Errors, Missed Opportunities Cost the Blue Sox 7-2
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. - The Blue Sox visited division-leading North Adams on Tuesday, and Holyoke fell to the SteepleCats by the score 7-2.Despite the second half of the game being played smoothly by both teams, the first half featured errors that cost the momentum, and ultimately the game, for the Blues.
In the first inning, the Blue Sox looked to get back to the dugout in a tie game. But an error by shortstop Sean Rockey (George Washington) allowed John Shults (Pittsburgh) to score, giving he Cats the lead.
The top of the third inning is where the Blue Sox threatened the biggest, as SteepleCats starter Charlie Law (Rutgers) walked the bases loaded with one man out. Holyoke got the game within one after getting a run by a bases loaded single by Rockey.
But with the bases still loaded, and two men out, catcher Steve Rodriguez (UCLA) lined a ball to the left side of the infield that was seemingly destined for left field. The ball, though, was caught by a diving Johnny Smith, robbing two potential runs and the lead from Holyoke’s clutches.
The fourth inning is where the game turned. Like the first, things seemed to be going well for Blue Sox starter Doug Jennings (UCONN), getting the first two batters out.
But a second error by Rockey extended the inning, and then North Adams opened up the game. Three straight hits; a single, a double, and a single scored two runs, extending a lead that was not overcome by the Blues.
While the SteepleCats took advantage of Blue Sox miscues, the same could not be said for Holyoke. In each inning of the ball game, the Blue Sox left at least one man on base. In total, Holyoke stranded 14 runners.
But the game provided some offensive highlights for the Blues. Hitting out of the clean-up spot, newly arrived first baseman/designated hitter Murray Watts (Arkansas State) garnered two hits in his Blue Sox debut. Stephen Arcure (William and Mary) collected two hits as well.
Holyoke had trouble, though, fighting off the relief pitching of the SteepleCats, who, as a group, threw six and two thirds scoreless innings to finish the game and the Blue Sox.
The Blues will head back to Pittsfield to face the Western Division’s own American Defenders at 7 pm.
For more information about sox players, coaching staff, personnel or tickets, visit the team’s website at www.holyokesox.com.
