The Norwich Sea Unicorns had their mini-3-game winning streak snapped last night after falling to the Brockton Rox 7-2 at Dodd Stadium. Norwich’s loss moves the Sea Unicorns back into second place, holding a record of 13-8 after 21 ballgames.
Brockton took an early 2-0 lead, striking for a pair of runs in the top of the 1st. The Rox did all their damage with a pair of outs in the inning. Norwich starter Gavin Hawkes began the inning retiring the first 2 Brockton batters in order. An infield hit extended the inning and a walk gave the visitors runners at 1st and 2nd, who both advanced on a double steal. Brockton took the lead on an error committed by the catcher and added on with a base hit to center field.
Norwich cut the Brockton lead in half in the 3rd taking advantage of a Brockton error. Chris Carson began the frame with a leadoff base hit to center field. Carson quickly advanced into scoring position after a pickoff attempt went awry for Brockton, spilling into right field. Nick Tomasetto came through for the host with a 2-out RBI single to left field to bring home Carson and advanced to 3rd after the Brockton left fielder misplayed the baseball. Unfortunately, Tomasetto was stranded at 3rd to end the inning to keep Brockton in front.
Hawkes exited the ballgame after working 4 innings and surrendering a pair of runs on 3 hits. The 2 runs allowed by Hawkes were the most he’s allowed in an outing all summer in 5 appearances and moves his ERA to 1.72 over 15.2 innings.
The bullpen for Norwich struggled last night allowing 5 runs on 5 hits. Brockton took control of the ballgame thanks to a 3-run 9th inning to take a 7-2 lead. Sea Unicorns reliever Aidan Whitten had some command trouble to begin the frame allowing a pair of walks to start the inning. The Rox took advantage on back-to-back doubles to break the game open.
Despite the loss Norwich had some bright spots offensively. The Sea Unicorns recorded 10 hits in the ballgame including a 3-hit night from Chris Carson. Brennan Hyde continued his success at the plate with his team leading 16th RBI of the summer. Nick Tomasetto also collected a pair of hits in the ballgame raising his season batting average to .400.
Norwich is back in action tonight on the road against the Worcester Bravehearts and will begin a 5-game road trip. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. EST from Fitton Field. Timothy Lewis (0-1, 1.42 ERA) will get the baseball tonight for Norwich and will make his 4th start of the summer.