Late-Inning Offensive Explosion Leads Norwich to Lopsided Victory in Worcester

The Norwich Sea Unicorns erupted for 16 runs in the final 2 innings to secure a Friday night victory in Worcester. It is the first time Norwich has won on the road this summer against Worcester and they have now won 7 of their last 8 ballgames. Norwich’s lopsided victory improves the Sea Unicorns to 27-16 and atop the Futures League Standings.

It was a pitcher’s duel at Fitton Field through 6 innings as the ballgame was scoreless. Worcester starter Brady Stuart held the Norwich offense to just 4 hits over 6 shutout innings while striking out 8. The Endicott product has now lowered his ERA to 0.25 through 36.2 innings this summer.

Teo Spadaccini was lights out for Norwich after working around a bases loaded jam in the 1st due to some early command trouble. Spadaccini held the Worcester offense hitless through 4 innings. The only baserunner that reached after the 1st was on an error committed by the Norwich shortstop in the 3rd.

Mike Poncini and Luke Cardman tossed scoreless 5th and 6th innings to keep the ballgame scoreless for Norwich through 6. Poncini navigated around a pair of walks issued in the 5th and for Cardman the only blemish was a leadoff single to begin the 6th.

After being blanked through 6 frames, the Norwich offense came to roaring to life in the 7th, erupting for 10 runs. In the inning Norwich sent 14 batters to the plate collecting 8 hits and drew 4 walks. Worcester needed 3 different relievers to make it through the frame. Christian Stratis kickstarted the offense for Norwich, poking a triple down the line in right. A walk to Alex Irizarry provided Norwich runners on the corners and ultimately Aidan Baglino got Norwich on the board with a base hit to left field. The Bravehearts elected to make a pitching change after Nick Coniglio failed to record an out. Unfortunately for Josh Fischer, there was no stopping the Norwich offense, as he was only able to record one out, forcing Alex Dion to summon a 3rd reliever. The biggest blow came off the bat of Alex Irizarry who crushed a 3-run home run over the wall in right field.

Norwich continued to rumble in the 8th inning, adding 6 more runs on 4 hits and took advantage of an error committed by the Worcester defense. Kaiden Dossa began the frame wiring a base hit to left field for his 3rd hit of the ballgame. Alex Irrizary continued his big night, smashing a double to the wall in right field to bring home a pair of runs. The Tolland, CT native finished his night with 5 RBIs. Overall, 6 different starters finished with multi-hit efforts, headlined by Shaun Callahan and Bo Yaworski, who each finished with 4-hit performances.

David Rodriguez and Kaden Murphy preserved the shutout for Norwich. Rodriguez tossed a scoreless 7th and Murphy followed with a scoreless 8th. Overall, the Sea Unicorns pitching staff held the Worcester offense to just 2 hits. Both hits for the host were recorded by their catcher Dylan LaPointe.

Norwich is back at home tonight to wrap up the home and home series with the Worcester Bravehearts. The Saturday Night Entertainment series continues tonight at Dodd Stadium at the Hole In The Wall Bar on the first base concourse starting at 4:30 with live music featuring Cody Bondra presented by Yale New Haven Health and L & M Hospital. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. EST.

Win- Luke Cardman (1-0)

Loss- Nick Coniglio (1-3)

Time- 2:31