Nashua was in high spirits tonight as they hosted the Worcester Bravehearts in a pivotal matchup that would mean a lot in the standings of the Futures Leauge. Trailing the New Britain Bees by just 1.5 games, this one was crucial for Nashua to win.
In the end, they would battle neck and neck with the visitors; however, they could not pull out a win. Worcester was powered by a monster 8th inning that led them to victory 6-3.
The pitching was there for the Knights minus the 8th, as Nigel Cross would turn in a great start for Nashua. He was there all day, although he allowed five hits in four innings, he was able to get out of almost every jam, ending up only allowing one run on the day.
The bats would not help out their starter as they were slow to start this game. Worcester starter Austin Campbell would mow down the first nine Nashua batters in order as he ended his day perfect, as he only went three innings. The bats, however, did not stay quiet for long, as in the 4th inning, the offense would get going. Jayden Hamilton would double to the left to get the inning started as he just beat the left fielder’s reach. Jake Elberry would then also draw aboard on an error from the left fielder as the Knights would have two men aboard with just one away. Cole Patterson would then do his part as he would come through, singling in Hamilton on an error by the center fielder.
Sam Franco would come on to relieve Nashua’s starter, and he would throw extremely well as he was able to toss three great innings of work. The only trouble he ran into would be in the 5th as he gave up a two-run home run to Jaylem Sepulveda. The offense would battle back again for Nashua as they cut the deficit to just one in the bottom half of the 5th inning. This time it was Patrick Shrake who would single in a run.
Nashua would then come crawling back in the bottom half of the 7th. They were able to get multiple runners aboard as James Benestad would come around to score after Hamilton would drive him in on a sacrifice fly to tie the game up.
Worcester’s offense in the 8th awoke and in a massive way. They were able to rally for multiple runs as they essentially ended this game in just a few swings. Three runners would come across to score in the frame as the visitors were able to get eight batters up in the inning. This, with a combination of their lights-out pitching, led them to a win in the end.
For the Knights, they will fall again, and after the game, Patrick Shrake, when asked about the team’s future, said that it’s been a tough few weeks due to a turnover of guys; however, I’m confident that we can turn it around before the playoffs”.
