North Shore Knocks Out Newport

Following the Newport Gulls first loss in 11 games on Friday, the team and its fans were practically sure that a big win would come Saturday, allowing them to snatch the semi-final series finale against the North Shore Navigators. However, North Shore managed to stifle Newport's bats and pitch out of jams, preventing any big innings by the Gulls. When all was said and done, the NECBL's hottest team fizzled and was eliminated 5-2.

Geoff Brown started for the Gulls and seemingly never got comfortable while toeing the rubber. Brown struggled with control of his fastball, and when he found the plate, it was right down the middle, allowing four earned runs.

With Brown sputtering, the team called upon their most reliable asset during their winning streak: the bullpen. True to form, the bullpen did a more than serviceable job. Aside from surrendering a home run to Navigator's Jason Banos, the bullpen was nearly perfect. Four relievers struck out 11 Navigators and combined for just one earned run over seven innings.

After digging a dip hole and falling behind 4-0 after two innings, the Gulls offense never really got going. Although the team had eight hits, the big hit never came and a considerable number of runners got stranded on the base path. The North Shore pitching staff showed great control by only walking one batter throughout the final game of the semifinal series. Conversely, the Gulls staff handed out five free passes to the Navigators' lineup.

As North Shores players and coaching staff erupted in celebration following the final out of the game and the series, the air seemingly seeped out of Cardines Field. Fans fell silent, and Gulls' players looked bewildered amongst a somber stadium.

Unfortunately, the Gulls could not complete repeat NECBL championships. However, the team finished with the best record during the regular season and led the NECBL in overall team pitching and batting.