HOLYOKE, MA—The Blue Sox bats woke up and bashed their way out of a slump, breaking an eight game skid with a convincing 9-1 win over the Danbury Westerners on July 9 in front of 2180 fans at Mackenzie Stadium.
Valley improves to 7-16 on the year.
The Blue Sox scored early in the game, taking a 1-0 lead in the second as first baseman Jeremie Fagnan doubled to right. He attempted to steal third and the throw went into left field, allowing him to score.
Then, in the fourth, the home squad broke it open. Shortstop Angelo La Bruna walked, and then designated hitter Justin Hazard and catcher Josh Graham hit back-to-back singles to left, the latter bringing home La Bruna.
After Fagnan dropped a bunt to load the bases, left fielder Joseph Carcone blooped a single to right to score a run. Second baseman Michael Korte hit a grounder to the right side to bring in another run, and then third baseman Frank Crinella smacked a double to left to bring in two more.
In the seventh, the Blue Sox added three more, taking advantage of three walks and two hit batters to plate two runs before Carcone singled to bring home the final run of the night for Valley.
Danbury did break the shutout in the ninth, scoring their only run of the game for the 9-1 final.
The Blue Sox return home tomorrow, July 10, for a 6:35 p.m. start against the New Bedford Bay Sox. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the first 400 adult fans will be given a free t-shirt, sponsored by Williams Distributing.