Struggles Continue in 4th Straight Loss

Burlington, VT – The Norwich Sea Unicorns had no answers Thursday night, falling 12-0 to the Lake Monsters for their fourth straight loss. With the defeat, Norwich has now dipped 2 games under .500 holding a record of 26-28.

Vermont jumped on Norwich starter Frank Spirito early, scoring two runs in each of the first two innings, taking a quick 4-0 lead. In the 1st, Tyler Harmony sparked the offense with a single up the middle, swiped second, and came around to score on Hunter Kingsbury’s one-out RBI single. Nick Frontino then drew a walk, and Leandro Guevara added to the damage with an RBI single to left.

Command issues hampered Spirito in the 2nd, issuing back-to-back one out walks and hit a batter to load the bases for the Lake Monsters. Kingsbury once again delivered, dropping a two-run single into right to give Vermont a four-run cushion. He added his fourth RBI of the night in the fourth inning, hammering a two-out triple to score Xander Meissner, who singled to start the inning.

The hosts broke the game open in the 5th, erupting for seven runs, sending 12 batters to the plate. Vermont capitalized on wildness from Sea Unicorns reliever Bryson Plante, who walked three straight after striking out the first batter he faced and uncorked 5 wild pitches.

Guevara made it 6-0, coming around to score on three consecutive wild pitches after reaching via a walk. Later in the inning, a throwing error by the Norwich third baseman with runners at the corners allowed two more runs to score, extending the lead to 8-0.

Norwich turned to Tiarnan Doyle out of the bullpen, but the Lake Monsters kept rolling, stringing together three straight two-out hits to drive in four additional runs and push the lead to 12.

Lake Monsters starter Jack Kelleher was dominant, tossing a complete game shutout as the contest ended after seven innings via the run rule. Kelleher allowed just four hits and five total baserunners in route to his fifth win of the summer. His stellar outing earned him Futures League Pitcher of the Night honors.

Win – Jack Kelleher (5-0)

Loss – Frank Spirito (1-1)

Time – 2:17

Norwich will look to snap their 4-game skid tonight when the Sea Unicorns return home for a crucial matchup against the Nashua Silver Knights. Matt Tabet will make his third start of the summer for Norwich opposite Scott Longo (0-2). First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. from Dodd Stadium.

UPCOMING PROMOTION

vs Nashua Silver Knights @ 6:30pm (Gates open at 5:30pm)

“Norwich Connect” Jersey Night

The Sea Unicorns will wear special “Rose of New England” jerseys to show their strong connection to the City they call home, featuring three blue sections to signify the Three Rivers of Norwich as well as being emblazoned in the red front section with The Rose of New England!

Fan Appreciation Night

The Sea Unicorns want to thank all their fans for the love and support throughout the season with one final Friday Night Bash!

 

Postgame Fireworks

Stick around following the game for a spectacular fireworks show by American Fireworks!

Presented by: Liberty Bank

Written by Adam Plager