May 31, 2018
The 2018 Futures League Season opened on Wednesday May 30, 2018 and featured a rematch of the 2017 Championship Series. The Worcester Bravehearts played host to the reigning champion Nashua Silver Knights who are looking to win their third straight championship. The other matchup of the day featured the Pittsfield Suns welcoming the Brockton Rox to Wahconah Park.
In a rematch of last year’s championship series, the Worcester Bravehearts beat the Nashua Silver Knights 13-2. The Bravehearts took control of the game with a nine-run third inning to go up 13-0. That was all support that Bravehearts’ pitcher Sebastian Gruszecki (Florida Gulf Coast) needed as he pitched five innings and struck out seven in his first win of the season. The Bravehearts’ offense was led by Mack Cheli (Chapman) who went 2-for-5 with a double, homerun, and three RBI. Both Cheli and Gruszecki were named the On Deck Sports Player and Pitcher of the Day.
In the other game of opening day, the Pittsfield Suns beat the Brockton Rox 9-3. Pittsfield pulled away in the fifth inning scoring four runs to go up 9-2. Pittsfield pitcher Izaiya Mestre (University of New Haven) came away with the win after striking out five batters over five innings. Pittsfield’s offense was led by Brian McHale (Babson College) who went 3-for-5 with two doubles, two RBI, and scored three runs. Brockton’s offense was led by Jared Sharkey (Wheaton College) who went 1-for-3 with a homerun, and two RBI.
The Futures League opening weekend continues with three more matches on May 31st. The Martha’s Vineyard Sharks play host to the North Shore Navigators and the Brockton Rox also have their home-opener versus the Nashua Silver Knights. The Worcester Bravehearts play another one at home as they face the Bristol Blues.
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