FCBL Worcester Bravehearts

Suns heat up in seventh inning to defeat Bravehearts

Published on June 27, 2014 under Futures Collegiate Baseball League (FCBL)
Worcester Bravehearts News Release


WORCESTER, Mass. - For six innings, the Worcester Bravehearts looked like they were in route to another shutout victory.

But in one inning, the game completely swung in a different direction, as the Pittsfield Suns rallied for seven runs in the seventh inning in an 8-1 defeat of the Bravehearts on June 27 at Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field.

Making his second and final start of the season, Bravehearts starter Brian Christian struck out four batters and allowed only three hits in five scoreless innings pitched. Christian, who will play at Northeastern University as an incoming freshman, was only signed to a 10-day player contract when pitcher Aaron Doughty was put on the disabled list. Despite Christian's strong outing, Suns starter Jacob Williams got the win, as he threw seven innings and gave up only one run and five hits.

The Bravehearts took a 1-0 lead in the third inning when center fielder Brandon O'Reilly hit a sacrifice fly to center field to score second baseman Andy Lack. The Bravehearts got runners on second and third with two outs, but Williams got left fielder Nick Nunziato to fly out to right field to end the threat.

Pittsfield tied the game in the seventh inning when Worcester reliever Sam Ross gave up the lead on a sacrifice fly by second baseman Tad Martin. Ross then loaded the bases and walked catcher Dan Palazzo, which allowed left fielder Paul Cottler to score go-ahead run.

Ross almost got out of the inning when he forced a ground ball to third baseman Mark DeYoung, but DeYoung's throw to the plate hit Pittsfield center fielder Gary Tesch off the helmet and bounced to the backstop, allowing left fielder Tyler Bell to score as well. Auburn, Mass., native and Suns designated hitter Zack Tower capped off the scoring in the inning with a two-run home run to left center field. Tower finished the game 3-5 at the plate with two RBIs.

Ross took the loss and dropped to 0-2 on the season. Despite allowing all seven runs in the seventh innings, only three of the seven runs were earned, as the Bravehearts committed four errors throughout the game.

The Suns added another run in the eighth inning, and relief pitcher Nate Spielvogel sealed the victory with two innings without allowing a hit or a run.

The Bravehearts will hit the road again and face the Old Orchard Beach Raging Tide at 7 p.m. June 28 at The Ball Park in Old Orchard Beach, Maine.

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Futures Collegiate Baseball League Stories from June 27, 2014


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