By: Cole Rawson

MYSTIC, CT - The Upper Valley Nighthawks started off the season strong with an 8-3 victory over the Mystic Schooners in an NECBL Opening Day matchup Tuesday night.

Besides a few well-placed singles, the game had a slow start offensively with only one run scored in the first five innings. After breaking the ice in the 4th inning, the Nighthawks followed it with a two-run 6th, and a four-run explosion in the 7th. They also added an insurance run in the top of the ninth to cap it off. Chris Baillargeon had an impressive game, going 2-for-4 with three runs scored and one RBI. Cole Fellows and Vincent Venditti’s bats were alive as well. Fellows also went 2-for-4, and Venditti contributed two RBIs.

Cam Mattioli started strong on the mound, pitching three scoreless innings with four strikeouts, setting the tone early for the Nighthawks. Hunter Hardy relieved Mattioli and earned the win with a solid four-inning performance, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out four batters. Cal Culpepper masterfully closed out the game, striking out five in two innings, allowing only one unearned run to secure the Upper Valley victory.

The Schooners had a sloppy start to the season, committing 3 total errors in the 6th and 7th innings, as well as throwing a handful of wild pitches, giving the Nighthawks a helping hand in their first win. Mystic attempted a late comeback with two runs in the seventh and one in the eighth, but the Nighthawks' pitching, supported by an already solid defensive, kept them at bay.

Looking forward, the Upper Valley Nighthawks, now 1-0 to start the season, will continue their road trip, and hopefully their momentum, as they face the Keene Swamp Bats on Thursday at 6:30 p.m.