NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — It took nearly three weeks and plenty of heartbreak, but the North Adams SteepleCats finally had their breakthrough moment at Joe Wolfe Field.

 

Behind six strong innings from starter Niklas Pavia and a game-changing three-run third inning, the SteepleCats earned their first home victory of the 2026 season Sunday afternoon, defeating the Upper Valley Nighthawks 4-1.

 

The SteepleCats wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. Chris Diaz opened the bottom of the first with a double into the gap and immediately put pressure on the Nighthawks by stealing third base. One batter later, Bobby Stang hit a ground ball that allowed Diaz to race home and give North Adams an early 1-0 advantage.

 

That was all the support Pavia needed to settle into a groove.

 

The right-hander was electric from the start, striking out the side in the second inning and consistently attacking hitters with confidence. Pavia struck out seven batters over six innings of work, allowing just one run while repeatedly pitching out of trouble.

 

Upper Valley’s lone run came in the third inning when Frank Kelly launched a solo home run to left field, knotting the game at one apiece.

 

The tie lasted only minutes.