The Blues struggled to contain Valley Blue Sox batters all night long in a 12-5 loss at Muzzy Field on Wednesday night. 

Jackson Kossow turned in a strong start for the Blues, going four innings with no earned runs and three strikeouts. Once Kossow exited the game, Bristol used six different pitchers out of the bullpen to try to contain Valley's offense. 

The first four innings of action flew by, with a pitching duel taking place between Kossow and Valley starter Gregory Shaw. The Blue Sox finally broke the scoreless tie in the top of the fifth, as Sebastian Mexico launched a solo home run over the wall in right field. 

With the Blues' offense stalling for most of the night, the Blue Sox took advantage with a four-run sixth inning. Michael Elko's sacrifice fly, Nicholas Spaventa's two-run home run, and Mike Lucarelli's score on a stolen base made it 5-0 Valley.

Despite Bristol scoring two in the bottom of the seventh to make it a three-run game, Valley immediately answered with a seven-run top of the eighth, putting the game out of reach. After a Bristol error in left field and a barrage of RBI singles, the Blue Sox found themselves up 12-2 going into the ninth. 

Following the loss, the Blues (11-7) are now tied for second place in the South Division with the Martha's Vineyard Sharks (10-6). The Newport Gulls (11-6) have moved into first place with a four-game win streak.

Bristol seeks to get back on track Thursday night, where they host the Sanford Mainers at Muzzy Field. First pitch will be at 6:30 on ESPN+.

Written by Gavin Murray 

Photo by Morgan McClutchy