Sea Unicorns Inch Closer To PLayoff Spot With Win Over Worcester

Norwich, CT -The Sea Unicorns were firing on all cylinders, as a total team effort led to a crucial 8-4 victory over the Worcester Bravehearts on Friday night.

A crowd of almost 5,000 packed into Dodd Stadium for the final Friday night game of the regular season, and the boys showed out. 

Michael Zalinkanskas had a strong start on the mound, striking out seven over the span of four innings. Despite allowing two runs on a Cade Centracchio single and throwing error in the fourth, the Sea Unicorns stayed in the ballgame and allowed their pitchers to deal.

The Rose City jumped out to an early lead on a Jake Howlett RBI single in the second inning. Worcester would get out of the early jam with a David Pengel strikeout and Kenny Noe groundout. 

After allowing those two runs to lose the lead in the fourth, Norwich rallied for their own attack in the home half. You can credit the Bravehearts defense for helping out the Sea Unicorns, having a total of three errors throughout the game. With two quick outs, Henry Ayers would reach base on a single before advancing on a wild pitch. A throwing error during a Howlett base hit would score Ayers to tie the game. Pengel would knock an RBI single to right on the next play to take the lead 3-2. TJ Baer would later drive an RBI single of his own before Michael Fiatarone continued his MVP caliber season with a two-RBI double, giving the Sea Unicorns a 6-2 lead.

Sean McGettigan would come out of the bullpen in the fifth, continuing the strong start from Zalinkanskas. Through three innings of work, McGettigan had no earned runs despite one run scoring on four hits with four strikeouts.  

Up 6-3 in the seventh, Norwich added to their onslaught. CJ Nolan capped off his great July with an RBI single to left before scoring himself on a Pengel RBI double, making it 8-3 Sea Unicorns.

Kevin Penny would be chosen to close out the game for Norwich, and ran into some trouble early in the eighth. A HBP and walk put two base runners on with two outs, where Chris Mondesir smacked an RBI single to bring Worcester within four. Penny would escape the jam on a Jake Yang groundout.

In the ninth, Penny would return to the mound. After getting Brayden Lewis to groundout to start the frame, back-to-back flyouts would seal the victory for Norwich.

Offensively, Noe and Pengel were the stars of the night. Both went 2-4 on the night, with Pengel also having two-RBIs. Nolan also had a strong showing, stealing three bases throughout the game. 

The Sea Unicorns will now hit the road to take on the New Britain Bees Saturday night for the battle of the Nutmeg State. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. E.T.

Win – Sean McGettigan (2-1)

Loss – Greg Strite (0-3)

Time – 3:11

Written by Mark Benway

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS

Tuesday, August 4th vs New Britain Bees @ 6:30pm (gates open at 5:30)

Buy One, Get One Tickets!

It’s the last BOGO Tuesday of the season! Purchase any seating bowl ticket and receive a 2nd ticket of equal or lesser value free. Free ticket valid only for the same game.

Wednesday, August 5th vs Westfield Starfires @ 4:00pm (gates open at 3:00)

Midweek Ballpark Bundle

It’s doubleheader action in the last week of the regular season, meaning it’s your last chance to get the Midweek Ballpark Bundle! Fans can purchase a premium seat and two hot dogs for just $15.