by Enis. Camp avoided further damage to secure the victory.

Sea Unicorns starter Matt Wootton continued his stellar summer, earning his team-leading 5th win. The right-hander struck out 7 over 5 innings, allowing 5 hits and 2 earned runs earning himself Futures League Pitcher of the Night honors for the third time this season.

Win – Matt Wootton (5-1) Loss – Nolan Geisler (0-2) Time – 2:21

Norwich returns to action Tuesday night in Vermont to begin a pivotal three-game series, which also includes the completion of the suspended game from July 13, which will be resumed on Wednesday, July 30th, prior to the regularly scheduled game. The Sea Unicorns lead that contest 6-5 in the top of the 10th with two outs and a runner on first. Norwich currently trails Vermont by six games with 12 games remaining.

Written by Adam Plager

Offense Explodes for 12 Runs in 4^th Straight Win

New Britain, CT – The Norwich Sea Unicorns continued their torrid stretch since returning from the All-Star break, notching their fourth straight victory Saturday night in New Britain. Norwich’s offense erupted for 12 runs in a convincing 12-1 win over the Bees. With the win, Norwich is back to .500 at 24-24—marking the first time since June 12 that the Sea Unicorns have reached the .500 mark.

Norwich opened the scoring in the 3rd, striking for three runs against New Britain starter Jack Sheldon. Chase Taylor jumpstarted the Norwich offense with a base hit up the middle and quickly swiped second to move into scoring position. Connor Scanlan followed with a walk to put two on for the Sea Unicorns. Charlie Walsh opened the scoring, driving a single into center to plate Taylor and move Scanlan from first to third. A sacrifice fly to center by Cal Chance extended the lead to 2-0, and Gavin O’Brien capped the rally with a base hit to center to score Scanlan and give Norwich a three-run advantage.

The floodgates opened in the 4th as Norwich exploded for six runs to blow the game open at 9-0. The Sea Unicorns immediately loaded the bases thanks to a pair of walks and a single from Anthony Tirado. UConn transfer Chase Taylor delivered again with a two-run single to right, ending the night for Sheldon as the Bees turned to their bullpen. The pitching change didn’t slow the momentum as Connor Willett walked the first batter he faced to reload the bases. Walsh added another sac fly, this time to left, and Chance kept the rally going with his second double of the summer to score Gabriel Rivera. Another sac fly—this one from O’Brien—brought home Scanlan, and Antonio Ducatelli capped the monster inning with an infield RBI single to score Chance.

New Britain plated its only run in the bottom half of the 4th against Norwich starter Matt Tabet. Cam Righi singled to right, stole second, and moved to third on a passed ball before scoring on an infield single from Jack Kane.

Norwich tacked on one run in each of the next three innings to stretch its lead to 12-1. In the 5th, CJ Nolan scored on a Chase Taylor sac fly after being hit by a pitch. Taylor finished the night with three RBIs.

A pair of doubles in the 6th gave Norwich a double-digit lead. Ducatelli rocketed a one-out double to the right-center gap, and Tirado drove him in slicing a double down the left field line.

The Sea Unicorns capped their offensive onslaught in the 7th. Spencer Chard was hit by a pitch with two outs, and Chance brought him home with a single to left. A throwing error by the left fielder allowed Chard to score.

The Norwich bullpen was lights out over the final three innings, holding the Bees hitless. Daniel Cantafi tossed two scoreless frames, earning his first win of the summer with one walk and two strikeouts. Jack Novak closed it out with a scoreless 7th.

Win – Daniel Cantafi (1-1)
Loss – Jack Sheldon (0-3)
Time – 2:14

The Sea Unicorns return to action this afternoon for a doubleheader against the Westfield Starfires. Matt Wootton (4-1) gets the ball in Game 1, with first pitch set for 1 p.m., followed by Brendan Grady (1-2) in Game 2, scheduled for approximately 4 p.m.

UPCOMING PROMOTION

vs Westfield Starfires @ 1:00pm (Gates open at 12:00pm)

Sunday Funday with postgame Kids Run the Bases and Have a Catch in the Outfield

Children 12 & under are invited on the field following the game to Run the Bases one time and Have a Catch in the Outfield with their families for 15 minutes.

Baseballs for Have a Catch are presented by: CT DOT

Sunday’s are also our First Mate’s Club Day

The First Mate’s Club is open to children 12 & under. As a member, you will receive a ticket to every Sunday home game, receive a t-shirt and a credential to show off your membership in style, receive discounts at concessions and merchandise stands on Sunday’s.

