With the commencement of the 2010 NECBL playoffs, the Newport Gulls began their quest for obtaining back-to-back titles Monday night in a home game against the Laconia Muskrats.
The Gulls finished the summer season with the best record in the league at an outstanding 27-15. They're also peaking at the right time, finishing out the regular season with an eight game winning streak. Laconia, the 8th seeded team, finished with a 20-22 record, good for 4th in the division. The Gulls, who have never lost in the first round of the NECBL playoffs, are not only trying to repeat last year's championship performance, but also going for their fifth title in the past 10 years.
Getting the start for the Gulls on the bump was right-hander Tony Bucciferro. After finishing the regular season with a meager .82 ERA and 4-1 overall record, Bucciferro continued his dominance in the win, allowing only two runs over seven innings, while striking out four. His only blemish came in the third inning after conceding back-to-back hits, a single to Anthony Iacomini, followed by a home run off the bat of leadoff hitter, Evan Marzilli. Bucciferro settled down and allowed only five hits and zero runs through the next four innings of work.
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The Gulls offense struck first in the bottom half of the second, with a leadoff double by Zac Elgie who was singled in by the designated hitter, Matt Blow. The Gulls would tack on two more runs in the third inning, which proved to be all they needed.
The Gulls' offense was evidently a team effort as every starter recorded a hit, and six players had at least one RBI. The only round-tripper for the Gulls was off the bat of center fielder, Connor Harrell who led off the fourth with a cataclysmic homer.
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Fireballer Seth Simmons closed out the game, striking out the side in order and capping off the strong 7-2 victory. Bucciferro was awarded the win, as his counterpart Jordan Harrison suffered the loss.
The Gulls will continue their best of three game series on the road against the Muskrats Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Laconia.
