Sea Unicorns finish off series win over lake monsters
Norwich, CT – The Norwich Sea Unicorns win their biggest series of the year, beating the Vermont Lake Monsters 7-4 to secure a momentum-changing moment.
With numerous scouts in attendance watching for Vermont’s Kaiden McCarthy, the Tennessee commit out of high school, the Sea Unicorns lineup decided it was their time to shine instead.
After a quiet first inning, back-to-back singles in the second by Carter Grande and Brandon O’Neill set the stage for TJ Baer to drive in the first run of the game on a fielder’s choice.
Another silent inning in the third would lead to a chaotic fourth inning. Jack Lopez reached base on a single for Vermont before stealing second and advancing to third on a throwing error by Henry Ayers. Thomas Moss would drive Lopez in to tie the game on a groundout, putting the game at 1 each.
That wouldn’t last long, as the Sea Unicorns jumped on McCarthy that same inning. A Michael Fiatarone walk and stolen base was soon followed by a Carter Grande walk to put two on with one out. A wild pitch would advance both into scoring position, where Baer continued his monstrous day with a 2 RBI base hit to put Norwich back in front.
After Alex D’Ambrosio pitched a 1-2-3 fifth, the Sea Unicorns offense got right back on the gas. David Pengel smacked a double to center before trying to score on a Caden Williamson fielder’s choice but was out at the plate. A Fiatarone RBI single later in the frame would drive in Williamson and put the Sea Unicorns up 4-1.
However, the initial lead would be short lived, as the Lake Monsters were able to rally in the sixth. With two quick outs in the inning, Lopez reached base on an error. That error would end up being costly for the Sea Unicorns, as what would’ve been the final out got the inning out of hand very fast. D’Ambrosio would hit Hunter Strohm before being replaced by Adam Carpenter. Carpenter would be immediately knocked around, with back-to-back RBI doubles from Moss and Tyler Wiltsey tying the game at 4.
The Sea Unicorns were able to get up as a team and answer right back in their half of the sixth. A Grande walk, O’Neill single, and Baer reaching on a fielding error loaded the bases with nobody out. Paul Calandrelli would be able to knock in the go ahead run on a groundout before a wild pitch scored O’Neill. Williamson, who’s been on a tear recently, would knock an RBI double to put the Sea Unicorns up 7-4. Ayers tried to score as well, but was out at home to end the frame.
Three walks from Elijah Wells created a scary situation for Norwich in the eighth. However, Peter Glidden would be able to get right out of the jam with two outs by striking out Travis Stroh. A 1-2-3 ninth inning from Jack Scholz would save the game and secure the thrilling victory for the Sea Unicorns.
Overall, Norwich once again found great success in their late-inning bullpen. Sean Connolly, Wells, Glidden, and Scholz combined for 3 scoreless no-hit frames with 6 strikeouts. Despite Wells allowing 3 walks in the eighth, Norwich was able to keep Vermont from striking and inching back into this game.
The Sea Unicorns are now 8-10 on the campaign. Norwich now begins their long road trip, which will be a test to determine the team’s endurance. The first game is Thursday night in Massachusetts against the Worcester Bravehearts, with first pitch scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET.
Win – Adam Carpenter (2-0)
Loss – Issac Jensen (0-1)
Save – Jack Scholz (1)
Time – 2:52
written by Mark Benway
UPCOMING PROMOTIONS
Monday, June 22nd vs Worcester Bravehearts @ 6:30pm (gates open at 5:30)
Kids Eat Free!
The return of the Kids Eat Free promotion at Dodd Stadium! All kids 12 & under will receive a voucher for a hot dog, bag of chips and bottle of water.
Presented by BTW Plumbing, Heating & Cooling
Monday, June 29th vs Nashua Silver Knights @ 6:30pm (gates open at 5:30)
Kids Eat Free!
Back-to-back weeks of free meal Mondays! All kids 12 & under will receive a voucher for a hot dog, bag of chips and bottle of water.
Presented by BTW Plumbing, Heating & Cooling
