With a six-game win streak on the line, Norwich faced the league’s top team in Worcester. While things became interesting in the ninth, the Sea Unicorns rode great pitching to a 4-2 victory.
After a 1-2-3 first, Kevin Murphy’s squad awoke in the second. Catcher Joey DeMucci lined a base hit back up the middle to drive home two runs. Then, shortstop Johnny Knox added another off an RBI single to right.
While the Bravehearts notched three hits in the first two frames, their offense was completely stifled for much of the contest. As a matter of fact, Worcester had 13 straight batters retired and 18 of 20 from the second to the eighth.
Norwich was relatively quiet too. Other than center fielder Ray Leonzi scoring on a wild pitch in the fifth, the Sea Unicorns recorded just one hit in the final three innings.
The Bravehearts avoided the shutout with a home run in the ninth. A sacrifice fly shrunk the deficit to two and Worcester had the tying run at the plate. However, all hopes disappeared when the game ended in a strikeout.
Norwich’s starter, Christo Garrelts, tossed five innings of three-hit ball and had a pair of punchouts. The Killingworth native has yet to surrender a run in seven appearances and earned his second win of the season. Southpaw Brad Lewis hurled two hitless frames and struck out four in relief. Holy Cross’ Payton Sutman pitched the final two and helped shut the door on Worcester.
The Sea Unicorns secured their 31st win of the year, which is the most in team history. Norwich is now 31-16, just a half game back of first place. The Sea Unicorns aim to continue their success next time out against the Suns. First pitch at Dodd is set for 11:00.