Sea Unicorns Winning Streak Snapped at 5 games
The Norwich Sea Unicorns dropped their Wednesday matinee meeting with the New Britain Bees, falling 11-2. Norwich’s defeat moves the Sea Unicorns into a tie with the Bees atop the Futures League standings, each holding a record of 25-16.
There was no scoring until the 3rd inning when the visitors erupted for 5 runs against Norwich starter Timothy Lewis. The University of New Haven product escaped trouble in the first 2 innings unscathed before New Britain took control in the 3rd. In the inning, New Britain smashed 3 of their 4 hits for doubles, drew a pair of walks, and capitalized on an error committed by the Norwich defense.
New Britain continued to roll offensively, striking for a pair more in the 4th to extend their lead to 7. After allowing the first 2 batters to reach base safely, Norwich elected to make a pitching change for Liam Carroll with a pair of runners in scoring position. A wild pitch from Carroll produced the 6th run of the afternoon for New Britain. Later in the frame, a throwing error by the Sea Unicorns catcher that spilled into center field allowed the 2nd run of the inning to cross.
Despite some early command trouble, Carroll quickly settled down for Norwich, tossing 5 scoreless innings. The south paw was dominant in relief punching out 6 while allowing just 3 scattered hits. Carroll has now lowered his season ERA to 1.90 across 23.2 innings worked this summer.
All the offense for Norwich came in the 7th and 8th, adding a run in each frame to cut the New Britain lead to 5. Unfortunately, that would be all the offense Norwich would receive in the ballgame. Jack Sweeney broke up the shutout the Bees were holding in the 7th with a one out double to the wall in left field. The Rutgers product later came around to score via a passed ball after advancing to 3rd on a ground ball to second base. Norwich plated a run in the 8th thanks to a pair of base hits and a sacrifice fly by Anthony Tirado to right field. Unfortunately, what looked to be a promising inning for Norwich ended abruptly after Nick Sturino got caught in a run down between second and third following Chris Carson’s pinch hit single to right.
The Bees responded in the 9th with 4 runs to put the game out of reach. Norwich elected to use position players Trey Porter and Anthony Tirado to close out the afternoon due to a pitching shortage following Tuesday’s doubleheader sweep against Westfield.
Norwich will look to get back on track tonight in a meeting against the Road Warriors. It is Thirsty Thursday at Dodd Stadium with specials on Narragansett presented by The Famous Narragansett Beer Company. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. EST.