Bravehearts

Worcester, MA— The Worcester Bravehearts fell to the Vermont Lake Monsters 8-5 on Sunday. The loss drops Worcester’s record to 27-27, while Vermont’s win brings their record to 36-20. This was Vermont’s seventh straight win, and 24th win in their last 26 games.

Both teams put up one run in the second inning. The Lake Monsters scored on a sacrifice fly, while the Bravehearts scored their run on a Mark Darakjy (Northeastern) single. Vermont responded with two runs in the third, one on an RBI double by Anthony Stephan (Virginia), the other on an error. Worcester would cut that lead in half in the bottom of the inning on a solo home run by Lewis Barnum (Bryant).

Vermont added a run in the fifth on a fielder’s choice. The Bravehearts tied it up with two runs of their own in the fifth. The first was on a Randy Flores (Franklin Pierce) RBI double. The second scored on a Sebastian Salado (Palm Beach Atlantic) sacrifice fly.

Vermont broke the game open with four runs in the seventh, highlighted by three singles and a double. Worcester got one back in the bottom of the inning on a Gavin Noriega (Marist) double.

Bravehearts starting pitcher Bryce Afthim (Southern Maine) went five innings, giving up four runs, while striking out three. Taking the loss was Griffin O’Connor (Assumption), going 0.2 innings while giving up four unearned runs. 

Vermont starting pitcher Patrick Harrington (Assumption) picked up the win, going six innings, allowing four runs on six hits, while striking out six. Isaiah Rhodes (Southern Mississippi) pitched the ninth for the save.

After an off day on Monday, the Bravehearts will host the Pittsfield Suns on Tuesday, August 3. First pitch from Fitton Field is at 6:30pm.