Gulls Defeat Bay Sox 12-3, Earn Manager Coombs 300th Win
Published on July 17, 2015 under New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL)
Newport Gulls News Release
NEWPORT, R.I. - With the season coming quickly to an end, the Newport Gulls were in need of a statement win. The Gulls (19-11) got what they were looking for Friday, clubbing the New Bedford Bay Sox 12-3 at Cardines Field. The win is the 300th career victory for Manager Mike Coombs.
The Bay Sox jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning, putting pressure on Newport's bats to produce - and produce they did.
The Gulls struck right back, loading the bases with three-straight singles for cleanup hitter Drew Lugbauer. The big catcher from Michigan powered a grand slam over the centerfield wall, putting the Gulls up 4-1 in the first.
Lugbauer said Gulls hitters were focused on changing the team's offensive approach at the plate going into Friday's game.
"Just hitting the ball hard and trying to cut down the strikeouts for everybody," Lugbauer said. "It kind of worked today and we're going to keep doing that process moving forward."
Following a second Bay Sox run in the second, Newport added to its lead in the second inning as Joven Afenir, Newport's home-run leader, deposited one of his own over the wall in right-centerfield to put the Gulls up 6-2.
Afenir isn't known for his power at Kansas, but he's been able to flex his muscles at Cardines Field.
"I have no idea what's gotten into me, but I'm really glad it's happened," Afenir said.
From there, the Gulls piled on, scoring six more runs, mostly due to their six All-Star hitters coming up big.
More important than the singular victory, Newport took the season series from the Bay Sox 4-2, which could be important as the playoffs close in. Lugbauer said that the Gulls wanted to finish the series out strong and they were able to do so in blowout fashion.
"They're a good team and they always give us a good battle," Lugbauer said. "It's good to pull away from that and keep pounding."
The 300th regular-season victory for Manager Mike Coombs comes in his 11th season as the Gull skipper, since taking over as manager four-games in to the 2005 season. Coombs has led the Gulls to NECBL titles in 2005, 2009, 2012, and 2014, among numerous other accolades.
The Gulls travel to Mystic Saturday to play the Schooners in a fight for first place in the Southern Division. Nick Lima will be on the call for the game on the NECBL Broadcast Network with first pitch scheduled for 6:05 p.m.
Following Sunday's All-Star Game in Sanford, Maine, which the Gulls are sending an NECBL-best nine players to along with their coaching staff, Newport will play a makeup contest at Cardines Field on Monday at 6:35 p.m. vs. the Plymouth Pilgrims.
For more information about the Newport Gulls, visit facebook.com/newportgulls, follow the Gulls on Twitter @NewportGulls or visit www.newportgulls.com.
New England Collegiate Baseball League Stories from July 17, 2015
- Gulls Defeat Bay Sox 12-3, Earn Manager Coombs 300th Win - Newport Gulls
- Swamp Bats Plummet 9-8 to SteepleCats In Extra Innings - Keene Swamp Bats
- Mountaineers Take Hold of First with Win at Laconia - Vermont Mountaineers
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