NEWPORT, R.I - The Valley Blue Sox were unable to come back after a disastrous sixth inning Friday night in Newport.

In a game that started as a pitcher's duel between Beau Elson for the Sox and Kade Shatwell for the Gulls, both held their opponents scoreless through the first five innings. Elson had a string performance, allowing just one walk and striking out five batters. 

Everything came apart for the Valley Blue Sox in the bottom of the sixth. Relief pitcher Christopher Batuyios entered the game and struggled, allowing the bases to load due to walks that hurt the Sox all night long. A total of three runs were scored on passed balls throughout the sixth inning. Reliever Andrew Jergins checked into the game but was unable to stop the bleeding. The Gulls' Michael Gupton hit a double to bring home two more runs capping off a five-run inning. Throughout the sixth inning, the Guls only tallied two hits but capitalized off of Valley's mistakes.

The Sox got on the board in the top of the seventh inning thanks to an RBI from Wyatt Hunt, making it 5-1. Newport's bullpen continued to limit Valley's offense by limiting scoring opportunities.

The Gulls added an insurance run in the eighth inning from an RBI single from Adrian Areizaga, extending their lead to 6-1.

Valley showed signs of life early in the ninth inning when Clay Burdette ripped a double, but thanks to Gull's reliever Aiden Oconnell and his impressive play all night, snatching a sharp liner to close out the game.

Beau Elsons solid start to the game ultimately did not matter, as the bullpen combined to allow six runs over the final four innings. Jergins, Batuyios, and Max McCrary all combined for a total of eight walks.

The Valley Blue Sox drop to 4-3 on the season, while Newport improves to 5-3. The Valley continue their road trip Saturday night as they look to bounce back against the North Shore Navigators.