HOLYOKE BLUE SOX NOTCH VICTORY IN EXHBITION GAME
Blue Sox defeat Utica Brewers 2-1
By Joshua Koch
Holyoke Blue Sox Media Director

Not much time was given to the 2011 Holyoke Blue Sox squad to get used to the facilities, their new homes and especially the field before taking it for its first game.

Despite not having a lot of time to prepare for the Utica Brewers, the Blue Sox came out and clinched a 2-1 victory in the exhibition game on Monday.

“First games are always interesting to watch, we let them do what they want to,” Blue Sox coach Darryl Morhardt said. “No signs, let them hit, we had some good at bats during the game … Pitchers all threw the ball well, had some pretty good velocity. So it’s an encouraging first day.”

The first game turned out to be more of a feeling out process more than anything since Morhardt sent six pitchers to the hill to seal the win.

Each pitchers stint on the mound did not last longer than two innings, but on the other side the Brewers only trotted out two hurlers the entire game.

The Brewers, whose season began on June 3, walked into Mackenzie Stadium having not lost a game yet.

Even with the Brewers having more games and victories under their belts than the Blue Sox, the freshly put together team in Holyoke did not let that bother them.

The Blue Sox struck first with a Kris Richards infield single, scoring Catcher Tom Murphy from third base.

After Utica knotted the game up at one apiece, the difference maker came in the bottom half of the sixth inning with an RBI single off the bat of Andrew Clenet giving the Blue Sox the lead and eventual victory.

Brewers coach Russell Jacob following the game said they take a few things away from this game and look to improve on them down the road.

“Got to practice on the small things,” he said. “Got to get together once we get our team practices together got to work on those things and change our approach at the plate.”

For the Blue Sox it is one day of practice and then the North Shore Navigators come into town for the 2011 season opener.

Even with the Navigators being the reigning NECBL Champions, Morhardt said his team will be ready for the challenge even with missing a few guys.

“North Shore’s always got a good team,” he said. “We’re not going to be at full strength but I think the guys we have here right now are capable.”