Gulls Down 'Cats 11-2 in Home Opener
NORTH ADAMS — The Newport Gulls exploded for 10 runs off the North Adams SteepleCats bullpen to break open a close game late, as the Gulls coasted to an 11-2 win.The game remained scoreless into the fourth inning. Newport had their first two men reach on singles ahead of a Taylor Meehan sacrifice to put runners on second and third with one out. Cody Grisham grounded a ball to shortstop. With the infield back, Nick Shaw went to first base for the sure out, allowing Joey Manning to score to make it 1-0 Gulls.
That lead would hold until the bottom of the sixth inning. North Adams got a one out double by T.J. Greig followed by a walk by Shaw. After a fielder's choice put runners on first and third, Kevin Carby attempted to steal second. Throwing to third on a bluff to try to get Greig napping, Mike Melillo sailed the ball into left field. Greig came home to score and Carby went to third.
The error proved to be academic, however, as John Malloy looped a double into centerfield, scoring Carby and giving the SteepleCats a 2-1 lead.
Unfortunately for North Adams, the lead would be short-lived because in the top of the seventh Alex Gregory cracked a three-run homer to give Newport a 4-2 edge. The Gulls would tack on a run in the eighth and six in the ninth for the eventual 11-2 win.
Tom Costigan (1-0) got the win for Newport going 6.2 innings, allowing two runs, striking out six. Dan Mahoney worked the final 2.1 innings to pick up his first save of the season. Matt Sommo pitched well for the 'Cats allowing one run over six innings, recording 12 of his outs on the ground. Nick Serino (0-1) took the loss for North Adams.
The 'Cats stay at home for the end of the weekend as they will take on the Manchester Silkworms at 7 p.m. Sunday. Tim Boyce (0-0) will start for the SteepleCats.
It will be blackout night at Joe Wolfe Field; fans are encouraged to wear black to the ball game. Fans who dress all in black will receive $1 off an adult admission to the game.
