Norwich downed by starfires

Sea Unicorns Feel the Wrath in Westfield

Westfield, MA – The defending champions never had a chance in Westfield, as the Norwich Sea Unicorns fell 17-0 to the Westfield Starfires in a walloping defeat at Bullens Field.

The action came fast to the guys from Norwich, as starting pitcher Sam Hutchinson gave up a leadoff single to Cole Silvia before allowing Nick Fox to reach on a HBP. A double to Jamison Howland would score the first run of the game, before walking Nic Frink to load the bases, all before getting the first out of the inning on a fielder’s choice groundout. The Starfires would continue to hit around the order in the first, totaling seven runs. Hutchinson was unable to escape the first, finishing with 0.2 IP with 5 Hits and 7 Earned Runs.

The second inning was more of the same for Norwich. After pitcher Charles Ennis threw a scary pitch that hit Howland in the helmet, the next two batters would get on base to load the bases with no outs. A groundout would score another run before Logan Charbaneau laced an RBI double to extend the lead to 9-0. Jack O’Neil, JJ Fox, and Silvia would all drive in runs before the end of the inning to give the Starfires a 12-0 lead at the end of two.

In the fourth, John Devine allowed a 2 RBI single from Nick Fox to extend the Starfires lead to 14-0. Norwich would put Peter Glidden in to pitch the fifth, having the most successful night of any pitcher on the Sea Unicorns as he left the game unscathed.

In the sixth, the Sea Unicorns put in Rhode Island sophomore Adam Carpenter to pitch, and the runs continued to pour on from the Westfield bats. A double and two HBP would load the bases before a Nick Fox 2 RBI single to extend the lead to 16-0. A wild pitch later in the inning would tack on another run, giving Westfield a whopping 17-0 lead.

The offensive struggles plagued the Sea Unicorns all night, as although the offense was able to reach base on eight walks between six different batters, they never advanced a runner home. Their best opportunity came in the top of the sixth, with Starfires pitcher Nate Priog throwing seven straight balls in a row and walking his first three batters to load the bases for Norwich. However, with two outs already in the inning, Paul Calandrelli popped out to left field to leave the runners stranded.

Despite a hit by pitch and single to start the seventh, the Sea Unicorns couldn’t come up with any late-inning magic, as Casey Williams closed the door for a Westfield victory.

The Sea Unicorns fall to 0-2 on the season as they continue their quest to a fourth straight Futures League postseason title tomorrow night at Dodd Stadium for their home opener with a rematch against the Starfires, with the first pitch scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET.

Win – Zach Worzel (1-0)

Loss – Sam Hutchinson (0-1)

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS

Saturday, May 30 vs Westfield Starfires @ 6:30pm (gates open at 5:30pm)

• Home Opener / Magnet Schedule Giveaway

The Norwich Sea Unicorns are celebrating being back home in 2026 by welcoming the first 1,000 fans with a Magnet Schedule, so you can keep track of Sea Unicorns baseball all summer long!

Presented by: The CT DOT Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over program

• Postgame Fireworks

Stay around following the conclusion of the game for a fireworks spectacle!

Presented by: Liberty Bank

Sunday, May 31 vs Worcester Bravehearts @ 1:00pm (gates open at 12:00pm)

• Sunday Funday

It’s the first Sunday Funday of the season! After game action concludes, all kids 12 & under can head to the field to run the bases and have a catch in the outfield!

Presented by: New London Public Schools Magnet Pathways