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Sharks Snap Navs' Win Streak in Extras Sunday

06/30/2024 6:35 PM

LYNN, Mass —  The North Shore Navigators fell 7-2 in their first extra-inning game of the season against the Martha’s Vineyard Sharks in Sunday’s New England Collegiate Baseball League action at Fraser Field.

North Shore had its three-game win streak snapped and slipped to 9-10 on the season, while Martha’s Vineyard improved to 7-12 with its second win at Fraser this week.

“I’m happy with the way they played,” manager Bob Macaluso said of the Navigator’s performance. “I think we played well; they just beat us late.”

Despite the loss, the Navigators still recorded seven hits, including two apiece by Jesse Jaconski (Penn State) and Brendan Jones (Holy Cross). 

Kyle Jones (Florida) was a thorn in the side of the Sharks’ pitching staff all game, showing excellent plate discipline by drawing three walks in four plate appearances.

After three scoreless innings, the Navigators claimed the game’s first run for the third consecutive game. Andrew Bianco (Seton Hall) narrowly missed his second home run of the season on a sacrifice fly to deep left field, allowing Jaconski to tag and score from third base. 

In the seventh, the Navigators gave themselves some breathing room as they took advantage of another first and third situation. This time, Reece Moroney (Rhode Island) delivered the RBI, driving a blistering ground ball through the left side of the infield to give the Navigators a 2-0 lead.

Moroney also reached safely three times on Saturday and continued to stay hot against the Sharks. His seventh-inning RBI was his fourth in the last two games, and he has now recorded four of the team’s last seven.

“His (plate) approach is good,” Macaluso said of Moroney's performance. “He doesn’t chase much, uses the middle of the field, and barrels up balls.” 

Left-hander Jack Iannibelli (Stonehill) made his first start of the season for the Navigators. The Stoneham native hadn’t made a start since May 13 but had appeared three times for the Navigators, pitching five combined innings over three bullpen outings.

Despite a brief outing, Iannibelli worked two strong frames, staying ahead in counts and surrendering just two baserunners and striking out one.

From there, the North Shore bullpen picked up the remainder of the game. The bullpen had been a strength all year and played a crucial role in the team’s last two wins, allowing just two runs over its previous seven innings.

The stable of relievers tossed six consecutive scoreless innings. Standing out were Nick Reiser (Bridgewater State) and Justin Posnik (Bentley), as each tossed a perfect frame that included one strikeout.

But Macaluso said that the bullpen got tired in the final frames, allowing the Sharks to rally for seven unanswered runs to win the games.

After seven consecutive games, the Navigators get Monday off and then resume action on Tuesday when they travel to Groton, Conn., to take on the Mystic Schooners. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. at Fitch High School. 

“(It’s) a well-deserved off day,” Macaluso said. “It’s been a tough week physically (with) a lot of games (played).”

Prior to Sunday's game, the Navs also hosted the first-ever "Battle of the Badges" softball game between teams from the Lynn Police and Lynn Fire Departments. The Boston Bruins' own Todd Angilly sang the national anthem prior to the game, and fans were treated to an exciting game which the Lynn Police came back to win.