Wednesday Night Walk Off Ends 4-Game Skid

Norwich, CT – The Norwich Sea Unicorns ended their 4-game losing streak in dramatic fashion on Wednesday night with a 4-3 walk off victory over the New Britain Bees. The win improves Norwich to 4-6 through their first 10 ballgames.

Matt Wootton continued his stellar start to the summer, tossing five shutout innings while scattering five hits and striking out four. The Eastern Connecticut State right-hander earned his second Futures League Pitcher of the Night honor and now owns a dazzling 0.82 ERA through 11 innings this season. Norwich starting pitchers have now combined for 15 consecutive scoreless innings over the last three games.

Wootton’s impressive outing was critical tonight for the Sea Unicorns as New Britain starter Ben Oliveira held the Norwich offense hitless through his first 3 innings. The offense came to life in the 4th for Norwich, striking for a pair of runs on 3 hits to take a 2-0 lead. Aidan Stern opened the frame by cracking a leadoff double down the line in right. Jayden Novak followed with a walk to set the table for Anthony Tirado. The UMASS product delivered with his first double of the summer to score Stern. However, Novak was thrown out at the plate for the first out in the inning. Alec Warden extended the lead for Norwich with a 2 out single that skipped into left field to bring home Tirado.

Once again, Norwich’s early lead was erased as the Bees once again battled back. In the 7th, New Britain was gifted their first run of the night after a series of defensive errors by the Norwich defense. The visitors tied the game in the 8th after connecting for 3 straight singles with 2 outs.

New Britain took the lead in the 10th on a Brandon Gaer sacrifice fly with one out. Norwich reliever Ryan Camp eluded further damage despite the bases loaded threat from the Bees. New Britain loaded the bases with no outs thanks to a walk and a single. Camp responded with a strikeout, later induced a fly out, and followed with his 2nd punch out to end the threat.

Despite a 3-2 deficit, Norwich rallied in the home half of the 10th inning to walkoff New Britain. Caden Fahy began the inning with a leadoff single to tie the game, scoring Gavin O’Brien who was pinch running at 2nd. Later, Charlie Walsh produced a one out single into right field to give Norwich runners at first and second. Jayden Novak played hero for Norwich ripping a 2 out single into left field to score Spencer Chard who entered the game as a pinch runner.

The Sea Unicorns are back at home tomorrow night for a double header with the Nashua Silver Knights. Both games will be 7 innings with the opener scheduled for 5 p.m. and the second game to follow approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first game.

Promotions:
Thursday is Disney Night at the Bell Logistics Hole in the Wall Beer Garden, presented by HMS Travel Consulting. Fans are encouraged to wear their favorite Disney attire and explore travel options to Disney from local agents. As always, it’s also Thirsty Thursday, featuring beer specials on Narragansett.

Win – Ryan Camp

Loss – Jack Welsch

Time – 3:01

Written by Adam Plager