By Matt Kotfila

HOLYOKE - On First Responders’ Day at MacKenzie Stadium, where members of the Holyoke Fire and Police Departments were honored, the Valley Blue Sox narrowly fell to the visiting Danbury Westerners.

The Westerners quickly jumped in front, as centerfielder Garrett Larsen launched a home run over the left field wall during the game’s first at-bat.

The early offense set the tone for a game that showcased nine lead changes and ties.

Sunday’s back-and-forth battle came to a head when Danbury extended their lead on a Grayson Sparr RBI double in the eighth inning. That run proved to be the difference, as Danbury edged out an 8-7 win.

“We’re going to continue to stay on the offensive attack,” said Blue Sox manager Endy Morales. 

“We’re staying right there. I think mentality, we just got to continue to put good swings on balls. We played better defense today, so as long as we continue to stay forward and move forward, I think we’ll be fine.”

Valley tallied 11 hits in the loss. Nick Spaventa picked up three hits and two RBI in five appearances. Sebastian Mexico had a two hit performance, adding two RBI. Michael Elko added the other multi-hit outing for Valley, while Rees Kozar and Wyatt Hunt earned RBIs. 

Danbury’s Aidan Paradine went three for three with an RBI. Left fielder Michael Iannazzo produced two RBI from two hits, and Gavin Donohue collected two runs, a hit and an RBI from four plate appearances. Sparr and Larsen had two hits apiece.

Kenan Elarton started for Danbury and Andrew Koshy earned the win in relief. Harper McLendon was given the loss. Teo Spadaccini got credit for the save.

Valley falls to a record of 11-13. Danbury improves to a 9-13 record on the season.

After an off day tomorrow, the Blue Sox enter a stretch in which they will play six games over the course of five days.

“It’s going to take everybody,” said Morales. “This is why we have the wonderful resources of Adam Feit and the [training] facility, and taking advantage of the off days. We have all these resources so that we can withhold a stretch like that. It’s going to take every single guy, not just to look ahead, but to attack the game that’s right in front of us. I think we’ll be just fine if we do that.”