Knights

Saturday, May 27, 2023

By: Dan Allison | Silver Knights media relations

After a three-game road slate to start their season, the Silver Knights returned home to open up Historic Holman Stadium for the 2023 season. Nashua’s faithful filled the seats to welcome their defending champions home, but the Knights couldn’t bring their A-game to the field along with them. Nashua dropped their second straight to the Bravehearts 6-4, in major part to some sloppy play and questionable decisions.

A five-run Worcester second ended up being the nail in the coffin for the Knights on Saturday, putting them behind from just about the jump. Saint Joseph’s Padraig Mac Seain had a tough night on the bump for Nashua, but not due to his pitching. Three consecutive errors to open up the second eventually set the table for a three-run blast from Fitchburg’s Vincent Eramo. Worcester would add two on top of the homer.

Unlike the night prior, Nashua’s bats came alive against the Bravehearts this time around. Thanks to the red-hot bat of Eastern Nazarene’s Shane McNamara, the Knights were able to grab a brief lead in the first from Shane-o’s RBI single. 

Despite adding another run in the second on an RBI single from Villanova’s Aidan Barry, the Knights then found themselves in a dry spell. It wasn’t until the sixth that the red and black started to cook. UCONN’s Ryan Juliano tripled home a run, with Clark’s Ryan Caulfield doubling him home. With two already across, the Knights were threatening with the bases loaded and one out 

But in another act of self-inflicted wounds, Nashua would get doubled up trying to tag up and score at the plate to end the rally. 

A single in the eighth from Mount St. Marys’s Shane Wockley would allow New England’s Luca Giallongo to come in and run for Wockley. Giallongo swiped second, looking to start a needed big inning. But in the theme of the night, Drury’s Tyler Bastunas would make a great catch in shallow center for Worcester and double up Giallongo. Nashua remained on Worcester’s tail, but couldn’t get the hits to fall their way.

Assumption’s Alex Meesig would come in for Mac Seain, being the damage control after the tough second frame. Meesig had a great showing, striking out six on only one earned run. Entering the ninth with a 6-4 deficit, the Knights couldn’t spark a late-game comeback and fell to the Hearts for the second straight night.

Following Saturday’s tough finish, the Knights look to get a home win under their belt with a meeting against Norwich. Silver Knights vs Sea Unicorns is set for 3:00 PM on Sunday.