Box Score/ Summary

North Adams, MA – Coming off another tie against the North Shore Navigators, the North Adams SteepleCats were looking to get back in the win column.  Powered by a 405 foot 3-run home run by Brandon Hylton, and 4 shutout innings from the bullpen, the Cats picked up a 7-3 win over the Keene Swamp Bats.

Brian Zeldin (1-0) started for the Cats and gave up 3 runs over 5 solid innings. Coach Dailey turned to the bullpen and Nolan Morr pitched 2.2 scoreless innings.  Camden Lovrich came on for the 4 out save to end it. 

Adam Grintz got the start for the Swamp Bats, and he picked up the loss, throwing 3 innings in his season debut and giving up 4 runs. 

Key Moments

• The first inning belonged to Thomas Joseph of Keene, following a 2-run single in the top of the first, he took a homerun away from Jeremy Lea in the bottom half. 

• Brandon Hylton gave the Cats the lead with a 3-run homer in the bottom of the 2nd.

• Matt Shilling advanced from 1st to the 3rd on a wild pitch and scored on a passed ball to give the Cats a 4-3 lead in the 3rd.

• The Cats tacked on 3 in the 6th, 2 runs scored on an error, and the 3rd was brought in on an RBI fielder’s choice by Braden Barry.

 How it happened 

• Aidan Wilde started the 2nd with a HBP, and moved to third on a Charles Middleton single, setting the rally for the Hylton home run. 

• Shilling picked up his 3rd outfield assist of the year, nailing a runner at 3rd in the top of the 2nd. 

• In the top of the 8th, with the bases loaded and 2 outs, a grounder hit Lovrich in the foot, deflecting right to Marti at 2nd base, who mad the play to end the Keene threat.  

Coach Dailey’s Thoughts: “We are having better at bats. Putting more balls in play, especially with two strikes. Our bullpen did a great job inducing weak contact again, Wilfrido and Yoder will need to do the same tomorrow against Upper Valley.” 

Next Time Out: The Cats return to the field Wednesday. They host the Upper Valley Nighthawks for a double header. First pitch is at 4 PM.