Knights

Photo: John Corneau/PhotosbyJC

After dropping three games in a row, a slumping Silver Knights team was searching for answers to end their streak. To get back into the win column, Nashua would have to take down the second place Westfield Starfires. While it seemed like a daunting task, the Knights handled their business by taking the last game of their four game homestand, 8-2.

Tulane University’s Jonah Wachter got the start for the Knights while Western New England University’s Kevin Hummer rivaled Wachter with the start for Westfield. Making his first appearance of the 2022 season, Wachter dominated in his six innings of work. With eight strikeouts on only three hits, Wachter shut out the Starfires lineup who posted eleven runs on the Knights just under a week ago.

With Wachter’s performance setting the table, all eyes were on Nashua’s offense. After only putting up two runs combined in their previous three games, the game was in the hands of the Knights lineup. After a few base runners but no runs in the first couple innings, it seemed like the Knights were still stuck in their same cold spell. But in the bottom of the fifth, a spark was ignited.

Salve Regina University’s Matt D’Amato, in only his second game of the year, got the scoring started with an RBI double to left field that brought home two. After a run coming across on a passed ball in the sixth, UMass Amherst’s Will MacLean left his mark on the ballgame with a deep drive to right for an RBI double. After matching their fifth innings runs in the sixth, Nashua led 4-0.

After Wachter’s night ended, Clark University’s Zach Gitschier took over on the bump. Gitschier made quick work of the Westfield lineup, including getting amped up after an inning ending strikeout. With the lead sitting at 4-0, Nashua continued the hitting parade in the seventh. Holy Cross’s Jack Toomey and Penn State’s Jake Cooper both singled to drive in a run. After going 3-3 in the game, Will “The Thrill” MacLean capped off his excellent night with another hit to bring in two more runs. Putting a sword through the heart of Westfield’s chances, the Knights led 8-0 through seven.

Westfield added two runs in the eighth but even with a lineup like theirs, the Starfires could not pull off the improbable comeback as Nashua finished off a relieving, slump-ending victory.

Jonah Wachter earned Player of the game honors, dominating Westfield’s lineup in a quality start. Jack Toomey, Matt D’Amato, and Ray Velazquez all posted RBIs in the win. Will MacLean showed out in the win, going 4-4 with three RBIs.

After a big win, the Silver Knights will head to Westfield to face the Starfires again at 3:00 PM Sunday. Nashua will return to Historic Holman Stadium to face off against the Brockton Rox on Education Day, 10:30 AM Wednesday.