Presented by: K & H Equipment of Plainfield

Written by Adam Plager

Sea Unicorns Make it 3 in a Row After All-Star Break

Norwich, CT – The Norwich Sea Unicorns continued their winning ways on Friday night, picking up a crucial 4-2 victory over the Nashua Silver Knights.

Scoreless through the first four innings, Norwich broke through in the 5th against Nashua starter Scott Longo. Clay Hartje led off smashing a triple to the wall in left, but Longo bounced back with two quick outs to keep Hartje at third. With the inning hanging in the balance, Kenny Noe delivered a two-out double to left on a ball lost in the lights, allowing Hartje to score. After the misplayed fly, Nashua went to the bullpen for Sam Franco, but the move was unsuccessful as Charlie Walsh promptly punched an opposite-field single into left to extend the Norwich lead to 2.

Nashua battled back with a run in the 6th to cut the Norwich lead in half. James Benestad began the rally launching a leadoff double down the left field line. A passed ball allowed Benestad to take third and he later scored on a sacrifice fly to right.

Norwich responded immediately with a pair of runs in the 6th to stretch their lead to 3. Chace Chaplin worked a leadoff walk and quickly moved into scoring position swiping second. A wild pitch allowed Chaplin to take 3rd and he later scored on the second hit of the night from Hartje, pounding a base hit into right. The offense continued to surge as Connor Scanlan reached on an infield single, setting the table for Anthony Tirado, who delivered an opposite-field, run-scoring single to left to bring home Hartje and add insurance.

The Silver Knights battled back with a run in the 9th to make it a 2-run game on back-to-back hits against reliever Charles Ennis. Chase Roberts ignited the Nashua offense clobbering a leadoff triple and came around to score on a Brenden Walsh single to left. The defense picked up Ennis after a rocky start to the 9th as Sweeney made a sliding catch in left field to retire Patrick Shrake and turned a game-ending 4-6-3 double play to secure the victory.

Win – Cam Thomas (4-2)

Loss – Scott Longo (0-2)

Save – Charles Ennis (S, 1)

Time – 2:42

Norwich hits the road for a critical road meeting tonight in New Britain against the Bees. Matt Tabet (0-0) will make his 2nd start of the summer for Norwich opposite Brendan Murphy (0-5). First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. from New Britain Stadium.

Sea Unicorns Return from All-Star Break in Winning Form Against Worcester

Worcester, MA – The Norwich Sea Unicorns picked up two crucial road victories Thursday afternoon, sweeping a doubleheader against the Worcester Bravehearts. With the wins, Norwich improves to 22-24 and leapfrogs Nashua for third place in the Futures League standings.

Game 1

Norwich staged a dramatic seventh-inning comeback to take the first game of the twin bill.

Worcester jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the 1^st inning, capitalizing on four walks from Norwich starter Cooper Maher. All the damage came with two outs, including an RBI single from Jamison Howland. Sea Unicorns catcher Clay Hartje limited the damage by catching Cole Hambly stealing third.

The Bravehearts threatened again in the 3rd but failed to convert on their second bases loaded threat of the afternoon. Once again, control issues from Maher set the stage for the Worcester offense after the right hander issued a pair of free passes and allowed a single to Cole Hambly. With the bases loaded and one out, Norwich turned to Tiernan Doyle out of the bullpen to escape the jam. The move paid off as Doyle induced a couple fly balls to escape the rally unscathed.

Norwich sliced the Worcester lead in half with a run in the 4^th. Jack Sweeney led off with an infield single and advanced into scoring position with a steal of second. Gavin O’Brien later brought home Sweeney on an RBI groundout to 3^rd.

In the 7^th, the Sea Unicorns broke through against All-Star reliever Caleb Allen. Charlie Walsh and Gavin O’Brien opened the inning with singles, and a walk to Hartje loaded the bases. Gabriel Rivera tied the game with a one-out walk, and Jack Byrne gave Norwich the lead with a fielder’s choice groundout to plate O’Brien.

Eric Mathewson shut the door in the bottom half, earning his second save of the summer with a scoreless inning. Mathewson has now allowed just one earned run over his last 12 innings.

Justin Gouin picked up the win with two scoreless frames of relief. The University of Hartford right-hander has strung together four consecutive scoreless innings and lowered his ERA to 4.90.

