Gulls Sweep 2-Game Series vs. Schooners, Win Game 2 6-2
Published on June 21, 2014 under New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL)
Newport Gulls News Release
NEWPORT, R.I- After defeating the Mystic Schooners at Dodd Stadium on Friday, the Gulls were determined to carry the momentum in the second half of the home-and-home series. With solid offensive contributions, the Gulls were able to win their fourth straight game, defeating the Schooners, 6-2 in front of 2,871 fans at Cardines Field.
For a good portion of the game, the Gulls offense was unable to start a rhythm against Schooners starter Patrick Egan. However, the Gulls came close to breaking the scoreless deadlock in the bottom of the fifth. After Ben Roberts was caught trying to steal second after walking to lead off the inning, an error by third baseman Tyler Boyd enabled Will Smith to reach. This was followed up by singles by Reed Gamache and Tommy Edman, loading the bases with one out. Despite a promising run by the Gulls, Egan was able to strike out Ryan Tufts and Tanner Donnels to end the jam, keeping the score knotted at zero.
In his NECBL pitching debut, Brett Hanewich initially showed signs of dominance on the hill. In 5 1/3 innings, Hanewich allowed two runs on six hits, striking out five batters.
Hanewich allowed no runs in the first five innings, but he ran into trouble in the top of the sixth. After causing Zachary Weigel to fly out to center, Hanewich hit two consecutive batters, causing a sudden spark for the Schooners. This culminated when Boyd lined a shot to right, driving in Toby Handley. In the following at-bat, Chase Livingston continued the rally, by driving home Stephen Laurino on a sharply hit single to Edman at short. A major turning point for the Gulls occurred when southpaw Mark Huberman came into the game to relieve Hanewich. Instantly, Huberman forced a 6-4-3 double play, but the Schooners held on to a 2-0 advantage.
With new reliever Frank Trimarco into the game for the Schooners, the Gulls were able to capitalize in the bottom of the sixth. After Blaise Salter was hit by a pitch, Nick Zammarelli was able to connect on his second home run of the season, blasting a shot over the right field fence. Even though Trimarco was able to retire the next three batters, the Gulls were able to even the score at two.
Although he was riding the momentum provided by the Gulls offense, Huberman was unable to maintain his control against the Schooners in the seventh. Despite striking out Aaron Hill to lead off the inning, a single by Chris Chiaradio, and walks to Jared Hendren and Wiegel loaded the bases with one out. Eventually, Gulls manager Mike Coombs decided to turn to reliever Armand Rugel to escape the jam. Rugel was able to force a 5-2-3 double play, retiring the side without any damage.
In the bottom of the seventh, the Gulls picked up where they left off. Gamache led off the inning with a scorching double down the left field line, then advanced to third on a single by Edman. After Tufts reached on a fielder's choice, Donnels lined a single to left field, driving in Gamache to propel the Gulls into the lead. With new pitcher Nick Brass entering the game for the Schooners, Zammarelli continued his offensive ambush, lining a two-run double down the left field line. Roberts eventually drove home Zammarelli on an RBI single, giving the Gulls an advantageous 6-2 lead.
Rugel was able to continue his solid relief outing, shutting down the Schooners in the eighth and ninth innings. In the ninth, Rugel ignited a double play, and struck out Jared Hendren to secure a 6-2 victory for the Gulls.
With the victory, the Gulls have now won four consecutive games, and their second in a row against the Mystic Schooners. While improving their record to 9-3, along with off days for both the Plymouth Pilgrims and Ocean State Waves, the Newport Gulls have sole possession of first place in the NECBL Southern Division.
The Gulls are back in action on Sunday as they travel to Mackenzie Stadium in Holyoke to face the Valley Blue Sox. Anthony Misiewicz (0-0, 0.00 ERA) will make his second start of the summer for the Newport Gulls. The first pitch will be thrown tomorrow evening at 5, as Nick Lima and Mike Lord have the call on the NECBL Broadcast Network. The Gulls are back home Monday vs. the Keene Swampbats at 6:35.
New England Collegiate Baseball League Stories from June 21, 2014
- Mountaineers win doubleheader - Vermont Mountaineers
- Swamp Bats win 4-2 - Keene Swamp Bats
- Mainers lose in 10 innings - Sanford Mainers
- Gulls Sweep 2-Game Series vs. Schooners, Win Game 2 6-2 - Newport Gulls
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