CONCORD, N.H. - NHTI Baseball fell to Roxbury Community College, 9-7, in Game 1 of Saturday afternoon's seven-inning scrimmage doubleheader at the NHTI Baseball Field.
The Lynx jumped out to an early advantage, scoring four runs in the bottom of the first inning to take a 4-0 lead. Roxbury responded, however, eventually pulling even at four apiece.
The Tigers took their first lead of the afternoon in the top of the fourth. With runners on first and third and one out, Roxbury attempted to steal second, and an NHTI throwing error allowed both runners to advance, bringing home the go-ahead run for a 5-4 advantage. Daniel Sherkanowski (Bristol, N.H.) helped prevent further damage with a leaping catch on a line drive at third base to end the inning.
NHTI answered immediately in the bottom half of the fourth. After a hit-by-pitch, single, stolen base and walk loaded the bases, Nick Snoonian lifted a sacrifice fly to right field that allowed the runners to advance. A Roxbury throwing error on the play brought home an additional run, putting the Lynx back in front, 6-5.
Roxbury regained the lead in the top of the fifth on a ground-ball double through the left side of the infield that plated two runs and made it 7-6.
The Lynx again fought back in the sixth. NHTI opened the inning with consecutive singles before Dillon Depietro lined an RBI single into left field to bring home the tying run and make it 7-7. NHTI was unable to push across the go-ahead run, however, as Roxbury recorded three consecutive strikeouts to escape the inning.
The Tigers broke the tie in the top of the seventh. After a leadoff walk and a flyout, Roxbury put runners on the corners with a single to right. A stolen base then placed two runners in scoring position before another single to right brought home the go-ahead run for an 8-7 lead. A sacrifice fly later in the inning extended the advantage to 9-7 before NHTI retired the side on a groundout to the pitcher.
NHTI attempted to rally in its final at-bat. The Lynx drew a pair of walks and moved one runner into scoring position with a stolen base, but Roxbury recorded three strikeouts in the inning to close out the 9-7 victory.
UP NEXT
NHTI and Roxbury will meet again shortly for Game 2 of Saturday's seven-inning scrimmage doubleheader. The Lynx will serve as the away team in the second contest.
