Bravehearts

Worcester, MA— The Worcester Bravehearts beat the New Britain Bees Thursday night at Fitton Field, 11-3. With the win, Worcester moves to 31-33, while New Britain moves to 25-38. The Bravehearts also hold on to the final playoff spot with the win, and must win tomorrow, or the Westfield Starfires must lose for Worcester to keep their spot. 

Despite a two-and-a-half-hour rain delay, Gavin Noriega (Marist) wasted no time getting the ‘Hearts on the board, taking the first pitch he saw over the right field fence. Andover native Andrew Selima (Merrimack) added to the lead with a double, driving in Zach DeMattio (Wheaton). Lewis Barnum (Bryant) capped the Bravehearts five run first inning with a home run over the center field fence. An error by the Bee’s second basemen allowed Selima to score in the third inning, extending the Worcester lead to 6-0.

Noriega’s second home run came in the fourth inning, a three-run shot to left field, bringing in Shrewsbury native Nick Martin (Westfield State) and Brimfield native Matt Shaw (Maryland). New Britain’s Colin Kelly (Fairfield) responded with a home run of his own, bringing the score to 9-2. Barnum also hit his second home run, this time in the fifth, a solo shot to left-center field. Noriega drove in the ‘Hearts eleventh run with a sacrifice fly in the eighth.

Saint Paul alum and Holden native Luke Delongchamp (Boston College) earned the win for Worcester, allowing two runs on seven hits and two walks through five innings while striking out seven. Bees starter Ryan Doherty (Manhattan) was tagged with the loss after allowing six runs on three hits and five walks, while striking out two through three innings.  

Worcester returns home tomorrow, August 12^th, to face the Nashua Silver Knights for their final game of the regular season. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. The Bravehearts “Friday Night Brights” jerseys are being auctioned off during the game, with all proceeds going to Be The Match. The auction is already live at www.biddingowl.com/bravehearts .