Norwich Drops a “Heart’ Breaker in Extras

Norwich, CT – The Norwich Sea Unicorns were defeated 6-4 in 10 innings on Sunday afternoon, falling to the first place Worcester Bravehearts. With Sunday’s loss Norwich is responsible for a record of 20-24 heading into the All-Star Break.

Worcester opened the scoring in the first against Norwich starter Landon Manzi to grab an early 1-0 lead. Ryan LeClair began the threat poking a double to right field and later came around to score on a wild pitch after stealing 3rd.

Norwich punched back in the 3rd striking for 3 runs against Bravehearts starter Riley Weatherwax to take the lead. The Sea Unicorns continued their trend of producing with two outs, capitalizing on command issues from Weatherwax. The right-hander hit Chace Chaplin and walked Kenny Noe to set the stage for the Norwich offense. Bryce Detwiler delivered, launching a bases clearing double to left field. Jack Sweeney followed with an RBI single to score Detwiler but was thrown out at second trying to stretch it into a double.

The Bravehearts responded with a pair of runs in the 5th to tie the game at 3. Worcester loaded the bases immediately on three consecutive infield singles. With the bases loaded and no outs Norwich turned to Nick West out of the bullpen. A fielder’s choice groundout cut the Norwich lead to 1. Jackson Marshall tied the game with a base hit into left field. West minimized further damage after inducing a 4-6-3 double play.

With the game deadlocked at 3, extra-innings was needed to decide a winner.  Worcester broke the stalemate in the 10th, plating three runs to take a 6–3 lead. Jordan Henriquez, the automatic runner at second, came around to score the go-ahead run when an errant throw from the Norwich catcher sailed into left field. Evan O’Rourke followed with a single to center, prompting Norwich to turn to Gio Conte out of the bullpen. The change didn’t pay off, as Ryan LeClair hit an inside-the-park home run after a collision between the Sea Unicorns’ left fielder and center fielder on a fly ball into the gap.

Norwich battled back with a run in the home half on a Bryce Detwiler 2 out RBI single into center field to score Rivera who began the frame as the automatic runner. The comeback effort was cut short as Worcester reliever Evan Scully retired the next batter he faced to seal the victory for Worcester in extras.

Win – Davis Kahn (3-0)

Loss – Sean Connolly (1-2)

Save – Evan Scully (S, 1)

Time – 2:59

UPCOMING

The Futures League All-Star Break begins tonight at Fitton Field with the Home Run Derby. Bryce Detwiler will represent Norwich in the Derby as the baseballs fly out of Fitton Field beginning at 6:30 p.m with fireworks scheduled to follow the Derby.

On Tuesday night, the league’s top talent takes center stage at Polar Park—home of the Worcester Red Sox—for the 2025 Futures League All-Star Game. Four Sea Unicorns have earned All-Star honors including Aidan Stern, Chace Chaplin, Luke Cardman, and Matt Wootton. First pitch is set for 7:30 p.m. and the game will be televised on NESN+. Norwich Manager Kyle Dembrowski will serve as the bench boss for Team Smiles.

The Sea Unicorns return to action Thursday morning for a doubleheader against the Bravehearts at Fitton Field. Game one, a Camp Day matchup, begins at 10:30 a.m. Game two will resume a suspended contest from July 9th, with Norwich leading 2–0 in the bottom of the 4th. The 10:30 game will be a 7 inning game, while the conclusion of the suspended game will be finished through 9 innings.

Written by Adam Plager