Knights

A 9-8 extra-innings win in Worcester early in the day had the Silver Knights riding high, yet it was not the top highlight of their Thursday. Nashua welcomed the WarDogs baseball team in a charity exhibition matchup at Historic Holman Stadium.

WarDogs baseball is a non-profit “Forever Never Forgotten”  organization whose mission is to support our military, give back to our veterans, and honor our fallen. A baseball team made of military-affiliated and first responders tour the country fundraising money for their cause in exhibition games. 

On the Silver Knights’ side, the Knights brought some alumni back to Holman for the exhibition matchup. Both teams lined up on the baselines for the WarDogs’ wonderful pregame ceremony featuring presenting the colors and honoring our fallen heroes. 

Bellavance Beverage presented a check in between innings to the Veterans Count Foundation, raising over $5,000 for veterans in need. Silver Knights pitcher Frankie Melendez gifted his "Salute to Service" jersey to US Army Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Hummel in between innings as well, along with the night being filled of dedication and moments of appreciations for the ones who protect our country.

Festivities in the books, the Knights and Dogs took the diamond. Stonehill’s Frankie Melendez got the start for Nashua, getting the honor with his military family background. Melendez gave the troops his best, tossing four shutout innings with six strikeouts.

On the offensive side, it was a blast from the past stepping out of the home dugout. Two-time champion and Futures League all-time single season hit leader Cam Cook traded in his General Manager title for two innings, batting second and playing second base. Cook went 1-1 with a walk and an RBI in his brief stint, giving the Holman faithful a flashback to 2017.

Nashua pulled away early, but the War Dogs did not go down easily. Army Catcher Ruger Beck put on a show at the plate, putting up three hits and one RBI besides two stolen bases. Once a six-run Nashua lead, the War Dogs pulled it to 7-4 in the later innings.

Holding a three-run lead, the Knights felt confident they could cruise to the finish. But in a stunning turn of events, Nashua Head Coach Kyle Jackson put himself on the mound in the seventh. Jackson, going from a foot on the top step of the dugout to right on the rubber, struggled in his return to action. Needing saving, the Knights turned to, who else, but their pitching coaches and Nashua alumni in Noah Wachter and Spencer Bergeron.

Both were great out of the ‘pen, with Bergeron recording the save in the ninth behind three quick outs that included a game-sealing strikeout. Both teams gathered together for a team picture after the final out, capping off the great night in Nashua.

Pitcher of the Night was awarded to Nashua’s Melendez, with Beck taking the title of Hitter of the Game behind his stellar play. Both were awarded trophy bats courtesy of Walter Bat Co.

Fun on the field, fundraising and donations in the concourse, and a great time had by all summed up one of the best nights at Holman Stadium this summer.

Back in Futures League action tomorrow, the Knights will welcome in the Brockton Rox for a Firework Friday Night matchup. First pitch between Nashua and the Rox is set for 6:00 PM.