sea unicorns cannot hold late lead, lose in lowell
Lowell, MA – The Norwich Sea Unicorns take a heartbreaking 5-4 loss against the Lowell Spinners in their first game in Lowell since 2019, back when they were the Connecticut Tigers.
The Sea Unicorns wasted no time and smacked the ball around early in the first. Michael Fiatarone hit an RBI double to drive in the first run of the game, followed later in the inning by a 2 RBI single for Jackson Powers to put Norwich in the lead 3-0. Powers would be caught stealing to end the early rally.
Norwich SP Sam Hutchinson had himself a solid start to the game, giving up only one hit within the first two innings. Lowell SP Caden Smith was able to settle down after the rocky opening frame, retiring the Sea Unicorns in order from the second through the fourth inning.
The Lowell Spinners created some action on the basepaths in the third, with Nic Lembo reaching on a single and a Cal Chance HBP to put two runners on with two outs in the frame. Hutchinson escaped the jam with a Cam Biller flyout.
The Sea Unicorns attempted to get something going on offense for the first time since the first in the fifth with a TJ Baer leadoff single. Baer, known for having some speed on the basepaths, stole second with ease but ended up being caught stealing third. A John Bureau single and Henry Ayers walk would put two runners on with two out, but Brandon O’Neil struck out to leave the runners stranded.
Norwich was finally able to strike, this time in the sixth. Fiatarone walked and proceeded to steal second and third base before scoring on a Powers RBI single to put the Sea Unicorns up 4-0.
However, the Spinners broke their dry spell in the seventh. After a Brett McKinnon singled on a bunt to third base, Jordan Henriquez mashed a two-run home run over the right field wall to put Lowell right back in the game. Zander Bratspis got on base with a single, after which Manager Zach Gitschier decided he’d seen enough of Matt Shampine after their lead got cut to 4-2. The Sea Unicorns got out of the jam with a Chance flyout.
Fiatarone continued showing off his speed in the eighth with a single to center and stealing second base, his third of the game. Kenny Noe walked to put runners on first and second with two outs, with Powers walking to load the bases. However, the Sea Unicorns left the bases loaded as Baer struck out swinging for the final out.
Norwich was able to get two runners on in the ninth, with Reece McCarthy and Ayers walking on four pitches each. With two outs in the inning, Fiatarone walked on four pitches to load the bases once again for the Sea Unicorns. However, they failed to capitalize on the loaded opportunity, with Paul Calandrelli striking out to end the frame.
Lowell didn’t go down without a fight, sparking some ninth inning magic with Henriquez knocking in his third RBI of the game on an RBI double to bring the Spinners back within one. Lembo was able to bloop an RBI single into no man’s land to tie the game at 4. Jacob Schrage’s struggles continued with a Chance single to push the winning run into scoring position with only one out in the inning.
Charlie Cariello entered the game and immediately found himself in trouble, walking Cam Biller on a pitch clock violation to load the bases. The Norwich dugout was not in favor of the call, with Gitschier being ejected from the game after arguing the violation call. The late inning collapse for Norwich would be unsaveable, with a bases loaded walk to Esteban Dessureault winning the game for the Spinners as they completed the comeback to win 5-4.
The Sea Unicorns are now 3-4 on the campaign. They return home for First Responder Night tomorrow as they look to bounce back against their in-state rival in the New Britain Bees. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET.
Win – Jacob Schrage (0-1)
Loss – Reese Heigle (1-0)
Time – 2:55
written by Mark Benway
UPCOMING PROMOTIONS
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
Saturday, June 6 vs Nashua Silver Knights @ 6:30pm (gates open at 5:30pm)
Bark In The Park
Every man’s best friend is welcome to watch America’s national pastime! We will be opening part of the 3rd base/left field side seating sections for those fans that would like to bring their dogs with them for some exciting Sea Unicorn action.
