Sharks Take a Bite Out of Newport for First Win of 2026
A three-run first inning and a Jaylen Hernandez home run powered Martha's Vineyard past the Newport Gulls, 5-3, as the Sharks fended off a late rally to land their first victory of the season.
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 9 | 1 |
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3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | X | 5 | 7 | 0 |
Oak Bluffs, MA
The Martha's Vineyard Sharks wasted no time setting the tone at The Shark Tank on Friday night, erupting for three runs in the bottom of the first on their way to a 5-3 win over the Newport Gulls — the franchise's first of the 2026 NECBL campaign — in front of 1,568 fans.
After Newport grabbed an early 1-0 lead in the top of the opening frame, the Sharks answered emphatically. Jackson Taylor delivered the signature swing of the inning, ripping a two-run double to bring home Jackson Roper and Griffin Crain, before Colin Gibbs plated another on a fielder's choice. Just like that, Martha's Vineyard led 3-1, an advantage it would never surrender.
Hernandez provided the highlight in the fifth, launching a solo home run to push the lead to 4-1. The center of the order did the heavy lifting all night: Roper reached base three times and scored twice, Taylor finished 2-for-3 with two RBI, and Jack Kamin chipped in a pair of hits from the bottom of the lineup.
Newport refused to go quietly, scratching across single runs in the sixth and seventh to climb within 4-3, but the Sharks manufactured a crucial insurance run in the home half of the seventh when Nick Rubino drew a bases-loaded walk to score Roper and make it 5-3.
On the mound, starter Serigne Sarre earned the win after four steady innings, allowing just one earned run with no walks and three strikeouts. Thomas Achey slammed the door shut in the ninth, striking out the side in a perfect frame to nail down his first save of the year.
The Sharks improve to 1-1 in the South Division and will look to build on the momentum as they continue their early-season slate.
About the Martha's Vineyard Sharks
The Martha's Vineyard Sharks are a member of the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL), providing top collegiate talent with a platform to develop and entertain fans across the region. The MV Sharks Baseball Foundation, Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to promoting baseball on Martha's Vineyard. We are currently seeking support to improve our baseball field at The Shark Tank, enhancing facilities for players, fans, and the community. The total estimated cost for these upgrades is $520,000, and as of today, we have secured commitments totaling $200,000. If interested, your donation will help bridge this gap, directly contributing to better playing conditions, safety features, and accessibility, ensuring the Martha's Vineyard Sharks continue to thrive as a beacon of youth development and local pride. Donate here today via our secure online form at mvsharks.com/donate (powered by MxMerchant for seamless, tax-receipted giving), or email/call Russ Curran at russ.curran@mvsharks.com / 508-813-0380. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference and qualifies for tax benefits.