Win – Justin Gouin (1-1)
Loss – Caleb Allen (2-1)
Save: Eric Mathewson (S, 2)
Time-  2:16

Game 2

Norwich completed the sweep with a dominant 5-0 shutout win in Game 2, which resumed in the bottom of the fourth after being suspended on July 9.

The Sea Unicorns wasted no time building a lead, scoring in the first on Charlie Walsh’s RBI single that drove in Alec Warden. They doubled the advantage in the third as Caden Fahy scored on a bases-loaded walk to CJ Nolan, aided by four balks in the inning from Worcester pitching.

After the game resumed Wednesday, Norwich added two more runs in the fifth. After loading the bases with one out, Nolan drove in another run with a single to center, and Ryan Thompson added a sac fly to make it 4-0.

In the sixth, Walsh recorded his second RBI of the game with a single to left, scoring Kenny Noe.

Frank Spirito continued his dominance on the mound, delivering 8 shutout innings over the two days, to earn his first win of the summer. The UCONN product held Worcester to just 4 hits while striking out 9. As a starter Spirito has allowed 1 earned run over 28.2 IP and owns a season ERA of 1.37.

Sean Connolly finished off the Bravehearts with a scoreless 9^th to complete the shutout.

Win – Frank Spirito (1-0)

Loss – Evan Cornelius (0-1)

Norwich returns home tomorrow night for a critical contest against the Nashua Silver Knights as the Sea Unicorns look to maintain possession of 3^rd place. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

UPCOMING PROMOTION

vs Nashua Silver Knights @ 6:30pm (gates open at 5:30pm)

“Norwich Connect” Jersey Night

The Sea Unicorns will wear special “Rose of New England” jerseys to show their strong connection to the City they call home, featuring three blue sections to signify the Three Rivers of Norwich as well as being emblazoned in the front red section with The Rose of New England!

Presented by: Dime Bank

First Responder Night

Join the Sea Unicorns as we thank our First Responders! Special ticket pricing for First Responders is available by calling or visiting the Dodd Stadium Ticket Office.

Presented by: Hartford Healthcare

Postgame Fireworks

Stick around following the game for a spectacular fireworks show by American Fireworks!

Presented by: Liberty Bank

Written by Adam Plager

No Time to Waste: Sea Unicorns Set for 2.5-Week Sprint to Playoffs

Norwich, CT – With the All-Star Break now in the rearview mirror, the Norwich Sea Unicorns enter a crucial 2.5-week stretch in the thick of the Futures League playoff race. Just 18 games remain in the regular season—including two suspended contests that will be resumed due to earlier weather interruptions.

Norwich currently holds the fourth and final playoff spot with a 20-24 record, but the margin is razor-thin. The New Britain Bees sit just 1.5 games behind at 21-26, while the Sea Unicorns also trail the third-place Nashua Silver Knights by 1.5 games. At the top of the standings, it’s been a two-team race between the Worcester Bravehearts (34-12) and the Vermont Lake Monsters (30-16), with Vermont riding a six-game win streak into the final stretch.

Doubleheaders & Suspended Games

The Sea Unicorns face a loaded schedule right out of the break, with multiple doubleheaders and suspended games on tap:

• Thursday, July 24 @ Worcester: The day begins with a 10:30 a.m. Camp Day 7-inning game at Fitton Field. Then at 1:30 p.m., the two teams will resume their suspended July 9 game from the bottom of the fourth inning, with Norwich leading 2-0 thanks to a CJ Nolan two-run homer.
• Saturday, July 27 vs Westfield: Norwich will host a doubleheader at Dodd Stadium following a rainout on July 10. Both games will be 7 innings, with first pitch at 1:00 p.m., and Game 2 scheduled to begin approximately 30 minutes following the conclusion of game 1.
• July 29–31 @ Vermont: On Wednesday, July 30, Norwich and Vermont will resume their suspended July 13 game—a wild contest paused with Norwich leading 6-5 in the top of the 10th with two outs—before playing their originally scheduled 9-inning game.

