NORTH ADAMS, Mass. -- The North Adams SteepleCats matched the North Shore Navigators through the opening three innings Sunday evening, but a four-run fourth inning proved to be the difference as the Navigators earned a 6-2 victory and a double-header sweep at Joe Wolfe Field.

 

North Shore won Game One of the double-header, 4-2, following a shutout win over the 'Cats on Saturday night.

 

In Sunday's nightcap, North Adams received a strong start from Garrett Gates and solid relief work throughout the evening, but the SteepleCats were unable to overcome North Shore’s decisive offensive outburst in the middle innings.

 

Gates set the tone from the outset, retiring the Navigators in order in the first inning on a pair of groundouts and a pop out. The right-hander continued to keep North Shore off the scoreboard over the next two frames, working efficiently while allowing his defense to make plays behind him.

 

The SteepleCats had opportunities to strike first.

 

Jake Butler drew a walk in the opening inning before Sebastian Rhoades reached base and advanced into scoring position with a stolen base. North Adams again threatened in the second when Colsen Loughren lined a one-out double, but North Shore starter John Milewski worked out of trouble to keep the game scoreless.

 

Neither team found much offensive rhythm through the first three innings as both pitching staffs controlled the pace. Gates retired the side in order in the third, while the SteepleCats continued searching for the timely hit that could break the deadlock.