Sailors Unravel in Fifth, Fall to Barnums in Blowout
Paul Jaccoi
6/21/20261 min read


After keeping pace with Bridgeport and remaining tied through four innings Saturday afternoon, West Haven lost control in the fifth before surrendering seven runs in their 10-0 loss.
It appeared as if spectators were in for a pitchers duel as West Haven starter Michael Merchant and Bridgeport starter Nate Jackson looked unhittable through the game’s first four innings. Merchant struck out five during his four plus innings of work.
The fifth inning is where the Sailors ran into trouble; the Barnums loaded the bases with no one out and capitalized with seven runs in the inning after a flurry of walks allowed and base hits. Sophomore Anthony Lucibello and junior Robert Black relieved Merchant’s outing.
It was a tough day at the plate for the Sailors as Jackson shined with his six shutout innings on the mound. Center Fielder Zach Rider had the only base hit in the loss. Only two other Sailors hitters managed to reach base in the effort.
West Haven gets an opportunity to exact revenge on Monday night as they host Bridgeport in a home matchup.
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