Story by Narrative Science.

The Wachusett Dirt Dawgs (11-18) refused to relinquish the lead after grabbing it early against the North Shore Navigators (14-17), recording a 9-2 victory on Thursday at Doyle Field.

With five runs in the first three innings, the Wachusett Dirt Dawgs left no doubt about the eventual outcome.

A fielder's choice, a two-run single by Justin Sleigh, and an RBI single by TJ Ward during the first inning and a single by Kyle Bonicki and an RBI single by Scott Manea in the second inning fueled the Wachusett Dirt Dawgs' offense early.

Manea racked up two RBIs on three hits for the Wachusett Dirt Dawgs.

The North Shore Navigators had no answer for Tyler Luneke, who kept runners off the basepaths in his appearance. The North Shore Navigators managed just one hit off of the the Wachusett Dirt Dawgs' pitcher, who allowed no earned runs, walked none and struck out four during his 2 2/3 innings of work.

Richie Cruz ended up on the wrong side of the pitching decision, charged with his third loss of the year. He lasted just 1 1/3 innings, walked none, struck out three, and allowed five runs.