Key Matchups Ahead

Norwich’s playoff fate could very well hinge on a handful of crucial matchups in the coming weeks:

• vs New Britain Bees (3 games remaining): The Sea Unicorns will travel to New Britain Stadium twice, including a pivotal game this Saturday, July 26. The two teams will also meet August 7–8 in a home-and-home series, beginning Thursday night at Dodd Stadium. That game will air live on NESN+ and marks the final regular season home game of the summer.
• vs Nashua Silver Knights (2 games at home): Both matchups against Nashua will be played at Dodd Stadium—Friday, July 25 and Friday, August 1—with first pitch at 6:30 p.m. Both nights will feature postgame fireworks presented by Liberty Bank and will include Norwich wearing their Rose of New England City Connect uniforms presented by Dime Bank.

Players Making an Impact

Several Sea Unicorns entered the break on a tear, helping to power Norwich through a tight playoff race:

• Bryce Detwiler (UConn commit) has been scorching hot, recording hits in four of his last five games while also finishing second in the Futures League Home Run Derby with 27 total home runs. Over that five-game stretch, Detwiler is hitting .444 with 7 RBI, 3 runs, and three multi-hit performances.
• Matt Wootton, an All-Star and the league’s innings leader (41 IP), ranks second in the Futures League with a 2.41 ERA and has tallied two complete-game wins. He also leads Norwich in wins (4) and strikeouts (35).
• Frank Spirito has been dominant as a starter, allowing just one earned run over his last 20.2 innings. During that span, he’s posted a 19:6 K:BB ratio while keeping opposing hitters off balance with command and poise.

UPCOMING PROMOTION

vs Nashua Silver Knights @ 6:30pm (gates open at 5:30pm)

“Norwich Connect” Jersey Night

The Sea Unicorns will wear special “Rose of New England” jerseys to show their strong connection to the City they call home, featuring three blue sections to signify the Three Rivers of Norwich as well as being emblazoned in the front red section with The Rose of New England!

Presented by: Dime Bank

First Responder Night

Join the Sea Unicorns as we thank our First Responders! Special ticket pricing for First Responders is available by calling or visiting the Dodd Stadium Ticket Office.

Presented by: Hartford Healthcare

Postgame Fireworks

Stick around following the game for a spectacular fireworks show by American Fireworks!

Presented by: Liberty Bank

Written by Adam Plager

Norwich Drops a “Heart’ Breaker in Extras

Norwich, CT – The Norwich Sea Unicorns were defeated 6-4 in 10 innings on Sunday afternoon, falling to the first place Worcester Bravehearts. With Sunday’s loss Norwich is responsible for a record of 20-24 heading into the All-Star Break.

Worcester opened the scoring in the first against Norwich starter Landon Manzi to grab an early 1-0 lead. Ryan LeClair began the threat poking a double to right field and later came around to score on a wild pitch after stealing 3^rd.

Norwich punched back in the 3^rd striking for 3 runs against Bravehearts starter Riley Weatherwax to take the lead. The Sea Unicorns continued their trend of producing with two outs, capitalizing on command issues from Weatherwax. The right-hander hit Chace Chaplin and walked Kenny Noe to set the stage for the Norwich offense. Bryce Detwiler delivered, launching a bases clearing double to left field. Jack Sweeney followed with an RBI single to score Detwiler but was thrown out at second trying to stretch it into a double.

The Bravehearts responded with a pair of runs in the 5^th to tie the game at 3. Worcester loaded the bases immediately on three consecutive infield singles. With the bases loaded and no outs Norwich turned to Nick West out of the bullpen. A fielder’s choice groundout cut the Norwich lead to 1. Jackson Marshall tied the game with a base hit into left field. West minimized further damage after inducing a 4-6-3 double play.

With the game deadlocked at 3, extra-innings was needed to decide a winner.  Worcester broke the stalemate in the 10th, plating three runs to take a 6–3 lead. Jordan Henriquez, the automatic runner at second, came around to score the go-ahead run when an errant throw from the Norwich catcher sailed into left field. Evan O’Rourke followed with a single to center, prompting Norwich to turn to Gio Conte out of the bullpen. The change didn’t pay off, as Ryan LeClair hit an inside-the-park home run after a collision between the Sea Unicorns’ left fielder and center fielder on a fly ball into the gap.

Norwich battled back with a run in the home half on a Bryce Detwiler 2 out RBI single into center field to score Rivera who began the frame as the automatic runner. The comeback effort was cut short as Worcester reliever Evan Scully retired the next batter he faced to seal the victory for Worcester in extras.

