KEENE, N.H.- The Keene SwampBats lost a close contest to the Sanford Mainers tonight by a score of 6-4, dropping their record to 3-3. Keene’s Tyler Drabick (Kent State) gave up a two run homerun in the top of the first inning to the Mainers’ first baseman Tyler Solomon. The SwampBats cut the lead in half in the bottom of the second inning when Alex Griffith (Francis Marion) hit a solo homerun to right center field. A pass ball by Sanford catcher Josh Zbierski scored Buddy Dewaine (Central Connecticut State) from third base to tie the game at 2.

            Mainers shortstop Carmine Pagano had an RBI single to left to make the score 3-2 in the top of the 4th inning. That was followed by two run homerun by Josh Zbierski to make the score 5-2. Keene was able to cut the lead to one run with two RBI singles in the bottom of the fifth, one by Brandon Smith (University of Dayton), and one by Alex Griffith, making the score 5-4. A solo homerun by Sanford centerfielder John Rizer in the top of the seventh gave an insurance run to the Mainers, increasing the lead to 6-4.

            Drabick took the loss, giving up five earned runs in four innings, striking out four. Griff McGarry (Virginia) and Danger Guevara (St. Thomas) combined to give up no runs in three innings of relief.

            The SwampBats next game is Thursday June 14th on the road against the Valley Blue Sox. You can catch that game on 104.1 FM AM 1220 Fox Sports Keene and necbl.com.

            First Responder Night will highlight the SwampBats next home game on Saturday, June 16th versus the North Adams SteepleCats. The evening will conclude with a fireworks display by Atlas Fireworks.