lack of offense costs sea unicorns in loss to new britain
New Britain, CT – The Sea Unicorns went down early and never made a sound, losing 2-0 in the battle of the Nutmeg State to the New Britain Bees.
The Bees would make some action right away in the first. A Ben Kuja leadoff walk would end up paying off for New Britain. Kuja advanced to second on a wild pitch before stealing third. With runners on the corners and one out, Kuja would steal home on a Rafael Rodriguez Rosa walk to put New Britain on the board 1-0.
Norwich would get their first hit of the game in the second on a Matt Park single, although he’d be caught out trying to stretch it into a double. TJ Baer would follow up the out with a double of his own; but got left stranded on base after two quick outs.
After a quiet third, the Sea Unicorns put some baserunners on in the fourth after back-to-back singles to start the frame. However, a fielder’s choice and double play would quickly bring an end to the inning.
The Sea Unicorns would once again get runners on in the fifth. After two outs, back-to-back walks by Reece McCarthy and David Pengel would get some momentum flowing before John Bureau struck out to end the inning.
New Britain would get close to scoring again in the sixth. After two outs were made, Tim Hennig roped a double into right before advancing to third on a wild pitch. Hennig would be left 90-feet away after a Garrett McGovern out.
As most of the game had come and went, Norwich once again had runners on base in the seventh. Baer and Henry Ayers were on with nobody out before a Carter Grande strikeout and double play would end the frame.
The Bees would finally break the drought for both squads in their half of the seventh. Nico Amecangelo would reach base safely on a walk before advancing to second on a failed pickoff attempt and going to third on an error. Grady Schopps would follow that with an RBI single to right, putting the Bees up 2-0.
After going down 1-2-3 in the eighth, the Sea Unicorns needed to put their rally caps on entering the ninth. Immediately, the guys made some noise. Kenny Noe would smack a leadoff single to center before advancing to second on a wild pitch, followed by a walk from Park to put two on and nobody out. With the go-ahead run at the plate, a strikeout and double play would end the game and secure a rivalry victory for the Bees.
In the end, it turned out to be a fast one in New Britain, with the game just barely going over two hours. Pitching would ultimately be the deciding factor, as both teams were electric on the mound all day long.
The Bees staff was dominant, putting on an excellent performance for the home crowd. Garret Garbinski looked like a big league ace, throwing 7 scoreless innings with 7 strikeouts. Ridgefield native Miles Cherico would pitch a scoreless eighth inning without allowing a hit before Matthew Shea came in the ninth to close the door.
For the Sea Unicorns, Jacob Schrage pitched well despite the loss. The Stonington product pitched 5 innings, allowing only 1 run on 2 hits with 4 strikeouts. Tyler Fahey would come out of the bullpen and pitch the remainder of the game. The Trinity righty would be good on the mound as well, pitching 3 innings and allowing an unearned run on 3 hits with 2 strikeouts.
Sadly, the lack of offense would cause those few runs to make the difference. Norwich only notched 6 hits and 3 walks all day long, putting some runners on base and making opportunities available for runs. At the end of the day, it wouldn’t matter, as none would come around the diamond to score.
The Sea Unicorns are now 12-16 on the campaign. Norwich will return home Wednesday night to take on the last place Lowell Spinners. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET.
Win – Garret Garbinski (3-0)
Loss – Jacob Schrage (1-2)
Save – Matthew Shea (1)
Time – 2:12
written by Mark Benway
UPCOMING PROMOTIONS
Wednesday, July 1st vs Lowell Spinners @ 6:30pm (gates open at 5:30)
Midweek Ballpark Bundle
Wednesday nights will become your favorite night of the week with our brand new bundle for the summer! The bundle allows fans to purchase a premium seat and 2 hot dogs for just $15. Can’t beat that deal!
Friday, July 3rd vs Worcester Bravehearts @ 6:30pm (gates open at 5:30)
Military Appreciation Night
There’s no better way to show your appreciation to the ones who keep our nation safe than taking them to see Sea Unicorn baseball! All active and retired military personnel are able to purchase an $8 ticket that comes with a food voucher to pick up a hot dog, bag of chips and bottle of water.
Presented by SEACORP
Postgame Fireworks
Stick around after the game for an outstanding firework display!
Presented by Liberty Bank
