Blue Sox Top Mountaineers, 6-2
July 24, 2013 - New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL)
Valley Blue Sox News Release
HOLYOKE, MA-Four runs in the first two innings were more than enough for the home squad as the top pitcher in the NECBL, Holyoke's All-Star Michael Burke, threw a complete game to lead the Blue Sox to a 6-2 victory over the Vermont Mountaineers in front of 1,544 at Mackenzie Stadium.
Holyoke jumped all over Vermont's John Miles in the first frame, tagging him for four hits, including a two-run double by catcher Justin Morhardt to give Holyoke a 3-0 lead in the first frame.
Though the Mountaineers scored two in the second-one of which was unearned due to an error-the Blue Sox quickly regained a multi-run lead on an RBI double by second baseman Brendan Hendriks in the bottom part of the frame.
Burke cruised from there, keeping Vermont to just nine hits that were scattered throughout the game over the nine frames, walking one and fanning four; he was given insurance in the eighth when Morhardt singled in the eighth to bring in a run and then was scored himself when designated hitter Joel Fisher smacked another double.
Miles, who took the loss, surrendered five hits and four earned runs in six innings, along with three walks and seven strikeouts. Burke, who improved to 3-0 on the year with an 0.49 ERA, was thrilled with how he performed.
"It's a huge win today. It wasn't easy, Vermont's definitely a good team...but it feels good to take down [a top team]...I love when my offense hits, it gives me a lot more confidence. I knew I was gonna be able to take them down, and that's what happened," Burke said.
Holyoke next takes on the division-leading Keene Swamp Bats for a doubleheader at Mackenzie Stadium, with the gates opening at 4:00 PM for the 5:00 PM Game One start.
New England Collegiate Baseball League Stories from July 24, 2013
- Blue Sox Top Mountaineers, 6-2 - Valley Blue Sox
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- Waves score seven unanswered to down Mystic - Ocean State Waves
- Mannuccia Deals, Laconia Miscues Lead 'Cats over 'Scrats, 10-2 - North Adams SteepleCats
- Gulls Hosting Heather Abbott Night on July 30 - Newport Gulls
- Blue Sox Open Three-Game Homestand at Mackenzie Stadium - Valley Blue Sox
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