Waves Drop Fourth in a Row

For one of the first times this season, the Waves struck first, jumping out to an early lead in the top of the first inning.

Tommy Meluskey got things started by ripping a double into left field, putting himself in scoring position. Charlie Saul followed with a single, driving Meluskey home and giving the Waves a quick 1-0 advantage.

The pressure continued as Max Farrell reached on a single, moving Saul to third. Moments later, Saul attempted to steal second, but Mystic starting pitcher Mike Poncini picked him off to end the threat.

On the mound, Dylan Causey got the start for the Waves. Despite issuing a walk to his first batter, Causey settled in nicely, recording his first strikeout of the evening and working out of trouble to keep Ocean State in front after one inning.

The Waves' lead, however, was short-lived. In the bottom of the second, Devin Russell delivered a double to left field that brought Casey Wensley home from second base, tying the game at 1-1 and swinging momentum back toward the Schooners.

The Schooners did not stop there and gained a 3-1 lead after a sacrifice fly from —- to send two batters in. 

Catcher Kalen Applefield recorded two RBIS sending Max Farrell and Meluskey in to score and tie the game. Applefield, who was in the transfer portal entering the season with the Waves, announced earlier today he would be joining the Long Beach State University in the Fall.

After a quiet bottom of the third, the Schooners made the call to swap out Mike Poncini to Tristan Aasland to begin the top of the fourth. 

Jack LaRose earned his first hit of the night for the Waves with a strong hit to center field. LaRose was able to steal second and eventually score to give the Waves another lead after Saul singled to left field. 

After a pair of scoreless innings in the fourth, the game remained tied heading into the fifth.

Brennan Confreda took over on the mound for the Waves, but Mystic threatened after loading the bases. With two runners in scoring position, University of Connecticut catcher Cam Righi delivered a two-run single to put the Schooners back in front.

Mystic wasn't finished there. Bryce Detwiler grounded into a double play, but Jamie Zee crossed the plate before the inning-ending turn, allowing the Schooners to extend their lead.

The Schooners added another run to their lead after Confreda was replaced by Elliott Eaton. The Waves entered the top of the sixth down three and searching to get back on the scoreboard. 

Despite scoring chances, the Waves were unable to bring home any runs which sent the game into the bottom of the sixth.

A scoreless bottom of the sixth for the Schooners after Eaton's strong performance on the mound sent the game into the top of the seventh. 

The game took a turn when the Waves were able to load the bases with just one out to get a strong scoring chance. However, the Schooners were able to make a double play to get the remaining two outs and prevent the Waves from scoring.

Gabriel Milano earned his first hit of the season with the Waves, doubling to right field in the top of the eighth with just one out. After Meluskey earned himself a walk, Saul struck out which left two runners on base with two outs. Mystic made the decision to make a pitching change which brought in Connor Lane.

Lane's short time on the mound was effective as his 90 mph fast balls struck out the final Waves batter to end the top of the eighth, 

In the bottom of the eighth, William Creed made his second appearance for the Waves this season. Creed walked two of Schooner's batters which ended up resulting in another run scored following a sacrifice fly.

The Waves were unable to generate any scoring chances in the top of the ninth to close out the game with a 8-4 loss.

The loss drops the Waves to four losses this season, but there were still encouraging signs throughout the night. The offense showed resilience by responding to multiple Mystic rallies, while Applefield continued his strong summer with two RBIs and LaRose added an important run after reaching base and creating pressure.

One area that continues to challenge the Waves has been command out of the bullpen. Waves relievers have combined to issue 11 walks over the last two games, creating extra opportunities for opponents and making it difficult to protect their early leads.

The Waves will return home on Wednesday to face off against the Bristol Blues. Still searching for their first win of the season, the Waves will need to capitalize on scoring opportunities and tighten their bullpen to snap their losing streak and get in the win column. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. at Old Mountain Field.