Norwich Wins 4th Straight, Heads into All-Star Break on Winning Note

The Norwich Sea Unicorns continued their dominating stretch, winning their 4th straight on Sunday. Norwich has now won 9 of their last 10 after posting a 7-5 victory on the road against New Britain. The road victory for Norwich improves the Sea Unicorns to 29-16 heading into the All-Star Break atop the league standings.

It was a rocky start for Norwich, as the Bees jumped out to an early 4-0 lead in the 2nd. New Britain struck for 4 runs in the home 2nd, recording 4 hits and taking advantage of an error committed by the Sea Unicorns defense. Norwich starter, Justin Marks also dealt with command trouble, issuing a pair of walks and a wild pitch in the frame. The first two batters for New Britain reached base safely to give New Britain a pair of baserunners. Marks struck out the next batter he faced for his 1st out. A base hit by Scott Gell produced the first run of the afternoon for the host. Next, an error by the pitcher extended the lead for New Britain to 2. Later in the inning, a 2 out base hit by Justin Hackett increased the lead for the Bees to 4.

Norwich responded with a pair of runs in the 3rd to slice the lead for New Britain in half. Michael Oates and Chris Carson began the frame for Norwich with a pair of base knocks. Immediately, the Sea Unicorns were in business with runners stationed at the corners. A stolen base for Carson provided the Sea Unicorns with a pair of runners in scoring position. Trey Porter delivered with a one out base hit to drive home Oates and Carson. Norwich continued to threaten, loading the bases with one out, but unfortunately an inning-ending double play ended the hopes for Norwich in the 3rd.

The ballgame remained 4-2 until the 6th when Norwich struck for a pair of runs to even the scoring at 4. Anthony Tirado made the action happen for the Sea Unicorns after reaching on a fielder’s choice. The shortstop stole 2nd and later swiped 3rd with 2 outs. After ball 4 was ruled to Oates, Tirado broke for the plate and made it home safely to bring Norwich within a run. Next, Chris Carson drew a walk and New Britain elected to make a pitching change with 2 on and 2 away. Bo Yaworski delivered in the clutch for Norwich, punching an opposite field base hit into left field to bring home the tying run.

The Sea Unicorns continued to roll in the 7th, adding a trio of runs to take their first lead of the afternoon. Norwich did all their damage with a pair of outs, recording 3 straight hits. Connor Lane began the frame being hit with a pitch and later took second on a wild pitch. Nick Tomasetto drew a one out walk and quickly Norwich had a pair of base runners. Anthony Tirado gave the Sea Unicorns the lead on a base hit to center field, scoring Connor Lane. After Tirado’s go-ahead base hit, New Britain brought in a new reliever. The offense for Norwich continued to make noise, as AJ Soldra struck for a pinch-hit RBI single and Chris Carson followed with a base hit of his own to help Norwich take a 7-4 lead.

New Britain closed the gap with a run in the 8th, but that would be the closest the Bees would come.

The bullpen for Norwich was dominant in the winning effort, allowing just 1 run in the final 7 innings. Norwich’s bullpen held the New Britain offense to 5 scattered hits while striking out 9. Jimmy Mulvaney earned the victory, allowing no earned runs in 2 innings of relief and punched out 4. Gavin Hawkes secured the win for Norwich completing a 4-out save.

Norwich is back in action on Wednesday, following the All-Star break, to begin a stretch of 5-consecutive games against the Vermont Lake Monsters. First pitch on Wednesday is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. EST. from Centennial Field.

Win- Jimmy Mulvaney (1-1)

Loss- James Morice (2-1)

Save- Gavin Hawkes (1)

Time- 3:06