Published: 7/7/2021 10:36:30 PM
Modified: 7/7/2021 10:36:36 PM
LACONIA, N.H. — The Upper Valley Nighthawks picked up their second straight victory Wednesday, beating the Winnipesaukee Muskrats, 10-7, at Robbie Mills Sports Complex.
The Nighthawks (14-9) scored three runs in the top of the first inning and maintained the lead for the rest of the game. First baseman Will Sullivan (Troy) hit a two-run single to get Upper Valley on the board.
The Nighthawks tacked on three runs in the second, one run each in the third and fourth and then two more in the eighth.
The Muskrats (7-15) out-hit the Nighthawks, 14-9, but Upper Valley made its hits count. Third baseman Ronald Evans (UNC Wilmington) was the lone Nighthawk with a multi-hit game, finishing 2-for-4 with two doubles and a walk.
Second baseman Max Viera (Northeastern) returned to the lineup after missing Monday’s doubleheader, and he hit a two-run home run in the second inning. Left fielder Andrew Walker (Xavier) doubled, walked twice and scored three runs.
Center fielder Brett Callahan (St. Joseph’s) was removed from the game in the bottom of the eighth inning as a precaution after hitting his head in the top of the inning. He stole home — a true steal of home, timing the catcher’s throw back to the pitcher and taking off. Callahan collided with the catcher while sliding into home and hit his head. Nighthawks manager Justin Devoid said he seemed to be OK but will miss some time.
On the mound, Hartford High alum Jordy Allard pitched five innings for Upper Valley. He gave up four runs (two earned) on eight hits with no walks and six strikeouts. Tyler Spitzbarth (Valdosta State) threw a clean inning in relief, followed by two innings from Zane Kmietek (Marist) and one from Nick Cantone (Marist). Kmietek surrendered two unearned runs, while Cantone allowed one earned run.
The Nighthawks remain on the road Thursday to face the North Shore Navigators at Fraser Field.