Sea Unicorns Split Independence Day Doubleheader with Bravehearts
Worcester, MA – The Norwich Sea Unicorns picked up a crucial victory in the nightcap of the doubleheader against the Bravehearts after dropping a nail biter in the opener at Fitton Field. Last night’s split keeps Norwich 4 games under .500 owning a record of 14-18.
Game 1
Norwich opened the scoring in the second inning on CJ Nolan’s second home run of the summer, a two-run shot that brought home Cal Chance, who had drawn a two-out walk. Both of Nolan’s long balls have come at Fitton Field and each to a nearly identical spot in left-center.
The Bravehearts responded with a pair in the 3rd to stabilize the scoring at 2 apiece. Alex Kuenzle reached via a one out walk and Chris Mondesir wasted no time driving him home with a ringing RBI double to the left center field alley. A wild pitch from Norwich starter Brendan Grady advanced Mondesir to 3rd. Grady regrouped after the wild pitch, striking out Evan O’Rourke to keep the runner at 3rd. However, a 2 out throwing error by the Norwich third baseman allowed Mondesir to score and tie the game.
The game remained deadlocked at 2 until the home 5th when more defensive miscues plagued Norwich. Once again, Alex Kuenzle began the threat drawing a leadoff walk and quickly moved into scoring position with a steal of second. O’Rourke gave the Bravehearts the lead, wiring a one out single into center field scoring Kuenzle. The base stealing continued as O’Rourke swiped second and later scored on a throwing error from the Norwich shortstop. Norwich reliever Gio Conte battled his way out of the frame without further damage after the Sea Unicorns turned a 6-3 double play.
Worcester starter Jake LeFrancois kept Norwich off the board after surrendering the 2-run homer in the 2nd. LeFrancois turned in 6 strong innings for the Bravehearts while racking up 7 strikeouts in the winning effort.
Norwich threatened in the 7th against reliever Caleb Allen, loading the bases with 2 outs, but were unable to convert on the opportunity.
Win – Jake LeFrancois (4-0)
Loss – Gio Conte (1-2)
Save – Caleb Allen (S,1)
Time – 1:48
Game 2
Similar to the opener of the doubleheader, Norwich once again struck first with a home run. This time, Charlie Walsh launched a solo shot in the first inning to give the Sea Unicorns the early lead.
Anthony Tirado added some insurance for the Sea Unicorns in the fourth after drawing a one-out walk. With two outs in the frame, the UMASS Amherst product got to work on the basepaths—stealing second and then third on the very next pitch. A throwing error by the Worcester catcher on the attempt to nab Tirado at third sailed into left field, allowing him to score and extend Norwich’s lead to 2-0.
The visitors broke the game open in the 5th striking for 4 runs against Bravehearts starter Randy Guzman. Norwich did all their damage before Worcester pitching recorded an out. Ryan Thompson began the inning punching a single into right field. Gavin O’Brien continued his torrid stretch at the plate, crushing a double to the wall in left center field to bring home Thompson. Aidan Stern kept the line moving after being plunked by the first pitch he saw to set up an opportunity for Bryce Detwiler. The UCONN commit took full advantage, launching an opposite field 3-run homerun over the right field wall, furthering the Sea Unicorns lead to 6.
Luke Cardman continued his dominance on the mound, dealing 5 shutout innings against the top offense in the Futures League. Cardman silenced the Worcester bats to just 1 hit while striking out 7.
Worcester came alive in the 7th, once again capitalizing on a Sea Unicorns defensive miscue. Norwich reliever Charles Ennis struggled with command early, walking the first batter he faced, and hit the next to put two aboard with no outs. Evan Cali then hit a slow dribbler in front of the plate, and a throwing error by the Norwich catcher allowed Kaleb Woodward to score. With runners now at second and third, Jackson Marshall lifted a sacrifice fly to right, bringing home Wyatt Hoffman and allowed Cali to tag and advance to third. Moments later, a grounder to second scored Cali, slicing the Norwich lead in half. Ennis settled in and retired the next batter to escape the inning without further damage.
Justin Gouin locked down the victory for the Sea Unicorns, tossing a scoreless 7th inning. The save for Gouin is his first of the summer, helping Norwich notch their 14th win of the summer.
Win – Luke Cardman (1-1)
Loss – Randy Guzman (3-1)
Save – Justin Gouin (S,1)
Time – 2:05
Norwich is back at home tonight for a meeting with the Westfield Starfires. Matt Wootton (2-1) will toe the rubber for Norwich opposite Brendan Murphy (0-3). First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
UPCOMING PROMOTION
Postgame Movie Night
Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of an all time classic and “Crush it like Quint”. Jaws will be featured on a large projector screen set up on the field following the game.
Presented by: Narragansett Beer Company