Win – Davis Kahn (3-0)

Loss – Sean Connolly (1-2)

Save – Evan Scully (S, 1)

Time – 2:59

UPCOMING

The Futures League All-Star Break begins tonight at Fitton Field with the Home Run Derby. Bryce Detwiler will represent Norwich in the Derby as the baseballs fly out of Fitton Field beginning at 6:30 p.m with fireworks scheduled to follow the Derby.

On Tuesday night, the league’s top talent takes center stage at Polar Park—home of the Worcester Red Sox—for the 2025 Futures League All-Star Game. Four Sea Unicorns have earned All-Star honors including Aidan Stern, Chace Chaplin, Luke Cardman, and Matt Wootton. First pitch is set for 7:30 p.m. and the game will be televised on NESN+. Norwich Manager Kyle Dembrowski will serve as the bench boss for Team Smiles.

The Sea Unicorns return to action Thursday morning for a doubleheader against the Bravehearts at Fitton Field. Game one, a Camp Day matchup, begins at 10:30 a.m. Game two will resume a suspended contest from July 9th, with Norwich leading 2–0 in the bottom of the 4^th. The 10:30 game will be a 7 inning game, while the conclusion of the suspended game will be finished through 9 innings.

Written by Adam Plager

Sea Unicorns Split Doubleheader in New Britain

New Britain, CT – The Norwich Sea Unicorns split their road doubleheader against the New Britain Bees on Saturday taking the opener 3-1 and were later shutout in the night cap 7-0. With the twin bill split Norwich remains a game ahead of New Britain for 4^th place, holding a record of 20-23.

Game 1
New Britain opened the scoring in the 1^st against Norwich starter Matt Wootton to take an early 1-0 lead. The Bees strung together three straight one-out singles to do the damage. Cam Righi jumpstarted the offense with a line drive single to left, followed by Colin Crowley who ripped a base hit into center to put runners on the corners. Brennan Staubley then plated Righi with an infield single to second. Wootton limited the damage, thanks to an inning-ending double play.

Norwich responded immediately in the 2^nd striking twice to take a 2-1 lead. Bryce Detwiler continued his strong summer, punching a single into right to start the inning. Jack Byrne added a one-out single to left, setting the table for CJ Nolan, who tied the game with a line drive back up the middle. Command issues from Bees starter Jack Sheldon aided the Sea Unicorns as Aidan Stern was hit by a pitch to load the bases with two outs, and Kenny Noe drew a walk to force in the go-ahead run.

The Sea Unicorns added an insurance marker in the 6^th, scratching across a run against reliever Anthony Mierez to make it 3-1. Chase Taylor drew a one-out walk and later stole second. Aidan Stern followed with a single to give Norwich runners at the corners. Stern promptly swiped second, and an errant throw from catcher Caleb Miller sailed into center field, allowing Taylor to score from third.

Matt Wootton was dominant once again, tossing a complete game in the victory. It marked the second time this summer he has gone the distance in a doubleheader and the third time he has worked 7 innings. The win was Wootton’s team-leading fourth of the season and moved him into a tie for second in the Futures League in victories.

Win – Matt Wootton (4-1)

Loss – Jack Sheldon (0-2)

Time – 1:53

Game 2

The Bees offense went to work immediately against Norwich starter Luke Cardman, erupting for seven runs over the first two innings. In the first, New Britain jumped out to a 3-0 lead by capitalizing on early command issues. Julius Rosado was hit by a pitch and quickly advanced to third, stealing second and taking an extra base on a wild throw that sailed into center field. A walk to Jake Risedorf put runners on the corners, and Cade Bernardo opened the scoring with a sacrifice fly to center. The Bees kept the pressure on with three straight hits from Caleb Miller, Brennan Staubley, and Carlos Irizarry to stretch the lead to 3.

The Bees offense continued to surge in the second, erupting for 4 more runs to build a commanding 7-0 lead. PJ Hughes led off the inning with a walk, and a double by Julius Rosado quickly put runners on second and third. Jake Risedorf cleared the bases with a two-run single to left. After stealing second, Risedorf came around to score on Cade Bernardo’s double off the wall in right, increasing the Bees lead to 6 and ended the night for Cardman. Norwich turned to Bryce Detwiler out of the bullpen with still no outs and a runner on second. Detwiler struggled early, surrendering three straight singles—including Brennan Staubley’s second hit of the night, which plated Caleb Miller. However, a strong throw from the Norwich right fielder cut down another runner at the plate, giving the Sea Unicorns their first out of the inning. Detwiler then settled in to record the final two outs without allowing further damage.

