Gulls Fall Short In Extra Innings to Schooners
Mystic and Newport once again duke it out in extras
After an unbelievable comeback win against the Valley Blue Sox on Wednesday, the Newport Gulls ran out of magic in a hard-fought 10-9 extra-innings loss to the Mystic Schooners. Despite Newport’s impressive offensive showing, a tenth inning walk-off propelled Mystic to victory, tying the season series at 2-2.
The early innings appeared to be a pitchers’ duel. Parker Rhodes (Mississippi State) delivered a strong outing on the mound to start for the Gulls, holding Mystic to just one run through his four innings of work while striking out five. Nick Santivanez (University of Miami) got the start on the other side, going five innings and surrendering just two runs.
The offensive production in the early innings was all via the long ball for Newport. Both Braxton Tramel (East Carolina) and Brandon Larson (Southern California) blasted solo shots over the left field wall.
Despite the Gulls holding an early lead, the Schooners’ bats exploded mid-game. A three-run fifth inning and four-run sixth proved to be the turning point, as Mystic built an 8-2 advantage heading into the seventh.
The cushion didn’t last for long as Newport responded with five runs in the top of the seventh. Tramel picked up two RBIs with a single, and Gus Gandy (Samford) drove in two more just minutes later. After an RBI single from Mason Ligenza (Pittsburgh), Newport had worked within one, making it an 8-7 ballgame.
After the Schooners tacked on one more of their own, the Gulls’ bats went right back to work. Adam Broski (Michigan State) laced a double into right field to tie the game at nine, showcasing the team’s resilience.
Following a scoreless ninth, the game headed to extras. Newport was unable to push a run across in the top of the tenth. With two outs in the home half, Jack Harley (Boston College) delivered the walk-off single, giving Mystic the 10-9 win in 10 innings.
The Gulls look to bounce back quickly when they return to action tomorrow at Cardines Field against Rhode Island rival, the Ocean State Waves. First pitch is set for 6:35 pm with streaming available on ESPN+. Tickets can be purchased at NewportGulls.com.
