Box Score

WORCESTER, Massachusetts (June 15, 2023) – University of Miami freshman J.D. Jones smacked a two-run double in the top of the eighth to key a three-run rally by the Westfield Starfires, who won 3-2 over the Worcester Bravehearts on Thursday, June 15.

Westfield is now 11-9 on the season.

Early on, the pitchers and defense ruled the game. The Bravehearts sniffed out a double steal in the third, throwing a runner out at the dish, and the Starfires left the bases loaded in the fifth as well. Worcester scored the game’s first run in the bottom half of that inning on an RBI groundout.

It took until the eighth, but the Starfires finally found their offense. Corey Zientek led off the inning with a walk, and Nick Serce then drilled a double to the wall in center field; Zientek zipped around the bases to tie the game at 1-1. Dan Burnett was then hit by a pitch, sending Jones to the plate. He battled for six pitches before lacing a double over third base, scoring both runners and giving Westfield the lead.

In the bottom half, the Bravehearts cut the lead to one with two doubles, but reliever Joe Espinola drew a groundout and a popout to keep the lead. In the ninth, Ryan Robb came on for the save, and though he issued two walks, the Bravehearts did not find a hit, with Jack Thorban grounding out to first to end the game.

The Starfires return to the Richards Jewelers Diamond at Billy Bullens Field on Friday, June 16 at 6:30 p.m. to face the Nashua Silver Knights.