Media Release - Gulls Lose Game One 4-1, Will Play at Mystic Friday
August 7, 2015 - New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL)
Newport Gulls News Release
NEWPORT, R.I. - After a huge momentum-turning victory Wednesday, it appeared as though the Newport Gulls were ready to make a run to the championship. But instead, the Gulls ran into a dominant pitching performance from Mike Adams and dropped Game One 4-1 to the Mystic Schooners Thursday night at Cardines Field, losing the first game of back-to-back playoff series.
The Schooners came out swinging early in the NECBL Southern Division Championship Series opener, sending eight to the dish and plating three runs in the top of the first inning off Newport starter Matt Ruppenthal.
Pitching coach Kevin Long said that the main reason for the early struggles was the fact that Ruppenthal did not locate his pitches as well as he could've and left the ball in places that Mystic could find holes.
"He couldn't make an adjustment to get the ball down," Long said. "If he had got the ball down, we probably would've gotten out of the inning."
The Schooners scratched across another run in the second inning to go up 4-0 and seize all momentum from the homestanding Gulls. From there, Adams spun a gem for the visitors, keeping Newport off-balance all night.
After allowing a single to open the game, the righty from Wagner College went the next 23 batters without allowing another hit, and went that long without letting a Gull into scoring position.
"He located, had a good downward plane and kept the ball low," Long said. "We couldn't get into him and you've got to tip your cap to him. He pitched well."
Despite looking out of the game through eight, the Newport offense sprung to life in the ninth inning, loading the bases with one and having the winning run at the plate. Mystic weathered the storm, though, as Jason Foley recorded the final two outs to give his team a series lead.
Newport will again try to stay alive, as they travel to Fitch High School for Game Two with the Schooners. Rob Masse and Jeff Lemmon will have the call on the NECBL Broadcast Network with coverage beginning at 5:30 p.m., first pitch at 6:05 p.m. If needed, Game Three returns to Newport Saturday at 6:35 p.m.
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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- Media Release - Gulls Lose Game One 4-1, Will Play at Mystic Friday - Newport Gulls
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