Blue Sox Fall to Steeple Cats in Extra Innings, 7-6

July 2, 2011 - New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL)
Valley Blue Sox News Release


Holyoke - An extra innings victory was just not in the cards for the Holyoke Blue Sox on Friday night as they fell to the North Adams Steeple Cats 7-6 in 10 innings at MacKenzie Stadium.

The Steeple Cats (6-12) got the scoring started in the second inning with a sacrifice fly by Cameron Griffin scoring Justin Leeson from third base to grab the early 1-0 lead. But the Blue Sox would not let that lead last for too long as they struck back with four of their own in the bottom of the second.

Holyoke tied the ballgame on a sacrifice fly of its own off the bat of Paul McConkey scoring Justin Ringo from third base, but the Blue Sox were not done.

Chris McGowan hit a bloop single into right field scoring Dillon Robinson from third base to take the 2-1 lead, who doubled earlier in the inning to put runners in scoring position for Holyoke. Alex Sherrod, the hero from the 3-2 win on Thursday night, doubled once again driving in Eric Smith and McGowan to give the Blue Sox a 4-1 lead.

The Blue Sox (9-4) had a 5-3 lead going into the ninth inning, when Steeple Cat Chantz Mack ripped a triple to right-center field scoring Mike Zavala and Jacob Daniel to tie the game at five apiece heading into the home half of the ninth.

Holyoke had the chance to win the game with one swing of the bat in the ninth as they had the bases loaded with one out, but Justin Ringo and Sam Eberle were unable to convert causing the game to go to extra innings.

This is where the Steeple Cats once again took advantage of Blue Sox reliever Elliot Byers, who got the tagged with the loss, driving in two more runs in the 10th off a RBI single by Jacob Daniel scoring Drew Gaidaire and Sam Russell to take a 7-5 lead.

Holyoke would strike for one run in the bottom of the 10th, but fell short of tying the game falling for the first time to North Adams this season. Bryant Guilmette notched the win for the Steeple Cats going one and two-thirds, walking two and giving up no runs, and Brian Gilbert closed it out claiming the save for the game.

Holyoke is back in action on Saturday against the Vermont Mountaineers at 6:30 p.m. on the road.

Blue Sox travel to Vermont Tonight!!

For the second time this season, the Blue Sox travel up to Mount Pilar Recreation Field tonight to take on the Vermont Mountaineers at 6:30 p.m. The last time these two teams clashed the Blue Sox blew out the Mountaineers 14-6. This time might be a little different, but Holyoke is looking to start another winning streak following a heartbreaking loss to North Adams. You can watch the game live on Teamline, follow the play-by-play on our blog or website thanks to Cover It Live, follow the updates on Facebook and Twitter as well. So don't miss the Blue Sox tonight as they take on the Mountaineers.

Spend July 4th with the Blue Sox

Before the fireworks light up the night's sky on July 4th, spend the afternoon with the family at MacKeinzie Stadium watching the Blue Sox take on the Old Orchard Beach Raging Tide at 2 p.m. So after the parades, but before the fireworks, take in a great game of baseball at MacKenzie Stadium. Game starts at 2 p.m.

Follow the Blue Sox

If you are on Twitter or Facebook, follow the Holyoke Blue Sox today!!! Follow the Blue Sox on twitter @HolyokeBlueSox and LIKE our Facebook fan page as well, just search Holyoke Blue Sox and LIKE the page that has been updated most recently. So never be out of the loop when it comes to the Blue Sox, follow us on twitter and facebook today!!!



New England Collegiate Baseball League Stories from July 2, 2011


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