While Pittsfield led by multiple runs twice, Norwich refused to go away in its pursuit of eighth straight wins. However, the effort came up short and the Sea Unicorns lost 8-6.
Norwich actually scored first, when third baseman Johnny Knox sneakily stole home. Pittsfield waited until the fourth inning to get its first hit and added three more in the frame. That success at the plate also brought four runs across.
The Sea Unicorns trailed 4-1, but didn’t go away. A two-run single by second baseman Jackson Ferrigno closed the deficit to one. The newly minted All-Star has nine RBIs alone against the Suns this summer. When Pittsfield scored again, newcomer Alec Ritch homered to left. The California native went 2/4 to record his first multi-hit game of the season.
Norwich pulled even in the seventh thanks to an RBI double from Sacred Heart’s Zack Kovalchik. The center fielder has driven in three runs over his last two games. Then, the Suns tallied three in the eighth to put things out of reach. The Sea Unicorns made one more valiant effort and got a run courtesy of a sacrifice fly from pinch hitter Andrew Bianco.
On the pitcher’s mound, Norwich used five arms, two of whom made their returns to the Rose City. St. Bonaventure’s Ryan O’Connell tossed one scoreless inning and picked up a strikeout. Meanwhile, ECSU’s Finn Doherty only lasted two thirds of a frame and gave up three runs to receive the loss.
Thursday’s contest was no different. Norwich used three pitchers, Justin Marks, Chris Jenkins and Robert Zawacki. A total of six runs where scored on Norwich for a final score of 6-1.
The Sea Unicorns have dropped to 31-18. Norwich has a chance to get back in the win column Friday versus red hot Westfield. First pitch at Bullens Field is set for 6:30.