Bravehearts

Worcester, MA- The Worcester Bravehearts took the field for the first time in the 2018 season on Wednesday night against the reigning champion Nashua Silver Knights. Worcester jumped on Nashua early and earned a 13-2 victory, with all 13 runs coming in the first three innings.

For Worcester, returning starter Sebastian Gruszecki took the hill for Worcester in the 2017 Championship series rematch. In his 2018 debut, Gruszecki earned the win going five innings, giving up only two runs while allowing 4 hits and striking out seven Silver Knights.

For Nashua, it was Dan Shaw who received the opening day start. Shaw went 2 1/3 innings allowing seven runs before being relieved by Manny Ray. The right handed Ray went an inning and two thirds allowing the next six runs.

On the offensive side, it was Brett Coffel who got the Bravehearts started with an RBI double in the first inning scoring Christopher Rinaldi for the first run of the season. A wild pitch scored then scored Coffel to give Worcester a 2-0 lead in the first.

In the bottom of the second, Joseph Pesce came in on a fielders choice off the bat of Dustin Harris, which was then followed by another Brett Coffel RBI to bring in the fourth Worcester run. Coffel finished 2-4 with 2 RBI.

With a 4-0 lead, Worcester put up nine runs in the third inning to put the game away early. Mack Cheli highlighted the nine-run inning with a two run home run over the left field wall. Cheli ended the night 2-5 with a home run, double and 3 RBI to start his Braveheart career.

In relief for Worcester, Tyler Patane went four scoreless innings in his Braveheart debut. Along with his four scoreless innings, Patane only allowed one hit in his outing.

The Bravehearts take their 1-0 record into their game tommorow night against the Bristol Blues at Hanover Insurance Park. First pitch will be at 6:35.