Sea Unicorns Mercied By Lowell Thursday Evening
Lowell, MA – The Sea Unicorns get smacked around in Lowell, losing in seven innings via the mercy rule with a 16-4 beatdown from the Spinners.
The Sea Unicorns had a great opportunity to strike early in the first. With one out, Michael Fiatarone walked before Taylor Kaufman singled to right to put two runners on. A Jackson Powers groundout would move both runners into scoring position. However, a John Bureau strikeout would leave both runners stranded.
Meanwhile, the Lowell Spinners took advantage of their scoring opportunities all night long, beginning with their attack in the second inning. After a quick groundout, a Bradley McCafferty double and Jordan Henriquez single would set the stage for a David Vanderzouwen RBI groundout to put the Spinners on the board first. Another single and a walk would load the bases before Jack Quigley smacked an RBI single to right. With the bases still loaded and two outs in the frame, Cam Biller put the nail in the coffin immediately with a grand slam home run to left field, giving Lowell a whopping 6-0 lead.
Another run would get tacked on in the third for the Spinners, as Henriquez scored Esteban Dessureault on a fielder’s choice and error by Kenny Noe.
The fourth inning would be more of the same. Quigley reached base safely on a bunt single, before advancing to second on a throwing error by Adam Carpenter. Biller would get hit by a pitch to put two on with one out. Nic Lambo would jump on the first pitch and hit an RBI single to left and put the Spinners up 8-0.
In the fifth, the Sea Unicorns finally made some noise of their own in a positive way. After a Fiatarone double and two quick outs, Powers continued his great week by notching another RBI hit with a single to left. After advancing to second on a wild pitch, Powers would come in to score on a Bureau RBI single. CJ Nolan followed that up with a HBP before Henry Ayers smacked an RBI single to center, scoring Bureau while Nolan was caught out at third. By the end of the top fifth, Norwich was still down 8-3.
Lowell would respond real fast, with Henriquez getting on base with a HBP to start the home half of the fifth inning. After stealing second and advancing to third on a balk, Quincy Kerr brought him in to score with an RBI double. A passed ball would allow Kerr to advance to third before scoring on a Quigley RBI single. After Quigley got caught stealing to end the frame, Lowell found themselves up with double-digit runs, a 10-3 lead over the Sea Unicorns.
Norwich got themselves a run back in the sixth, as Kaufman hit an RBI single to bring in Jacob Snyder to score.
However, the Spinners offense would explode yet again in their half of the sixth. Back-to-back singles and a walk would load the bases immediately before McCafferty hit a 2 RBI double, followed by a Henriquez RBI single to put Lowell up 13-4. Two more RBI singles from Vanderzouwen and Zander Bratspis would follow, increasing the lead to 15-4. Quigley would walk to load the bases again with one out before Aidan Driscoll added to the party with an RBI single of his own. A double play would finally end the damage, with Norwich down 16-4 and risking losing to the mercy rule entering the seventh inning.
With their backs against the wall, Bureau struck out to start the seventh. Nolan would get on base with a walk, but nothing would come with it as Ayers grounded into a double play to end the game prematurely.
An embarrassing performance by the Sea Unicorns, who find themselves down to the mercy rule for the fourth time this season.
The Sea Unicorns are now 13-17 on the campaign. Norwich will head home and host the Worcester Bravehearts Friday night. It’ll be a large crowd at Dodd Stadium, as Military Appreciation Night takes over. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET.
Win – Graham Willerer (2-0)
Loss – Sam Hutchinson (0-2)
Time – 2:47
written by Mark Benway
UPCOMING PROMOTIONS
Friday, July 3rd vs Worcester Bravehearts @ 6:30pm (gates open at 5:30)
Military Appreciation Night
There’s no better way to show your appreciation to the ones who keep our nation safe than taking them to see Sea Unicorn baseball! All active and retired military personnel are able to purchase an $8 ticket that comes with a food voucher to pick up a hot dog, bag of chips and bottle of water.
Presented by SEACORP
Postgame Fireworks
Stick around after the game for an outstanding firework display!
Presented by Liberty Bank
Wednesday, July 8th vs Westfield Starfires @ 6:30pm (gates open at 5:30)
Midweek Ballpark Bundle
Wednesday nights will become your favorite night of the week with our brand new bundle for the summer! The bundle allows fans to purchase a premium seat and 2 hot dogs for just $15. Can’t beat that deal!
