By Ethan Winter

WORCESTER, Mass.—The Wachusett Dirt Dawgs (13-19) scored four unearned run in the eighth inning to come from behind and defeat the Worcester Bravehearts (14-21) 7-4 at Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field.

The Bravehearts committed four errors in the frame and committed seven total miscues in the game.

Max DiTondo (Franklin Pierce) got the scoring started in the fifth inning with a two run triple to put the Dirt Dawgs up 2-0. DiTondo came in to score on fellow Franklin Pierce teammate Kurtis White’s sacrifice fly to give Wachusett a 3-0 lead.

That lead stood until the sixth inning when the Bravehearts were able to score three runs with two of those runs coming on an RBI double by Charlie Ameer (Cochise College) that tied the game at 3-3.

The Bravehearts then took their first and only lead of the game an inning later on an RBI single by TJ Riccio (Univ. of New Haven) to give Worcester a 4-3 lead.

After the Dirt Dawgs four run eighth inning, Matthew Cronin (UMass-Dartmouth) came in to record his fifth save of the season, a new Dirt Dawgs franchise record for most saves in a season. Charlie Batton (Texas-Tyler) came in relief and picked up his second win of the season.

Dirt Dawgs starter TJ Santiago (Adelphi) pitched five shutout innings giving up four hits and three walks while striking out four. He received a no-decision.

The Dirt Dawgs continue their road trip Friday night as they will travel up north to Nashua to take on the Silver Knights. First pitch from Holman Stadium is at 6:45 pm. The Dirt Dawgs return home to Doyle Field Sunday afternoon at 4:30 as they will take on the Torrington Titans.