Box Score

WESTFIELD, Massachusetts (June 8, 2023) – After a heartbreaking late-inning loss the day before, the Westfield Starfires rebounded to hold on to a 2-1 win over the Worcester Bravehearts in a Futures Collegiate Baseball League contest at the Richards Jewelers Diamond at Billy Bullens Field on Thursday, June 8.

Westfield is now 8-7 on the season.

In the first, Corey Zientek shocked the Worcester defense with a bunt up the third-base line, and not only reached, but took second as the desperation throw went awry. On the very next pitch, Nick Serce ripped a single to right, scoring Zientek.

That was the sum of the offense in a fast-moving game until the sixth, when Aaron Cole beat out a single to shortstop. He then advanced on a wild pitch and a passed ball, and Serce then came through again, driving a ball through the right side to score Cole.

It proved critical, as Worcester scored a run on one swing of the bat in the seventh. Kevin Matos smacked his third hit of the game over the fence in right center, putting the Bravehearts back within one.

That was it for the offense for Worcester, however; Jake Jachym came on from there and shut down the Bravehearts in the seventh and eighth, allowing just one hit, and Ryan Robb earned the save with a one-two-three ninth.

That backed the win for 2022 FCBL All-Star Kevin Zarnoch Jr. The Worcester State University star went six strong innings, scattering five hits and two walks with three strikeouts.

There was also strong defense for the team, especially Frankie Ferrentino at third base. The East Longmeadow native and Freshman All-American for Merrimack College made several significant plays, including snaring a two-out liner with two on in the second and starting a 5-3 double play to end a threat in the fourth.

The two teams will battle again in the Whip City on Friday, June 9 at 6:30 p.m. It is Westfield Gas and Electric Night at the ballpark, and there will be a fireworks show following the contest. WG+E customers can visit their website to sign up for free tickets for the game.