Bravehearts

Westfield, MA— The Worcester Bravehearts fell to the Westfield Starfires Wednesday night at Bullens Field, 11-5. With the loss, Worcester moves to 21-22, while Westfield moves to 19-22.

Westfield struck first in the bottom of the second after Cam Meyer (Georgetown) scored on a double play, bringing the score to 1-0. 

The bats came alive for Worcester in the fifth inning, after Michael Perales (Amherst), Grafton native Andrew Eppinger (NJIT), and Randy Flores (Franklin Pierce) registered the first hits on the night for the ‘Hearts, each reaching on singles. A fielder’s choice by Shrewsbury native Nick Martin (Westfield State) knotted up the score at 1-1. Sebastian Salado (Palm Beach Atlantic) doubled immediately after, driving in two runs and giving the ‘Hearts their first lead of the game. Jared Berardino (Assumption) continued the two out rally with a two-run double of his own, extending the lead to 5-1.

The Starfires wasted no time getting the lead back in the bottom of the fifth, scoring five runs on one hit, two walks and three errors, bringing the score to 6-5. A rally in the sixth for Westfield extended the lead to 11-5.

Worcester starter and Grafton native Tyler Nielsen (Maine) was on the hook for the loss, giving up six runs (one earned) on three hits and three walks while striking out five through five innings. Westfield reliever Patrick Jordan (Westfield State) was awarded the win after 1.1 innings of no-hit shutout baseball, allowing four walks. 

Worcester will face the Silver Knights in Nashua tomorrow, July 22^nd with first pitch scheduled for 6:00 p.m. The Bravehearts return home to Fitton Field on Friday, July 23^rd for a doubleheader against the Norwich Sea Unicorns. The first game is scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m., with the second game beginning thirty minutes after the first game ends.