By Matt Kotfila

HOLYOKE - For the first time in 44 years, the Holyoke Millers returned to MacKenzie Stadium for Monday night baseball. 

Donning their blue and yellow throwback uniforms, the Blue Sox got the bats going early. Valley scored three runs in the first two innings, highlighted by a 402 foot solo shot by outfielder Clay Burdette.

“It was a fastball, kind of center cut,” Burdette said of the pitch that led to his home run. “I didn’t know if it was gone right off the bat because I know it’s kind of a deep park out there, especially to center. I knew it was going to at least hit off the wall or get over, so I’m just glad it went over.”

In a game where the Blue Sox surrendered nine hits, they only allowed four runs. The game ended in a 7-4 final.

“I thought we did well limiting big situations,” said Head Coach Endy Morales. “They had the bases loaded a few times early in that game. Something we’ve been talking to the pitchers about is limiting the beginning. I know that our offense, whether they score one or two, will chip away and we’ll be fine.”

Playing under temperatures that reached 95 degrees, three pinch hitters and five relief pitchers came into the game for Valley. Additionally, an umpire had to be removed from the game due to the excessive heat. 

Sebastian Mexico continued his hitting tear, going two for four and knocking in two RBIs. Mike Lucarelli picked up three hits in as many at bats, scoring two runs on the basepath and adding an RBI. Kai Cunningham was credited with the other Valley RBI.

Max McCrary earned the win for his two scoreless innings in relief. Andrew Wertz got the save, as he cleaned up some base runners in the eighth inning and pitched a scoreless ninth. Mike Poncini of Mystic was given the loss. 

The win moved Valley to 5-1 at home on the season, and Morales spoke about the biggest benefits of playing at MacKenzie Stadium. 

“The pregame routine. They get to the field, they get comfortable, they’re with each other, with the support staff, I just think it’s a comfortability piece. Ultimately, our skillset, from pitching to defense to offensively, suits this ballpark very well,” said Morales.

The Blue Sox will get a much needed day of rest tomorrow before heading to Bristol for a matchup with the 11-6 Blues. 

“Super excited for an off day tomorrow after a scorcher today,” Morales said. “We’ve used about 14 [pitchers] in two games, so this off day is going to be good for a reset. We have Greg Shaw on the mound [Wednesday], and just because we got them a few days ago doesn’t mean that we’re going to show up and get it again. Super excited to get over there, and off an off day is going to be perfect.”