SwampBats Take Down SteepleCats 9-3
Entering Wednesday, the North Adams SteepleCats (15-13-2) were one of just two teams in the NECBL with a winning record against the Keene SwampBats (20-11). The SwampBats dropped three of their first games against North Adams.
Even so, the SwampBats struck first on Wednesday night. Both Omar Daniels (University of Dayton) and Mike Nyisztor (Rutgers University) reached base in the bottom of the first and scored to open up a 2-0 lead. That lead was extended to 4-0 when Nyisztor and Zach Bushling (University of Connecticut) crossed the plate in the bottom of the third.
Along the way, Keene starting pitcher Zach Davidson mowed down the SteepleCat lineup. The lefty didn't allow a hit through four innings and struck out six.
In the bottom of the fourth, SwampBat catcher Axel Melendez made it a 5-0 lead with a solo home run to center field.
Davidson exited the ballgame the next inning after two unearned runs scored off an error. He finished the day without allowing an earned run through 4.1 innings, striking out eight.
North Adams got even closer, making it a 5-3 game after scoring in the top of the 7th. However, the game was broken open in the bottom of the 7th. Nyisztor and Bushling were each hit by a pitch to begin the inning. Then, Ethan Groff (Tulane University) reached on a walk to load the bases. Nyisztor scored his third run of the game off a passed ball with Ronny Medina (Florida Southwestern State College). Medina eventually walked to re-load the bases. The next batter was Drake Westcott (University of Louisville), who hit a two-RBI double down the line into right field. That would put a bow on this one.
Kaleb Corbett (University of Louisville) came out of the bullpen to slam the door. The right-hander struck out the first four batters he faced in the 8th and 9th before inducing a flout to end it.
The win marks three in a row for Keene, who now sits 1.5 games in front of Upper Valley for first place in the North. The SwampBats play the Sanford Mainers (11-19) at home tomorrow before a crucial matchup against Upper Valley in White River Junction on Friday.
