The Sea Unicorns dropped game one of a two game series in Vermont despite out-hitting the Lake Monsters nine to three.
Johnny Knox got things rolling early with a lead-off double although the 2-3-4 hitters were unsuccessful in driving him in.
Making his return to Norwich after spending time with the team in 2022, Kolby Pascarelli took the bump.
The Elon University freshman recorded four straight strikeouts after the first batter flew-out, dazzling hitters with off-speed pitches.
Pascarelli was sharp until the fourth inning, surrendering not a single hit. A leadoff walk followed by a single and back-to-back walks broke the trend. One in which drove home a run to score the first run of the game. The Lake Monsters went up by two following a single.
The Sea Unicorn bats were working although runs were not scored until the seventh inning. Ben Jerome slashed an opposite field double to start the inning. Breon Parker advanced on a walk and consecutive wild pitches scored Norwich’s first run.
Advancing to first on a fielder’s choice, CJ Egrie stole second to put himself in scoring position. He was knocked in by a DJ Perron single to tie the game at two.
The tie was short lived. After swiftly recording two outs, Peyton Sutman allowed a walk, double and consecutive walks to force home the Vermont go ahead run. In 2.2 innings of relief he allowed two hits with one earned run.
The Sea Unicorns stranded a runner on second in the eighth and ninth inning. DJ Perron stuck-out swinging to end the game for a final score of 2-3.
Key factors of the game continue to be walks allowed for the Sea Unicorns. The offense remains hot. Jerome, Parker and Knox each had a two-hit game and Egrie stole two bases for the second consecutive game.
Remaining in Vermont, the Sea Unicorns look to salvage their first victory in a rematch with the Lake Monsters tonight.