Bees starter James Tobin silenced the Norwich offense in Game 2, allowing just three hits over six shutout innings to earn his third win of the summer and lead New Britain to a doubleheader split. Alex Oppenheimer closed out the victory with a scoreless seventh to complete the shutout.

Despite the loss, Charles Ennis was a bright spot for Norwich. The right-hander entered in the third and delivered four scoreless innings of relief, limiting the Bees to just two hits while striking out three.

Win – James Tobin (3-0)

Loss – Luke Cardman (2-2)

Time – 1:43

Norwich is back in action this afternoon for a matinee meeting with the first place Worcester Bravehearts. Hector Alejandro (0-0) will make his second start of the summer for Norwich opposite Riley Weatherwax (0-1). First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.

UPCOMING PROMOTION

vs Worcester Bravehearts @ 1:00pm (Gates open at 12:00pm)

 

Sunday Funday with postgame Kids Run the Bases and Have a Catch in the Outfield

Children 12 & under are invited on the field following the game to Run the Bases one time and Have a Catch in the Outfield with their families for 15 minutes.

Baseballs for Have a Catch are presented by: CT DOT

Sunday’s are also our First Mate’s Club Day

The First Mate’s Club is open to children 12 & under. As a member, you will receive a ticket to every Sunday home game, receive a t-shirt and a credential to show off your membership in style, receive discounts at concessions and merchandise stands on Sunday’s.

Presented by: K & H Equipment of Plainfield

Written by Adam Plager

Norwich Wins Big on Record Setting Night

Norwich, CT – The Norwich Sea Unicorns offense came roaring to life on Friday night in front of a franchise-record crowd of 5,267, matching a season high with 14 runs in a 14-5 win over the first-place Worcester Bravehearts.

Worcester opened the scoring in the 1^st against Sea Unicorns starter Matt Tabet to grab an early 1-0 lead. Kaleb Woodward kickstarted the Worcester offense with a leadoff single into right field. A stolen base advanced Woodward into scoring position and later scored on a one out single from Jackson Marshall. Norwich escaped the frame without any further damage after turning an impressive 5-4-3 double play.

The score remained the same until the 3^rd inning when the Norwich offense erupted for 4 runs against Bravehearts starter Jason Potvin. All the damage came with two outs, as the Sea Unicorns strung together four consecutive hits. Kenny Noe ignited the rally with a game-tying RBI double to the right-center gap, scoring Aidan Stern, who had been hit by a pitch earlier in the frame. Charlie Walsh followed with a go-ahead single to left, bringing Noe around to score. Jack Sweeney kept the line moving with a base hit up the middle, putting runners at the corners. A successful double steal then plated Walsh from third and moved Sweeney into scoring position. Cal Chance capped the two-out rally, smoking a double to left field to score Sweeney.

The offense continued to rumble in the 4th as Norwich broke the game open, striking for five runs against Worcester reliever Stephen Rickert to build a commanding 9-1 lead. An error by the Bravehearts shortstop allowed Connor Scanlan to reach to start the inning, and Anthony Tirado followed with a walk to put runners at first and second with no outs. Later in the frame, some heads-up baserunning from Scanlan brought home the fifth run of the night for Norwich. Aidan Stern hit a slow dribbler to first and was narrowly thrown out, but the pitcher, who was covering the bag, fired home when he saw Scanlan break for the plate. The throw was wild, allowing the run to score and Tirado to advance to third. Gavin O’Brien plated Tirado with a base hit to left, and Jack Sweeney delivered the big blow with a 2 out, two-run triple into the left field corner to make it 8-1. Similar to the 3^rd inning, Cal Chance capped the rally—this time ripping a single up the middle to score Sweeney and extend the Norwich lead to 9-1.

Norwich continued the offensive parade in the 5^th with their second 4-run inning of the night to grow their lead to 13-1.

Eric Mathewson shined out of the Norwich bullpen tossing 5 shutout innings. The Eastern Connecticut State product held the Worcester offense to 2 hits while striking out 4, earning himself Futures League Pitcher of the Night honors.

The Sea Unicorns added their final run in the 8th inning, as Jack Sweeney and Cal Chance each wrapped up three-hit performances to close out a dominant night at the plate.

Worcester showed some late life in the 9th, scoring four runs on three hits and two walks against Norwich reliever Tiernan Doyle, who was making his Futures League debut. Despite the rally, the Sea Unicorns comfortably closed out the 14–5 win.

