The Sanford Mainers are headed back to the North Division Finals, after winning their first round New England Collegiate Baseball League Playoff Series with a 3-1 victory over the North Adams SteepleCats in a decisive game three on Sunday evening at Goodall Park.
Sanford gave up an unearned run in the first inning, and then continued to trail 1-0 until the bottom of the sixth. The Mainers got all of their runs on the night in that frame that included a Kyle Douin RBI single that scored Sam Miller. Zack Kent who was attempting to steal second on the same play also came across to score on an error, which turned out to be the game winner. Dom Tozzi would later chip in with a RBI sacrifice fly in the inning that ended the scoring. The Mainers pitching was excellent to help nail it down. Conner Griffin went the first 4.0 innings allowing one unearned run on three hits with one walk and two strikeouts in his no-decision. Tyler Longoria picked up the victory with 2.0 scoreless innings giving up one hit. Ben Griffith (1.0 IP) and Sam Mitchell (2.0 IP) also combined for shutout relief allowing two hits over the final 3.0 innings. Mitchell had four strikeouts and also earned his team-leading sixth save of the summer.
Sanford (24-23) will meet up with the top seeded Keene SwampBats (34-12) in the best of three Northern Division Finals that begins in Keene, New Hampshire on Monday night at 6:35 p.m. The Mainers will host game two on Tuesday at Goodall Park, with an if necessary game three back in Keene on Wednesday.
Featured image is courtesy of Abby Harris Photography
