Gulls Drop Rain Shortened Game to Danbury

The Newport Gulls returned to Cardines Field on Tuesday afternoon for a rare weekday matinee against the Danbury Westerners. Looking to build momentum at home, the Gulls handed the ball to right-hander Kyler Zagar (Oklahoma State), who worked a scoreless opening inning to get Newport off to a strong start.

Danbury's offense came alive in the second inning, however, as the Westerners plated four runs on four hits to take an early 4-0 lead. The Gulls responded in the bottom half of the inning, showing plenty of fight by pushing across two runs to cut the deficit in half and keep themselves within striking distance.

Both pitching staffs settled in over the next two innings, as neither team was able to break through in the third or fourth. Danbury added some insurance in the fifth, scoring two more runs to extend its lead to 6-2.

Reliever Will Coleman (Kentucky) came on in relief and provided a bright spot for Newport, shutting the Westerners down for the remainder of the game with a strong outing out of the bullpen.

Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans. Persistent rain moved into the area, forcing the game to be called after six innings before the teams could complete the scheduled seven-inning contest.

The Gulls will look to bounce back quickly as they return to Cardines Field on Wednesday, July 22, to take on the Mystic Schooners. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. as Newport looks to get back in the win column in front of the home crowd.