Knights

By Dan Aulbach, Silver Knights Media Relations

Tied for the best record in their last ten games at 7-3, the Nashua Silver Knights traveled to Massachusetts early on Thursday morning scheduled to square off against the Worcester Bravehearts in a double header. After 20 runs combined on the day, the two would split the double header after each team caught offensive fire respectively, the Bravehearts mercying the Silver Knights 10-0 after five innings and riding on a complete game from Thomas Rioux to beat down on Worcester in game two 9-1.

Worcester boasts one of the best offenses in the FCBL complemented by their conference best record, which was evident from the get-go. The Bravehearts scored three runs off Stonehill's Braydon Gray after two consecutive walks and a home run from second baseman Tyler Bastunas. Immediately, Gray was in a hole, and his outing was cut short after pitching two innings while giving up six earned runs.

On the offensive side, designated hitter Shane Wockley would be the only Silver Knight to register a hit in game one on an opposite field double to left in the third inning. Nashua would only get three base runners in five innings, and with a scoreless outing from Worcester starter Randy Guzman, the Knights would need a big reset to hope to split on the day.

Getting the scoring party started early for the Knight's afternoon game was shortstop Brady O’Brien. Improving his batting average in his last five games, O’Brien ripped a triple that scored two and was quickly knocked in on a sacrifice fly ball from catcher Kyle Lavigne. Instantly, the Knights washed away their game one offensive woes with a quick start to the afternoon.

Giving the bullpen a rest on the day was Rioux, who had his best stuff working against the top team in the FCBL. He shoved through all seven innings while only allowing five hits and one run in the third inning. While Rioux got to work, the offense continued to provide a big boost for the Knights, feeding off the three-run first and putting three more on the board in the second with a two-RBI double from outfielder Nater Wachter and sacrifice fly from Luca Giallongo.

The Knights would add three more runs to their tally, wiping away the previous loss and leaving for Holman Stadium on an 9-1 victory. With the split, the Silver Knights look forward to Friday night where they host the Westfield Starfires in Monkey Boy’s highly anticipated return to Holman Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.