Gulls Defeat Pilgrims 14-7 in Cardines Slug Fest
July 20, 2015 - New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL)
Newport Gulls News Release
NEWPORT, R.I. - The mark of a great team is winning games in every way, something the Newport Gulls have done all summer long. The Gulls (21-11) took down the Plymouth Pilgrims 14-7 to kick off their post-All-Star Game schedule and take the season series.
In a series that has been pitched well over the first 19 games, the two teams combined for the most runs scored in the history of the three-season rivalry.
The Pilgrims struck first, grabbing a quick lead on two two-run home runs by Mason O'Brien and Mandy Alvarez, putting Newport on the ropes. But in the third inning, Newport roared back, plating six runs on three hits, including a bomb by Max Beermann to centerfield. Both starters - Matt Ruppenthal for the Gulls and Andy Honiotes for Plymouth - struggled on the mound to start the game, with neither making it to the fourth inning.
Gulls manager Mike Coombs said that the offense gave the Gulls pitchers a lift by piling on hits against Pilgrims pitching.
"Matt Ruppenthal didn't have it and (Michael) Bono was a little shaky, but the hitters did a pick 'em up," Coombs said. "That's the game of baseball."
Bono's shakiness led to the Pilgrims tying the game at seven all in the fifth inning.
With the game still tied in the sixth, the Gulls sent 12 men to the plate and put the contest away. The barrage included a string of 10-consecutive hits. Cooper Elliott notched his first home run of the season during the frame as the Gulls put the game out of reach.
Troy DeLeon and Brendan Spagnuolo came in and locked down the final two innings to give Newport its third straight victory and start the week on a strong note.
The Gulls travel to Rogers Park in Connecticut Tuesday to play the Danbury Westerners for the fifth time this season. Rob Masse and Darren Zaslau will be on the call on the NECBL Broadcast Network.
For more information about the Newport Gulls, visit facebook.com/newportgulls, follow the Gulls on Twitter @NewportGulls or visit www.newportgulls.com.
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New England Collegiate Baseball League Stories from July 20, 2015
- Gulls Defeat Pilgrims 14-7 in Cardines Slug Fest - Newport Gulls
- Rain Cuts Short 2015 NECBL All-Star Game - NECBL
- NECBL Weekly Roundup - NECBL
- Starcun (Valley), Schank (Plymouth) Earn NECBL Week 7 Awards - NECBL
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