Sea Unicorns Wrap Up Regular Season on Winning Note

Westfield, MA – The Norwich Sea Unicorns closed out the regular season in dramatic fashion Saturday night, rallying late to edge the Westfield Starfires 8–7. The comeback — just their second of the summer after trailing in the 6th inning or later — secured Norwich’s 28th win of the season.

Norwich jumped out to a 2–0 lead in the 1st against Westfield starter Brendan Murphy. CJ Nolan reached on an infield single, Bryce Detwiler walked, and Aidan Baglino delivered a single to right that skipped past the Starfires’ right fielder allowing Nolan to score and a throwing error into the infield allowed Detwiler to score.

Westfield quickly cut the lead in half in the bottom of the inning, stringing together three consecutive two-out singles against Norwich starter Daniel Cantafi. The hosts then erupted for four runs in the 2nd to grab a 5–2 lead. A single, stolen base, and error put Cole Silvia on third before walks to Otis Follet and Ben Williams loaded the bases. Jimmy Chadwell tied the game with an infield single, Josh Frometa singled in the go-ahead run, and a pair of miscues — including a dropped ball at first — helped plate two more. Anthony Ruggiero’s sac fly capped the inning.

Norwich chipped away with a run in the 3rd when Detwiler singled, stole second, and scored on Baglino’s second hit of the night. The Sea Unicorns pulled even in the 5th, starting with Nolan’s infield single and Detwiler’s walk that ended Murphy’s night. Against reliever Thomas Pirog, Norwich executed a double steal, and an errant throw from the catcher allowed Nolan to score. Baglino’s third hit of the ballgame and second RBI tied the game at 5.

Westfield answered with two runs in the bottom half against Antonio Ducatelli, who was making his first pitching appearance of the summer. After loading the bases on two walks and an infield single, the Starfires regained the lead on a bases-loaded walk and a fielder’s choice groundout.

The seesaw continued in the 7th. Nolan led off with a triple, Detwiler was hit by a pitch, and a walk loaded the bases. A fielder’s choice from Spencer Chard scored Nolan, and an errant throw on a double play attempt brought home Detwiler to tie it again at 7–7.

Norwich went ahead for good in the 8th against Caleb Martinek. Sean Connolly drew a leadoff walk, moved to second on a wild pitch, and scored when Eric Mathewson bounced a single through the right side.

Joey Erace earned the win, striking out the side in the 7th inning in his season debut, and Detwiler closed the door with a six-out save.

Win – Joey Erace (1-0)

Loss – Caleb Martinek (0-1)

Save – Bryce Detwiler (S, 1)

Time – 3:09

UPCOMING

Norwich will begin their quest for a three-peat this evening on the road against the Worcester Bravehearts. Matt Wootton (5-1) will look to lead Norwich to a crucial game 1 victory opposite Evan Scully (0-0) of the Bravehearts. First pitch is set for 5 p.m. from Fitton Field. Norwich this summer is 5-7 against the Bravehearts and 4-2 in Worcester.

Written by Adam Plager