Vermont over North Adams in thriller

The North Adams SteepleCats lost in a thriller yesterday to the Vermont Mountaineers, with a
final score of 13-10 that encapsulates just how back and forth the game ended up being.
Despite the loss, the ‘Cats fought hard and never gave in, with great individual performances
powering an exciting game that wowed the spectators at Joe Wolfe Field. Alex Barrist
(Lafayette), Nelphie Lopez (Portal), and Sebastian Rhoades (Tulane) all stayed hot with multi-hit
performances at the plate. The pitching side also had impressive performances from Geordan
Jackson-Murphy (UMass Dartmouth), Joe LaPrade (St. Lawrence), and Richie Kerstetter
(Portal), who combined to only give up two hits and no runs over their outings.
The scoring started early, as Vermont got on the board in their half of the first inning. Matthew
Minckler came across on a throwing error to give his side the early lead. North Adams
responded right back, however, as Barrist scored on an RBI groundout from Rhoades to even
things up.
Vermont went down quietly in their half of the second inning, but North Adams would not, as
Tony Woodie (SUNY Cobleskill) came across to score on a sac fly from Owen Arias (Babson) to
give North Adams the lead. It wouldn’t last long, however, as Vermont would tie it right back up
in the top of the third when Matthew Minckler tripled and came home on a throwing error,
making it a 2-2 ballgame.
North Adams would tack on three runs in their half of the third, with Barrist, Lopez, and Rhoades
scored on respective hits by Lopez, Rhoades, and Evan Meier (Mount St. Mary’s), as the North
Adams offense continued to be relentless in pursuit of more runs. Vermont would strike right
back with three of their own, however, as the scoring continued to flow.
North Adams would put up another run in the bottom of the 4th to reclaim the lead, and after a
quiet top of the 5th, would put together another big inning in the bottom half of the frame, putting
up three more runs to go up 9-5. Vermont would start clawing its way back, however, as after a
quiet 6th inning from both teams, they would put up 6 runs in the top of the 7th to make it 11-9.
North Adams would respond with one to make it a one run game, and would come close to tying
it late, loading the bases with one out, but a triple play from the Vermont defense would end that
threat quickly. Vermont added on two more in the top of the 9th, and their pitching would take
over from there, ending the game at 13-10.
Even in defeat, the ‘Cats displayed an encouraging level of fight, as well as good baseball on
both sides of the ball. This will be crucial in the days and weeks ahead, as they look to force
their way into the postseason picture.
Next up for North Adams is a trip to Keene to take on the SwampBats, with first pitch at Alumni
Field scheduled for 6:35 p.m., before an off day the next day.