SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Sam Sherman struck out 12 and allowed just one hit Wednesday in leading the Taconic Thunder to a 1-0 win over Pope Francis.

 

Sherman got all the offensive support he needed in the top of the third, and he had a key hit to make it happen.

 

Bo Bramer got things started with a four-pitch leadoff walk. He then went to third on Sherman’s line-drive single.

 

After a fly ball for the first out, Sherman and Bramer executed a double-steal, the latter coming home with the only run of the game.

 

Nick Guachione and Stevie Zuccalo had the only other hits in a pitcher’s duel between Sherman and Brady DeBarge.

 

DeBarge struck out five in the loss.

 

Taconic (2-1) is back on the road Monday afternoon at Holyoke.