Gulls Grab Game One of Semi's

With a sense of urgency and energy established through the Cardines crowd, the Newport Gulls hit the ground running Thursday night. In the opening game of the semi-final three game series, Newport scored four first inning runs against the North Shore Navigators. The Gulls grabbed the game's lead, impetus and eventually, game one, 5-4.

Following a leadoff single by Derek Legg, Dan Gamache played copy cat and laced a line drive single. Next, Brendon Keliher would reach on an infield error. With the bases juiced, North Shore starting pitcher Nolan Corr ran into control issues, walking the next three Gull's hitters. After essentially handing Newport three runs, the Gulls tacked on one more run to take a 4-0 lead after just one inning of play.

Taking the hill and eventually receiving the win for Newport was right handed pitcher Pat Light. Light, a tall drink of water, kept the North shore line up at bay and continued the consistency he exuded throughout the NECBL regular season. Although he ran into a slight rough patch in the second inning, surrendering two runs, Light battled for five and one third innings and only allowed one more run throughout the rest of his outing.

Analogous to the Gulls prior playoff games, the bullpen was the distinction. Relief pitchers Gardner Leaver, John Farrell, Mike Francisco and Seth Simmons saved the day following Light's departure in the sixth inning. Collectively, the four relievers pitched three and two thirds innings while striking out five batters.

At the dish six of nine Gull's starters had a hit. In addition, lead-off and number two hitters Legg and Gamache each had multi-hit games, setting the pace for the Gulls at the top of the lineup. With Legg and Gamache consistently possessing the base path, the team was able to manufacture just enough offense to steal game one through walks, small ball and timely hitting.

Behind clutch hitting and more potent pitching, Newport will look to wrap up the series tomorrow at North Shore. Should the Gulls fall in Game two, the two teams will meet in a decisive game three at Cardines Field on Saturday.