HOLYOKE – After the Blue Sox took both games of Saturday’s doubleheader, they were hungry for more against the Westerners on Sunday afternoon.
Valley capitalized on an eight-run seventh inning to win Sunday’s game 13-5. The Blue Sox continue to cushion their lead of the eighth seed in the NECBL playoff picture.
Danbury starter Alex Mach struggled early and gave up four runs in the bottom of the second inning. Blue Sox designated hitter Jay Bant hit his third home run of the season. Two of those runs were scored as unearned as Danbury made two errors (one on catcher Roman DiGiacomo and second baseman Carl Schmidt). After two innings, it was 4-0 Valley.
Danbury chipped its way back into the game, scoring one run in the third, fourth, and fifth innings. In the top of the sixth inning, Danbury left fielder Jaden Sheffield, son of Major League Baseball superstar Gary Sheffield, struck out looking and was ejected by home plate umpire David Speranza.
Going into the top of the seventh inning, Valley had the 4-3 lead. KJ Lavoie surrendered singles to Kobe Mentzer and Lorenzo Rios. Danbury took a 5-4 lead going to the bottom of the inning.
Mach entered the bottom of the inning and was taken out after immediately loading the bases on an E-4, walk, and single. Max Foster entered the game and got two quick groundouts.
Jonathan Hogart and Bant singled in runners. Anthony Scarabino walked and Zev Moore also singled in runners. Kyle Henington capitalized the eight-run seventh inning to make it 12-5. Valley tacked one more in the bottom of the eighth and won 13-5
The Blue Sox travel to North Adams on Monday night to take on the Steeplecats. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. and can be streamed on ESPN+.
