Knights

Nashua Falls Short in Shootout 9-8

Monday, May 27, 2024

By: Dan Allison | Silver Knights media relations

Following their first win of the season via a walk-off in extra innings on Sunday, the Silver Knights looked to continue the momentum for their first road trip of 2024. But just hours after the dramatic victory, the Knights found themselves on the other side of a tenth-inning walk-off ending at the hands of the reigning champion Norwich Sea Unicorns.

Holding leads in the top of the ninth and tenth, Nashua’s pitching staff had an uncharacteristic collapse in the later stages with Norwich tying it up in the ninth and posting three in the extra frame to stun the Knights as they fell to 1-3.

Nashua, who have scored five or more runs in three of their first four games, was resilient once again with their bats. Their lineup battled back after falling in a 4-0 hole and posted two runs in the top of the ninth to take a 6-5 lead. Still needing more to get the job done, Lehigh’s Andrew Noone delivered in his first game of the summer with a two-RBI double in the tenth to jump out to an 8-6 lead.

Three outs from Amherst’s Weslley De Olivera would bring the Knights to .500 at 2-2, but Colby’s Ryan Grace wasted no time bringing the Sea Unicorns back into it with a first-pitch towering shot to right that left the yard. Scoring the ghost runner on second with the blast, the game was even at 8-8.

After two walks and two outs following the homer, it was up to Galveston’s MD Connor to keep the inning alive for Norwich. Connor found the gap in left-center to bring home the winning run and send Nashua home with a sour taste in their mouth.

Despite the tough loss, the Knights have a lot of positives to take away from their trip to Connecticut. Keene State’s Tommy Ahlers has cemented his spot as the leadoff hitter, going 2-4 with two RBI. Albany’s Derek Finlay went 4-4, looking so far as the Knights’ top option at shortstop for the summer. 

Nashua’s pitching staff had some bright spots on an overall down day. UMass Lowell’s Andres Hulfachor and Keene State’s Phil Nichols posted hitless innings in their summer debuts, with 2023 returnee Derek Woods tossing a scoreless frame as well.

Monday’s loss marks back-to-back seasons with the Knights starting at 1-3. However, unlike 2023, Nashua has shown much more potential in this season’s brand of baseball.

Looking to translate their play to the win column, the Silver Knights will head to Westfield after the Tuesday off-day for a Wednesday morning meeting with the Starfires. First pitch is set for 10:30 AM.

Visit https://nashuasilverknights.com/home/ or call the office at 603-718-8883 for tickets to any future home games. Can’t make it out to the stadium? Watch the Silver Knights at home or on the go at https://fcblnetwork.com/NashuaSK/ and follow us on social media to track scores and updates.