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FCBL Worcester Bravehearts

Bravehearts, Suns split Sunday twin bill

July 27, 2015 - Futures Collegiate Baseball League (FCBL)
Worcester Bravehearts News Release


WORCESTER - In both games of a doubleheader against the Pittsfield Suns on Sunday, July 26 at Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field, the Worcester Bravehearts fell behind 4-0 early. However, each game turned out a little differently, as Worcester won the first game 5-4 while losing the second 9-4.

In Game 1, the Suns took the lead in the 2nd inning with an RBI single by right fielder Derek Bauer (SNHU / Millis) followed by a 3RBI double by shortstop Jeremy Giles (Stony Brook / Claremont, California). All four Pittsfield runs came off Bravehearts starter Joe San Felippo (Wheeling Jesuit / Oberlin, Ohio), but he had a no decision after tossing 4.2 innings with four runs on five hits and four strikeouts.

The Bravehearts offense countered with four runs of its own in the 4th inning, as first baseman Zack Tower (UMass Lowell / Auburn) broke the shutout by scoring on an error by Giles.

Designated hitter Bobby Dragon (Coppin St. / Ashtabula, Ohio) then smacked a 2RBI double, and two batters later he scored on a ground out to tie the game at 4-4.

In the bottom of the 7th, Tower singled to lead off the frame, and Pittsfield went to its closer Dom Grillo (URI / North Kingstown, Rhode Island) to try to force extra innings. With one out in the inning, left fielder Evan Hirschbaum (Washington College / Massapequa, New York) hit a towering shot to right center field, and Tower rushed all the way home from first to win the game. Grill took the loss, while Worcester pitcher Adam De La Cruz (Cochise / Bronx, New York) got the win, as he tossed 2.1 innings of scoreless relief and struck out four.

In Game 2, the Suns opened up another lead in the 2nd inning but this time never looked back, as they put up eight runs in the frame. Despite opening the game with a 1-2-3 inning, Bravehearts starter Bobby Maxwell (LIU Brooklyn / Otisville, New York) struggled on the hill. The righty took the loss after he gave up six walks and seven earned runs in only 1.1 innings of work.

Trailing 9-0 in the 4th, Tower unloaded on a home run to deep left center to snap the shut out.

Three additional runs were too little, too late, as Worcester left 11 men on base in the losing effort.

Suns starter Matt Van Riper (Bridgeport / Elmwood Park, New Jersey) got the win, as he went five strong innings with two runs on four hits and three strikeouts.

The Worcester Bravehearts continue their homestand in a matchup with the Brockton Rox at 7:05 p.m. Monday night, July 27 at Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field. Monday is Bike Night, which will include a fundraiser for the Special Olympics MA Dream Ride team. Tickets for all future Bravehearts games are available at the Hanover Insurance Field box office, online at worcesterbravehearts.com, or by calling 508-438-3773.

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