With the Futures League All-Star Game in Norwich, Conn., just a week away, here is a look around the league featuring player and team highlights from the past week of action!
Plakata Player of the Week: Owen Carey, Nashua Silver Knights (Rutgers)
In six outings this week, the entire Nashua offense ran through outfielder Owen Carey. Nine hits, including a home run and seven RBIs, were a force to be reckoned with for the incoming Rutgers freshman. During the Silver Knights’ win on July 10, Carey totaled five of the team’s 12 runs scored.
78 Sports Pitcher of the Week: Wyatt Cameron, Vermont Lake Monsters (Central Connecticut)
This past week was just another great outing for Wyatt Cameron. After throwing six strikeouts in his two previous games, the Central Connecticut Blue Devil reached a season-high eight in his July 11 win over Nashua. His second winning performance of the year was also the fourth time he’s allowed just three hits or less in a game.
TEAM-BY-TEAM
Brockton Rox:
The Rox started off the week with a home run derby win over Worcester on Tuesday, but five-straight losses have seen Brockton slide down the standings. Outfielder Connor Vercollone (St Bonaventure) recorded nine hits in four games, including a 4-for-4 performance against Westfield on July 11.
Futures League Road Warriors:
Suffering through three postponed games, the Road Warriors only suited up for two games this week. In both losses, outfielder Marcus Ollivierre (UMass Dartmouth) reached base twice and drove in his first RBI of the season against Norwich.
Nashua Silver Knights:
Nashua won two straight before dropping four in a row to end the week. Despite the recent skid, strong performances by pitcher Cam Keaveney (Northeastern) have given the Silver Knights hope nearing the All-Star break.
New Britain Bees:
One of the Futures League’s hottest teams, the Bees have won five in a row and are currently sitting atop the league standings. Esteban Rivera III (Franklin Pierce), Benjamin Oliveira (Wheaton) and Alex Oppenheimer (Union) all won the league’s 78 Sports Pitcher of the Night on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
Norwich Sea Unicorns:
After suffering back-to-back losses to Nashua to open the week’s play, Norwich has rebounded to the tune of winning its last three home games. In each of those games, outfielder AJ Soldra (NJIT) brought in at least one RBI, including three on Sunday to earn him the Plakata Player of the Night honor.
Vermont Lake Monsters:
Five-straight wins have the Lake Monsters sitting pretty in the thick of the league’s standings. After having a July 11 doubleheader postponed, Vermont has responded with four wins against the Nashua Silver Knights, the last three coming back home at Centennial Field. Catcher Chone James (Virginia) hit two doubles and brought in four RBIs in two of those wins.
Westfield Starfires:
The Starfires dropped four of seven games this week, pushing them out of the league’s top spot. However, outfielder Luke Masiuk (Hofstra) continued his strong summer, pushing his on-base streak up to 11 games after grabbing four hits and four walks during this recent stretch.
Worcester Bravehearts:
The middle of the standings remain crowded, thanks to two wins by Worcester over the Westfield Starfires on July 12 and 13. Outfielder Matt Milone (UMass) continued his impressive season, crushing a grand slam in the first win, while he added a double and another RBI in the latter game.
League Standings:
-
New Britain Bees: 24-15
-
Westfield Starfires: 24-16
-
Norwich Sea Unicorns: 23-15
-
Vermont Lake Monsters: 22-17
-
Worcester Bravehearts: 22-19
-
Nashua Silver Knights: 18-25
-
Brockton Rox: 12-28
-
Futures League Road Warriors: 6-16
Stay Connected