Bravehearts

Worcester, MA— Behind six shutout innings from Bryce Afthim, the Worcester Bravehearts were able to salvage the second game of a doubleheader with the Brockton Rox, winning 2-0. They lost the first in extra innings by a score of 6-4. This brings their record to 25-24. 

The Bravehearts offense started the first game strong, scoring four runs in the bottom half of the inning. It started with an RBI single by North Attleboro’s Zach DeMattio (Wheaton). Grafton native Andrew Eppinger then knocked in two with a single of his own. The final run of the inning was scored on a Matt Maloney (Dayton) double.

The Rox battled back in the top of the second, scoring three runs. The first on a Jack Murphy (Saint Mary’s) double. The next two runs were scored on a wild pitch and sacrifice fly. They would then tie it up in the seventh, with Murphy scoring on a sacrifice fly after hitting a leadoff triple. The Rox would then take the lead in extra innings, scoring two.

Making his first start for Worcester, Dennis Colleran (Northeastern) started off strong, striking out the side in order in the first. He would end up striking out nine batters in five innings, while allowing three runs.

Game two featured a battle between two brothers, as Bravehearts starting pitcher Bryce Afthim (Southern Maine) faced off against his brother and Rox starting pitcher Brady Afthim (UConn) Bryce pitched six shutout innings, striking out seven while picking up the win. Brady was given the loss after pitching four innings, striking out six while giving up only two unearned runs.

The Bravehearts put up the only two runs of the game in the third, the first coming on a DeMattio RBI single. The second scored on an error.

Griffin O’Connor (Assumption College) picked up the save, pitching one shutout inning.

After an off day on Monday, the Bravehearts will host the Rox again on Tuesday. First pitch from Fitton Field is at 6:30pm.