Sea Unicorns Home Struggles Continue in Loss to Vermont
Norwich, CT – The Norwich Sea Unicorns cannot keep it together in front of the home crowd, falling 7-2 to the Vermont Lake Monsters.
What could’ve been a huge win and a series victory for the Sea Unicorns turned into a disappointing defeat. Norwich starter Charlie Bushley collapsed early in the second after a solid first inning of work.
Vermont’s lineup was able to change their approach fast. Back-to-back singles and a walk loaded the bases for the Lake Monsters with two outs before batting around to score multiple runs. Tyler Wiltsey struck first, knocking in a 2 RBI single. Later in the frame, with the bases loaded once again, James Schaffer demolished a bases-clearing triple to put Vermont up 5-0.
The third would fare no better for the Sea Unicorns, as the Lake Monsters jumped on Jacob Schrage right away. A Jack Fitzgerald HBP and wild pitch would put him in scoring position before Hunter Strohm drove him in with an RBI double. Travis Stroh picked up an RBI of his own with a single right after, putting Vermont in a position to cruise away with a 7-0 lead.
The Sea Unicorns were finally able to get some momentum going on the basepaths in the sixth. With Shamus Kelly finally out of the game after pitching a scoreless five innings, Carter Grande knocked a double to left before a Brandon O’Neill single put runners on the corners with two outs. A double steal would drive Grande in and give Norwich their first run of the game. A Luke Maltacea walk made it look like a rally was brewing before Jackson Powers fouled out to end the inning.
Norwich once again found themselves with some action in the seventh. A fielding error allowed David Pengel to reach base before stealing second. A Kenny Noe walk would allow for Pengel to steal third and put runners on the corners once again. However, Noe ended up being too aggressive on the basepaths and attempted to steal second with nobody out but got caught red handed. Caden Williamson was able to walk and put the Sea Unicorns on the corners for another opportunity, which this time Dylan Cimini would drive in an RBI on a fielder’s choice to make it 7-2 with Williamson out at second.
Vermont’s bullpen in the later innings would be able to shut down the Sea Unicorns, sitting them down 1-2-3 in the eighth. In the ninth, Noe singled with two outs to try and create some late inning magic with their backs against the wall. Sadly for the fans who came out to Dodd Stadium on a beautiful night for baseball, the Sea Unicorns just wouldn’t be able to click. Williamson would strikeout to end the game, securing the victory for the Lake Monsters and putting them back in first place. With the loss, Norwich goes to sixth place in the standings, just above the Lowell Spinners.
The Sea Unicorns are now 7-10 on the season. Norwich will look to win the rubber match against the Lake Monsters Wednesday night as they complete their four-game homestand. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET.
Win – Shamus Kelly (1-0)
Loss – Charlie Bushley (0-2)
Time – 2:43
written by Mark Benway
UPCOMING PROMOTIONS
Wednesday, June 17th vs Vermont Lake Monsters @ 6:30pm (gates open at 5:30)
Midweek Ballpark Bundle
The best deal of the week returns once again! Our Midweek Ballpark Bundle allows fans to purchase a premium seat and 2 hot dogs for just $15.
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
