NEWPORT, R.I. – The Newport Gulls are headed back to the Southern Division Finals after beating the Mystic Schooners 2-1 in the opening series of the 2025 New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL) playoffs.

Newport held on for a thrilling 1-0 victory in Game 1 at Cardines Field on Friday, August 1st, before the Schooners punched back with an emphatic 9-5 win at the Ship Yard on Saturday, August 2nd. As the series shifted back to Cardines Field, the Gulls protected the nest.

After trailing by three, Newport put up four unanswered runs between the 6th and 7th innings. Leighton Harris (Kentucky) shut the door, getting the win, after putting up three shutout innings to close out the ballgame. The win marks another milestone for the Gulls, who continue to excel in postseason play.

With the series win, Newport advances to the Southern Division Finals and will face the Martha’s Vineyard Sharks. Game 1 is set for Monday, August 4th, at 6:35 p.m. at Cardines Field and will stream live on ESPN+.

The Gulls enter the next round riding remarkable streaks. Newport has not lost a multi-game postseason series since 2019 (vs. Vineyard) and is now a combined 14-3 in the last three postseasons, including back-to-back NECBL titles in 2023 and 2024. Newport boasts an 19-5 record at Cardines Field this season, entering the second round.

With a championship pedigree and momentum on their side, the Gulls look to continue their quest for a third-straight NECBL title for the first time since 1999. Gulls fans are encouraged to pack Cardines Field tomorrow night and catch all the action as Newport continues its playoff run.