6th Inning Rally Propels Norwich to Comeback Win Over Westfield

Norwich, CT – The Norwich Sea Unicorns snapped their 3-game skid on Thursday night, posting a 5-2 victory over the Westfield Starfires. Norwich’s comeback triumph improves the Sea Unicorns to 8-9 through their first 17 contests.

Westfield opened the scoring in the 2nd to take an early 1-0 lead. A one-out error by the Norwich defense helped set the stage, as Josh Frometa reached on the miscue and quickly stole second. Ben Williams drove in the first run of the night for the Starfires with a two-out single to center. Norwich starter Luke Cardman minimized the damage, striking out the next batter to end the inning.

The score remained the same until the 4th when Westfield added to their lead. Alex Ulloa opened the frame cranking a triple to right center field alley. Anthony Ruggiero quickly extended the lead for the visitors pounding a single into center field. After a rocky start to the inning, Cardman bounced back by retiring the next hitter he faced and was later aided by an inning-ending double play, as Gavin O’Brien caught a fly ball to right field and fired to first base to double off the runner after Westfield attempted a hit-and-run.

On the other side, Norwich was held hitless until the sixth inning by Westfield starter Connor Niemiec, who cruised through his first five innings, allowing just five baserunners on three walks, an error, and a hit batsman.

In the sixth, the Sea Unicorns’ offense came roaring to life, erupting for five runs. Charlie Walsh opened the inning by drawing a leadoff walk, and Gavin O’Brien broke up the no-hit bid with a single into left field. Caden Fahy followed with an infield single to load the bases for Norwich. With the bases loaded and no outs, Westfield made a pitching change, bringing in Jasper Nadel. The George Washington product struck out the first batter he faced for the first out of the frame, but Norwich quickly capitalized on Westfield’s command issues. A hit batsman forced in the first run of the inning, and a bases-loaded walk to Jack Ohman tied the game. Two wild pitches during Kenny Noe’s at-bat allowed Fahy to score and gave Norwich the lead. The wildness continued with a passed ball that made it 4–2. Connor Scanlan capped off the monster inning with an RBI single to center, scoring Ohman.

Yale product DJ Peterson shut the door in dominant fashion, earning his first win of the summer with four scoreless innings of relief. The southpaw struck out a season-high eight while allowing just three hits and one walk. The only trouble he faced came in the ninth, when Westfield loaded the bases with two outs on back-to-back singles and a walk. Peterson fanned Ben Williams to seal the victory and earn his first win of the summer.

The Sea Unicorns are back at home tomorrow night for a double header with the first place Bravehearts. Game 1 of the twin bill is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. when Eastern Connecticut State product Matt Wootton (1-0) takes the rubber for Norwich opposite Jake LeFrancois (2-0)

Win – DJ Peterson (1-1)

Loss – Connor Niemiec (0-3)

Time – 2:43

UPCOMING PROMOTION

Doubleheader vs. Worcester Bravehearts
The Sea Unicorns and Bravehearts will play two seven-inning games to make up the rainout from Saturday, June 7. Game 2 will begin at approximately 7:30 p.m., with all pregame activities (Little League parades, Color Guard, etc.) taking place between games.

Military Appreciation Night

Join the Sea Unicorns in honoring our Military personnel past and present. Tickets are $8 for all military personnel and includes a food voucher.

Presented by: SEACORP

“Norwich Connect” Jersey Night

The Sea Unicorns will wear special “Rose of New England” jerseys (during game 2 of the doubleheader) 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 across the red front section with The Rose of New England!

Written by Adam Plager