NEWS

MONTPELIER, Vt. – A defensive battle between Vermont and Upper Valley was determined by a one-run sixth inning as the Nighthawks claimed a 1-0 victory on Friday evening at Maxfield Sports Complex in New England Collegiate Baseball League action.

An exceptional pitching duel between Alec Huertas (Bethlehem, Pa. / Long Island University) and Upper Valley’s Paxton Thompson left little room for offense, as the Nighthawks clinched game three of this season’s Governor's Cup rivalry.

Vermont nearly struck twice in the opening innings, having runners advance to third in both the first and second frames, but could not capitalize as Upper Valley thwarted their hopes each time. Neither offense could get much going, continuously stranding runners on bases until the Nighthawks finally broke through in the sixth inning with a Gehrig Anglin double to center field that allowed Cole Frederick to score.

The Mountaineers had their best opportunity to answer in the eighth, but Cameron Chick (Rocheport, Mo. / University of Nebraska-Lincoln) was caught stealing third base. Corey DiLoreto (Reading, Mass. / Northeastern University) then found himself on second after a drive to right field, but Vermont could not get him home as Upper Valley collected two swift outs to end the threat en route to the 1-0 shutout win.

Huertas took the loss for the Mountaineers, surrendering four hits and the lone Nighthawk run. Corley Woods picked up the win for the home team, not giving up a single hit in his two frames of play. Aaron Haase got the save for Upper Valley, allowing just two hits while striking out three in the ninth inning.

Vermont will return to historic Montpelier Recreation Field tomorrow evening for a 6:30 p.m. rematch against the North Adams SteepleCats.

You can listen all season long on the NECBL Broadcast Network.

Ben Zacher