Bravehearts

Worcester, MA -  After dropping game two against Brockton, Worcester came back in a win-or-go-home game three series against the Brockton Rox by winning 8-2.

The first run of the game crossed for Brockton in the bottom of the second inning. Nick Shumski walked and stole second with two outs before scoring on a base hit by Marc Goulart to make the score 1-0.

An answer came in a big way in the top of the third for Worcester. Tyler Becker led off with a single followed by back-to-back walks from Trevor Johnson and Nick Martin. An error from Nick Shumski off the bat of Mariano Ricciardi allowed both Becker and Johnson to score to give Worcester a 2-1 lead. John Thrasher got hit by a pitch to reload the bases and Ben Rice grounded to the pitcher who threw to the catcher Goulart to get Nick Martin at home. With Chris Rinaldi up, a wild pitch allowed Ricciardi to score and increase the lead. Rinaldi singled to  score both Thrasher and Rice increasing the lead to 5-1.

Another run was added for Worcester in the fourth inning. Becker singled, and Johnson got hit by a pitch to put runners on first and second. Martin advanced the runners with a sacrifice bunt and a fielder’s choice off the bat of Thrasher allowed Becker to score.

Mariano Ricciardi started off the seventh with a walk and advanced to second on another walk from Ben Rice. Chris Rinaldi singled to advance the runners, and Ricciardi then scored to increase the lead to 7-1.

Brockton answered in the bottom of the inning with a run of their own. Goulart walked to start the inning and Mike Sabatine singled. BJ Murray then walked to load the bases for Gabe Giosso with two outs. Giosso was hit by a pitch to score Goulart, but that was all Brockton could get in the inning.

The Rox lost control quite literally in the ninth. Four consecutive walks allowed Thrasher as Becker reached base on balls and Worcester to increased the lead to 8-2. Jakob Barker closed the game out for Worcester by striking out the side.

With the win, Worcester advances to their sixth consecutive FCBL Championship Series. Game One will at home Saturday at Hanover Insurance Park.  First Pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm.