Blue Sox Swipe Win in Vermont, 4-3
June 7, 2014 - New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL)
Valley Blue Sox News Release
MONTPELIER, VT--The Valley Blue Sox never trailed, but needed a miscue in the ninth to walk away 4-3 winners at Recreation Field in Vermont's capital against the rival Mountaineers.
The Blue Sox jumped out to an early first inning lead as third baseman Frank Crinella tripled to center, and then first baseman Tre Sikes worked back from an 0-2 count to get it full before stroking a double into the left center gap to plate Crinella.
The Mountaineers threatened in the second, taking a leadoff hit-by-pitch, stealing second, and grounding the runner to third, but pitcher Anthony Elia pulled the string on a 3-2 to get a strikeout to end the frame and threat.
However, in the third, they scored, taking advantage of a walk, stealing second, and bringing the run in on a fielding error to tie the game without actually getting a hit.
Valley responded in the following half inning, loading up the bases on two singles by Sikes and right fielder Michael Gilbert. After shortstop Joseph Carcone was intentionally walked, a wild pitch scored Sikes and then catcher Justin Morhardt hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Gilbert.
The Mountaineers posted a two spot of their own in the fifth, with a single, walk, single, and wild pitch bringing in the runs, ending Elia's day with two outs in the frame. They threatened again in the sixth, working walks to get first and third, but Kyle Rasmussen, who came in to replace Mike McGee, got the Mountaineers to roll over for the third out.
In the ninth, Carcone ripped a single through the left side, and stole second. He also stole third, and the throw went into left, allowing him to score. That was enough for the Blue Sox, as Joe DiBenedetto was able to work around a single to get the called strike three to end the game.
Rasmussen earned the win in 2.1 innings of work for the Blue Sox, his first victory in his first appearance of the year.
The Blue Sox will battle the North Adams SteepleCats tomorrow in the Berkshires before returning home Tuesday to Mackenzie Stadium to battle the Laconia Muskrats on HG&E Night.
The 2014 season will represent the Blue Sox seventh season in the Pioneer Valley, playing at Mackenzie Stadium in Holyoke. The Blue Sox have been a member of the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL; www.necbl.com) since 2008. The NECBL is funded in part by Major League Baseball and is comprised of 12 teams throughout all six New England states who recruit the elite athletes and premier pro prospects from around the world.
New England Collegiate Baseball League Stories from June 7, 2014
- Newport's strong pitching limits Mainers in season opener, Mainers win in walk off fashion! - Sanford Mainers
- Mountaineers drop home opener - Vermont Mountaineers
- Blue Sox Swipe Win in Vermont, 4-3 - Valley Blue Sox
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