Published: 7/24/2021 8:03:25 AM
Modified: 7/24/2021 8:03:24 AM
WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — The Upper Valley Nighthawks fell in a key NECBL game Friday at Maxfield Sports Complex, losing 3-0 the Keene Swamp Bats.
The Nighthawks (20-15) trail the Swamp Bats (21-12) by two games in the league’s Northern Division with seven games remaining in the regular season for Upper Valley. All NECBL teams make the playoffs this season; division leaders, however, will get a bye past first-round play-in games for the remaining six teams.
The Swamp Bats got on the board in the second inning on an RBI double by designated hitter Ethan Groff (Tulane). They tacked on two more runs in the fourth inning.
Nighthawks starter Cade Lommel (Creighton) lasted only three-plus innings, surrendering three earned runs on three hits and three walks with five strikeouts. Cameron Bye (Wichita State) took over in the third and threw five scoreless innings with six strikeouts.
The Swamp Bats tallied only one more hit than the Nighthawks recorded, but Upper Valley was unable to capitalize on the chances. Designated hitter Andrew Walker (Xavier) finished 2-for-3 with a double and a walk. Left fielder Alan Roden (Creighton) picked up his league-leading 25th stolen base, though he went 0-for-4 at the plate.
The Nighthawks remain at Maxfield on Saturday as they host the North Shore Navigators.