Win – Eric Matheson (1-0)

Loss – Jason Potvin (3-2)

Time – 2:55

Norwich is back in action this evening for a critical doubleheader against the New Britain Bees on the road. Matt Wootton (3-1) will take the mound for the Sea Unicorns opposite Jack Sheldon (0-1). First pitch is scheduled for 4:35 p.m. from New Britain Stadium.

Written by Adam Plager

Bees Sting Norwich with Big 4^th Inning

Norwich, CT – The Norwich Sea Unicorns were defeated 9-4 on Thursday night by their in-state foe New Britain Bees at Dodd Stadium. Last night’s loss is the second in a row, dropping both contests to the Bees, and have fallen 4 games under of .500 holding a record of 18-22.

New Britain opened the scoring in the 1^st against Norwich starter Brendan Grady to take an early 1-0 lead. Caleb Miller kickstarted the Bees offense, cranking a leadoff double to the wall in right center field. A wild pitch advanced Miller to 3^rd and later scored on a grounder to second.

The score remained the same until the 4^th when New Britain broke the game wide open with a 7-run explosion, sending 12 batters to the plate. Back-to-back walks from Norwich starter Grady sparked the rally, and Julius Rosado opened the scoring in the inning wiring a single to left. An error by the Norwich shortstop shortly after loaded the bases and ended Grady’s night.

With the bases full and no outs, Norwich turned to Gio Conte out of the bullpen. Unfortunately, the move was unsuccessful as the Bees offense continued to surge. Conte plunked the first batter he faced to force home a run, and a slow roller to third led to another defensive miscue as Norwich’s throw to the plate was late, extending the lead and keeping the bases loaded.

Conte settled in to retire the next two batters, but Jake Risedorf delivered the big blow, ripping a bases clearing triple to right, stretching the Bees lead to 7. Jack Kane capped the monster inning for New Britain with a bloop single behind first scoring Risedorf from third.

New Britain spotted their final run of the night in the 6^th to grow their advantage to 9. Brennan Staubley opened the frame with a base hit up the middle and later advanced to second on a wild pitch. Julius Rosado brought home Staubley with a base hit to center.

Norwich responded with a run in the bottom of the inning on a CJ Nolan 2 out single to left to plate Anthony Tirado, who walked to start the frame.

The Sea Unicorns rallied in the eighth with two outs, striking for three runs against Bees reliever Connor Willett. Jack Byrne reached on an infield single to extend the inning, and Spencer Chard followed with a walk to put two aboard. Aidan Stern sparked the rally, cracking a single into right to score Byrne. Norwich then executed a double steal, allowing Chard to score as Stern swiped second. Chace Chaplin kept the line moving with a single up the middle to drive in Stern, and Charlie Walsh followed with the third straight single of the inning and Anthony Tirado worked a walk to load the bases for Norwich.

With Norwich threatening, New Britain turned to All-Star reliever Zach Zajac to stop the surge. The move paid off, as Zajac needed just one pitch to escape the jam and returned for a scoreless 9th to secure the victory for the Bees.

Win – Matthew McDowell (1-0)

Loss – Brendan Grady (1-2)

Save – Zach Zajac (S, 4)

Time – 3:06

Norwich is back in action tonight to wrap up their three-game homestand with a matchup against the top-seeded Worcester Bravehearts. Matt Tabet is set to make his Sea Unicorns debut, opposite Worcester’s Jason Potvin, who enters the night with a 3-1 record. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Dodd Stadium.

UPCOMING PROMOTION

“Norwich Connect” Jersey Night

The Sea Unicorns will wear special “Rose of New England” jerseys to show their strong connection to the City they call home, featuring three blue sections to signify the Three Rivers of Norwich as well as being emblazoned in the front red section with The Rose of New England!

Presented by: Dime Bank

K Cancer Night

Join the Sea Unicorns in the fight against cancer! On this night, the Sea Unicorns will be selling K Cancer cards for $1 each and all money raised form the sale of these cards will be donated to The ECHO Cancer Foundation to help support the battle against cancer.

Unity in the Community Night

Join the Sea Unicorns as we show our appreciation to many outstanding organizations in the Greater Norwich Community!

Presented by: ProHealth Physicians

Postgame Fireworks

Stick around following the game for a spectacular fireworks show by American Fireworks!

Presented by: Liberty Bank

Written by Adam Plager