Sea Unicorns topple Bravehearts for third straight win
Worcester, MA – The Norwich Sea Unicorns continue their winning streak and are back to playing .500 baseball after beating the Worcester Bravehearts 3-2.
It was a straight pitcher’s duel in Woo Town, with both bullpens pitching absolute gems. Matt Shampine started the game for the Sea Unicorns, pitching a solid 3 innings and only allowing 2 runs on 5 hits. However, Norwich’s bullpen stole the show, only allowing 1 hit over 6 innings of work to snatch the win for the Sea Unicorns. Tyler Fahey and Sean McGettigan combined for 5 innings of no-hit baseball with 4 strikeouts before Jack Scholz closed the game in the ninth.
The Bravehearts were able to strike first in this matchup, with a leadoff double and walk setting the stage for a Hunter St. Denis RBI single. An error from Michael Fiatarone would load the bases for Worcester, looking to extend their early 1-0 lead with nobody out. However, a Gabe Malaret flyout and a double play would end the inning and get Norwich out of the early jam.
The Sea Unicorns punched right back in their half of the second. Two walks would have two runners on with two outs before Jack Treat knocked an RBI single to left to tie the game at 1.
Norwich would create some more noise in the third. Caden Williamson got on base with a single to center and stole second to enter scoring position with two outs in the frame. Matt Park would drive him in with an RBI single to right and put the Sea Unicorns in the lead at 2-1.
That lead wouldn’t last long, as the Bravehearts would immediately respond in their half of the third with a solo home run to center from Dante Ruby to tie the game once again. Two more base hits in the inning would put both runners in scoring position with one out. With the Bravehearts coming closer to taking the lead, the Norwich pitching staff forced back-to-back groundouts to escape the inning without letting up any more damage.
Worcester wouldn’t have the only home run of the day, as Park smashed a solo shot to left field in the fifth to retake the lead for Norwich. With Park’s second RBI of the day, the Sea Unicorns had their 3-2 lead and rode it all the way home to victory.
The Bravehearts would come close to tying the game in the eighth. A Ruby walk and stolen base followed later in the inning by another walk to Mason Bordelon would have the tying and go-ahead runs on base with two outs. McGettigan would escape the jam unscathed by forcing Malaret to flyout and end the inning.
Norwich tried to add some insurance in the ninth, putting runners on the corners with two outs. However, a Williamson fielder’s choice ended the inning before anyone could score.
Scholz entered the game in the ninth looking to shut the door, and the Bravehearts tried to string together some late inning magic. After two quick outs, a Will Kraemer pinch-hit single put the tying run on base. Cole Travers would pinch-hit to try and drive in the biggest run of the game, but ended up flying out to right to finish the game.
The Sea Unicorns are now 10-10 on the campaign with a three-game winning streak. Norwich will look to put themselves over .500 for the first time this season on Monday back home against the Worcester Bravehearts. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET.
Win – Tyler Fahey (1-0)
Loss – Jake Schoenberg (0-1)
Save – Jack Scholz (1)
Time – 2:34
written by Mark Benway
UPCOMING PROMOTIONS
Monday, June 22nd vs Worcester Bravehearts @ 6:30pm (gates open at 5:30)
Kids Eat Free!
The return of the Kids Eat Free promotion at Dodd Stadium! All kids 12 & under will receive a voucher for a hot dog, bag of chips and bottle of water.
Presented by BTW Plumbing, Heating & Cooling
Monday, June 29th vs Nashua Silver Knights @ 6:30pm (gates open at 5:30)
Kids Eat Free!
Back-to-back weeks of free meal Mondays! All kids 12 & under will receive a voucher for a hot dog, bag of chips and bottle of water.
Presented by BTW Plumbing, Heating & Cooling
