FCBL Playoffs: Norwich evens series; Bravehearts top Vermont
Eleven was the lucky number in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League playoff semifinals on Tuesday night.
Worcester completed its suspended Game 1 last night in Vermont, beating the Lake Monsters 11-6 after leading 8-6 when the rain arrived in the fifth inning on Monday at Centennial Field.
And three-time defending champion Norwich, facing elimination, trounced New Britain 11-5 at Dodd Stadium to send the series back to New Britain for a deciding Game 3 tonight.
Here’s a look:
NO. 4 WORCESTER 11, NO. 1 VERMONT 6
Before the rain came Monday, Worcester had jumped out to an 8-0 lead before Vermont has a six-run fourth. But a three-run eighth sealed the deal before an announced crowd of 2,772.
James Anastasopoulos had a three-run homer, while Jeylem Sepulveda, Alan Carpenter, and Talen Rosborough each drove in two runs. Aiden Cardoza picked up the win with 4.2 innings of scoreless relief.
Former Silver Knight Patrick Shrake led Vermont with a triple and three RBIs. Starter Ethan Freed took the loss.
Game 2 is tonight at Fitton Field on the campus of Holy Cross in Worcester
NO. 3 NORWICH 11, NO. 2 NEW BRITAIN 5
The Sea Unicorns pounded out 14 hits and led 8-2 after four with back-to-back four run innings before 1,237 fans. Kenny Noe and Mike Fiatrone each went 3 for 5 with two RBIs while Jackson Powers had two hits and two RBIs. The Sea Unicorns also scored an unearned run and one on a wild pitch in the fourth.
Shaun Flannery picked up the win with 4.2 innings of one-run, one-hit ball, striking out six. Norwich pitching had 12 strikeouts overall.
Michael Olander led New Britain with a 3 for 3, two RBI night. Starter Garret Barbinski took the loss, giving up eight runs (five earned) on 10 hits over 3.2 innings.


