Despite out-hitting their opponents and showing strong moments on both sides of the ball, the Morgan Huskies came up just short in a tough 4–2 loss to Cromwell on Saturday, March 4.
Morgan finished the game with six hits compared to Cromwell’s three, highlighting a solid offensive effort that ultimately wasn’t enough to secure the win. Leading the charge for the Huskies were Viens and Powell, who each recorded two hits and helped keep the pressure on Cromwell’s defense throughout the game.
The Huskies struck early, getting on the scoreboard in the bottom of the first inning. Levy delivered a clutch single to center field, setting the tone, and Morgan capitalized on a passed ball to bring in a run. That early momentum gave the Huskies a spark and put Cromwell on their heels.
For most of the game, Morgan’s pitching and defense held strong. Starting pitcher Brown delivered an impressive performance on the mound, allowing just one hit and one run over six innings while striking out seven and walking only two. His command and composure kept Cromwell’s offense largely contained and gave the Huskies a chance to stay in control.
Junior Jacoby Brown made his first appearance pitching in the season opener. Last season, he earned Honorable Mention from the coaching staff which is a standout achievement he’s carrying into this year as he looks to build on his success.
Brown carried the team, pitching six innings and checked all boxes. “I believe I gave everything to the full six innings even though after the sixth inning I walked off the first hitter and the energy got low, which is something I and the team can work on,” said Brown.
However, the game took a dramatic turn in the top of the seventh inning. Cromwell rallied late, with Wiernasz doubling to drive in a run, followed by Averill’s clutch single that brought in two more. An additional run scored on a defensive error, allowing Cromwell to surge ahead and seize the momentum in the final inning.
Brown believes the first game of the season was just the start of their marathon of a season. “Even though the first game we had lots of energy in the first few innings and could not finish the game we still know our strengths and weaknesses that will carry us to grow throughout the season,” said Brown.
On the mound for Cromwell, Morello earned the win with a dominant relief appearance, striking out six batters over three hitless, scoreless innings without issuing a walk. Powell took the loss for Morgan, giving up three runs (two earned) in one inning of work. Earlier in the game, Cromwell’s starting pitcher Bonelli allowed six hits and two runs over four innings while striking out seven.
Offensively, Levy led Morgan with one RBI, going 1-for-3 at the plate. For Cromwell, Averill stood out with two RBIs in a perfect 1-for-1 performance. Averill, Morello, and Wiernasz each contributed a hit to Cromwell’s total. Defensively, Cromwell played a clean game without committing a single error, with Cleveland leading the team in fielding opportunities.
As a team going forward, “one of our team goals is to keep playing well together as one unit and keeping our foot on the petal the whole game so we get the results we want,” said Levy.
Morgan will look to bounce back quickly when they return to their home field on April 6 to take on Valley/Westbrook.
