Sea Unicorns Struggles at Dodd Continue in loss to Westfield

Westfield, MA – The Norwich Sea Unicorns could not repeat their magic from Saturday night, falling 7-3 to the Westfield Starfires on Sunday.

The Sea Unicorns jumped out to their usual fast start in the first, with Caden Williamson getting on base with a walk before advancing all the way to third on a groundout and balk. Michael Fiatarone would walk to put two runners on with one out. A double steal would score Williamson after a throwing error by Logan Martel, followed by Fiatarone scoring on a groundout from Matt Park to put Norwich up 2-0. 

However, the Starfires punched right back in the second, with the first five runners of the inning reaching on base. A Trent Jenks single and Cooper Smith walk would set the stage for a Martel RBI single. Down 2-1, a wild pitch would put the tying and go ahead runs into scoring position, with JJ Fox walking to load the bases. Easton Sanders would make the Sea Unicorns pay, smacking a 2 RBI single to center and give Westfield the lead. After Norwich committed a double steal in the first, Westfield would strike with one of their own in the second and end the frame up 4-2 at Dodd Stadium.

The Sea Unicorns would get an opportunity to put a run back on the board in the third, with Fiatarone getting on base with a single before stealing two bases. However, Carter Grande would strikeout and strand Fiatarone on base. 

Another opportunity for Norwich would be wasted in the fifth, as Park hit into a double play to end the inning after Williamson and Fiatarone got on base. 

The Westfield offense would wake back up in the sixth after multiple scoreless innings for both sides. A Martel double to left and a Fox walk would set the stage for Mike Cervoni’s RBI single to increase the lead to 5-2. A fielding error by Park would load the bases for the Starfires with only one out in the frame. Jamison Howland would walk in a run, followed by Aiden Barclay hitting into an RBI fielder’s choice to put the Starfires up 7-2 on the Sea Unicorns. 

Elijah Wells would come in for Norwich in the seventh and end up being a bright spot on the day, as Wells would go on to pitch three scoreless innings in relief with 3 strikeouts.

The Sea Unicorns attempted to string a comeback together for the second day in a row, with back-to-back singles from Fiatarone and Park putting two on with one out. A failed pickoff attempt due to a throwing error would advance Fiatarone to third before scoring on a Grande sacrifice fly. However, CJ Nolan would fly out before any more runs could come across. 

Norwich would end up going down 1-2-3 in the ninth, sealing the victory for the Starfires. 

The Sea Unicorns are now 6-9 on the season. The struggles at Dodd Stadium continue, as the team is now 1-6 at home. Norwich will continue their four game homestand tomorrow night against the Vermont Lake Monsters. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET. 

Win – Tripp Woytowicz (1-0)

Loss – Matt Shampine (0-1)

Time – 2:49

written by Mark Benway

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS

Monday, June 15th vs Vermont Lake Monsters @ 6:30pm (gates open at 5:30pm)

Kids Eat Free!

It’s the return of one of the best promotions at Dodd Stadium! Every Monday home game, all kids 12 & under will receive a voucher for a hot dog, bag of chips and bottle of water. A great night to bring the whole family to the park!

Presented by BTW Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

Tuesday, June 16th vs Vermont Lake Monsters @ 6:30pm (gates open at 5:30pm)

By One, Get One Tickets!

Tuesday BOGO tickets are back! Purchase any seating bowl ticket and receive a 2nd ticket of equal or lesser value free. Free ticket valid only for the same game.