NEWS

NEWPORT, R.I. – Behind strong pitching and another huge fifth inning, Newport (2-0) beat the Keene  Swamp Bats of the NECBL Northern Division (2-1) in Wednesday night’s exhibition game. 
Monday, the Gulls scored five runs in the fifth en-route to an 8-4 victory over the Valley Blue Sox.  Wednesday, the Gulls were at it again with a five spot in the fifth inning, highlighted by a bases loaded, two-RBI double from Sam Cochrane. 
Keene took an early 2-0 lead behind two runs in the second inning, but got nothing after. Newport’s  bullpen of Liam LeVangie, Seamus Barrett, Blake Mahmood, Bo Brutti, and Grayson Moore combined for five innings of shutout ball. Moore started the game in left field before closing the door  on the bump. In all, the Gulls ‘pen conceded just two hits and struck out eight batters. 
The Gulls scored eight unanswered runs to end the game, highlighted by a solo home run by Lewis  Barnum. His long ball gave the Gulls a 3-2 lead in the fourth that they would never relinquish. 
The win was the first of six straight days with the Gulls in action. Newport hits the road for its first  matchup of the season with the Mystic Schooners (2-1). First pitch is set for 6:05pm. The Gulls are  back at Cardines Field on Friday for Newport This Week Little League night as they take on Mystic  again, gates open at 5pm, first pitch 6:35pm. 
For more information about the Newport Gulls, visit facebook.com/newportgulls, follow the Gulls on Twitter @NewportGulls or visit www.newportgulls.com.