Sharks Out-Hit Bristol but Fall 7-4 at the Shark Tank
Martha's Vineyard collects 11 hits but strands a dozen runners as the Blues' early offense holds up.
OAK BLUFFS, Mass. — The Martha's Vineyard Sharks racked up 11 hits but couldn't string enough of them together, falling 7-4 to the Bristol Blues on Sunday night at the Shark Tank. The loss is the Sharks' third in a row, dropping them to 10-5.
Bristol jumped on the board early, plating two in the second and breaking the game open with a three-run third to lead 5-1. Nicholas Francuzenko was a one-man wrecking crew for the Blues, going 3-for-4 with four RBI on a two-run single, an RBI single, and an RBI double that pushed the lead to 7-1 in the sixth.
The Sharks, meanwhile, put runners on base all night, 11 hits and eight walks, but repeatedly came up empty, leaving 12 men on. Nick Rubino's RBI single in the second had accounted for the lone early run.
Martha's Vineyard finally got its bats going late. Jack Kamin doubled home Jackson Taylor in the eighth, and Nick Rubino followed with an RBI single to make it 7-3. Ty Fredo singled home Kevin Hall in the ninth to cut the margin to 7-4, but the rally stalled there.
There were plenty of individual bright spots. Jack Kamin finished 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI, Nick Rubino went 2-for-4 with two RBI and two steals, Kevin Hall doubled twice, and Jackson Taylor added two hits and two runs. Out of the bullpen, James Beasley, Landon O'Donnell, and Ethan Santerre combined for three scoreless innings to keep the deficit within reach.
Bristol starter John Hughes earned the win, and Thomas Galusha closed it out for his first save. Michael Devenney took the loss for the Sharks, falling to 1-1.
Martha's Vineyard hits the road to face the Sanford Mainers on Monday night at Goodall Park.
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.