By: Cole Rawson

HOLYOKE, MA – The Upper Valley Nighthawks faced a tough defeat in extra innings Tuesday, losing 4-1 to the Valley Blue Sox. After 3 rainouts in a row, the Hawks fell behind in the 10th inning despite a strong start and some solid pitching.

The Nighthawks broke the ice and scored their lone run in the second inning when Michael Trommer hit a sacrifice fly, driving in Gehrig Frei. The Blue Sox scored their first run in the third with an RBI single by O’Conor. The Hawks collected seven hits and left an unfortunate ten runners on base, contributing to the loss. DJ Pacheco had a standout performance however, going 3-for-4, boosting his season average to .375. Strong pitching and solid defense kept the score tied at 1-1 heading into extra innings. In the top of the tenth, the Blue Sox capitalized on a hit-by-pitch and a Nighthawk error, scoring three runs to take a 4-1 lead.

Joey Purcell was the Nighthawk's starting pitcher, throwing three innings, allowing one run on three hits while striking out two. Alex Stanyek and Tommy Kent combined for five strong innings of relief, allowing one hit and striking out four between them, keeping the Blue Sox off the scoreboard. Frank Ciccone took the loss, giving up three runs (two earned) in the tenth inning despite a valiant effort. 

The Nighthawks are now 1-1 and play the Bristol Blues Wednesday at 6 PM.