Sea Unicorns Bounce Back with Home Opening Win
Norwich, CT – The Norwich Sea Unicorns bounce back from a rough opening road stretch, as they defeat the Westfield Starfires in their home opener to snatch their first win of 2026.
After being shutout 17-0 yesterday in Westfield, the Sea Unicorns offense came out swinging this time around. The Starfires defense was not up to par, with a throwing error by Cooper Smith driving in the first run for the Sea Unicorns in the first. A Caden Williamson fielder’s choice would drive in CJ Nolan to put Norwich up 2-0 by the end of the opening frame. Nolan would end up having himself a career night defensively, putting up highlight reel style plays in the infield.
These runs weren’t a fluke this time around, as the offensive party continued all night. Paul Calandrelli hit an RBI single in the third, followed by another RBI single by Nolan and a 2 RBI single by Joe Carucci in the fifth.
The Starfires would finally strike first in the sixth on a Nick Fox sacrifice fly. At this point, the Sea Unicorns removed starter Janvier Diaz from the game. Diaz had a stellar night, pitching five shutdown frames with only 3 Hits, 2 Walks, and 4 Strikeouts. Starfires starter Leo Lyons did not have the same success, allowing 2 Earned Runs in 3 innings with 3 Walks.
The seventh inning ended up being the nail in the coffin, as the Sea Unicorns pulled away and just narrowly missed out on winning by mercy rule. Kenny Noe smashed an RBI double to left, followed by Matt Park scoring on a wild pitch. TJ Baer added his name to the run parade, driving in two more on a double to left.
The Starfires showed some last minute resistance in the eighth, with Fox driving in his second RBI of the night on a single along with Vance Bonior notching his second RBI of the season. Jack Scholz would shut the door for the Sea Unicorns in the ninth, sealing themselves a home opening victory for the home crowd of over 2,000 people.
The Sea Unicorns look to put another game in the win column tomorrow afternoon, as the team hosts the Worcester Bravehearts at 1:00 p.m. at Dodd Stadium.
Win – Janvier Diaz (1-0)
Loss – Leo Lyons (0-1)
written by Mark Benway
UPCOMING PROMOTIONS
Sunday, May 31 vs Worcester Bravehearts @ 1:00pm (gates open at 12:00pm)
Sunday Funday
It’s the first Sunday Funday of the season! After game action concludes, all kids 12 & under can head to the field to run the bases and have a catch in the outfield!
Presented by: New London Public Schools Magnet Pathways
Friday, June 5 vs New Britain Bees @ 6:30pm (gates open at 5:30pm)
First Responder Night
The first Friday night game of the season will be one you won’t want to miss! All first responders can purchase a unique ticket for $8 at the ticket office that includes a voucher for a hot dog, bag of chips, and bottle of water. What a deal for the people who deserve it most!
Presented by: Hartford Healthcare
Postgame Fireworks
Stay around following the conclusion of the game for an amazing firework display!
Presented by: Liberty Bank
