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