Offense Explodes for 12 Runs in 4th Straight Win

New Britain, CT – The Norwich Sea Unicorns continued their torrid stretch since returning from the All-Star break, notching their fourth straight victory Saturday night in New Britain. Norwich’s offense erupted for 12 runs in a convincing 12-1 win over the Bees. With the win, Norwich is back to .500 at 24-24—marking the first time since June 12 that the Sea Unicorns have reached the .500 mark.

Norwich opened the scoring in the 3rd, striking for three runs against New Britain starter Jack Sheldon. Chase Taylor jumpstarted the Norwich offense with a base hit up the middle and quickly swiped second to move into scoring position. Connor Scanlan followed with a walk to put two on for the Sea Unicorns. Charlie Walsh opened the scoring, driving a single into center to plate Taylor and move Scanlan from first to third. A sacrifice fly to center by Cal Chance extended the lead to 2-0, and Gavin O’Brien capped the rally with a base hit to center to score Scanlan and give Norwich a three-run advantage.

The floodgates opened in the 4th as Norwich exploded for six runs to blow the game open at 9-0. The Sea Unicorns immediately loaded the bases thanks to a pair of walks and a single from Anthony Tirado. UConn transfer Chase Taylor delivered again with a two-run single to right, ending the night for Sheldon as the Bees turned to their bullpen. The pitching change didn’t slow the momentum as Connor Willett walked the first batter he faced to reload the bases. Walsh added another sac fly, this time to left, and Chance kept the rally going with his second double of the summer to score Gabriel Rivera. Another sac fly—this one from O’Brien—brought home Scanlan, and Antonio Ducatelli capped the monster inning with an infield RBI single to score Chance.

New Britain plated its only run in the bottom half of the 4th against Norwich starter Matt Tabet. Cam Righi singled to right, stole second, and moved to third on a passed ball before scoring on an infield single from Jack Kane.

Norwich tacked on one run in each of the next three innings to stretch its lead to 12-1. In the 5th, CJ Nolan scored on a Chase Taylor sac fly after being hit by a pitch. Taylor finished the night with three RBIs.

A pair of doubles in the 6th gave Norwich a double-digit lead. Ducatelli rocketed a one-out double to the right-center gap, and Tirado drove him in slicing a double down the left field line.

The Sea Unicorns capped their offensive onslaught in the 7th. Spencer Chard was hit by a pitch with two outs, and Chance brought him home with a single to left. A throwing error by the left fielder allowed Chard to score.

The Norwich bullpen was lights out over the final three innings, holding the Bees hitless. Daniel Cantafi tossed two scoreless frames, earning his first win of the summer with one walk and two strikeouts. Jack Novak closed it out with a scoreless 7th.

Win – Daniel Cantafi (1-1)
Loss – Jack Sheldon (0-3)
Time – 2:14

The Sea Unicorns return to action this afternoon for a doubleheader against the Westfield Starfires. Matt Wootton (4-1) gets the ball in Game 1, with first pitch set for 1 p.m., followed by Brendan Grady (1-2) in Game 2, scheduled for approximately 4 p.m.

UPCOMING PROMOTION

vs Westfield Starfires @ 1:00pm (Gates open at 12:00pm)

Sunday Funday with postgame Kids Run the Bases and Have a Catch in the Outfield

Children 12 & under are invited on the field following the game to Run the Bases one time and Have a Catch in the Outfield with their families for 15 minutes.

Baseballs for Have a Catch are presented by: CT DOT

Sunday’s are also our First Mate’s Club Day

The First Mate’s Club is open to children 12 & under. As a member, you will receive a ticket to every Sunday home game, receive a t-shirt and a credential to show off your membership in style, receive discounts at concessions and merchandise stands on Sunday’s.

Presented by: K & H Equipment of Plainfield

Written by Adam Plager