Mainers Comeback Falls Short in 7-6 Loss to Bristol

Written by Jackson Walsh
Director of Broadcasting & Media

SANFORD, Maine – The Sanford Mainers dropped their second consecutive game as the Bristol Blues came away with a 7-6 win at Goodall Park. The loss puts Sanford alone in the basement of the North division at 2-8, while Bristol improved to 9-4 to hold first place in the South division. 

The Blues scored their seven runs in just two different innings. Bristol capitalized on a combination of walks and singles to produce a four spot in the fourth, and not long after plated three in the top of the sixth. "When we're getting scored against its coming in crooked numbers," said Mainers manager Nic Lops. "Those two innings were the difference and it really all stems from poor execution."

The Mainers had a two run lead after scoring a run a piece in the first and second but were unable to hold the lead for much longer. Connor Ball (Alabama) was charged with the loss. In his four innings of work the southpaw allowed four runs on five hits. 

Bristol had a two-run lead entering the sixth when things started to go downhill for Sanford yet again. Jack Hopko (Rhode Island) came to the plate with the bases loaded and found the left-center field gap. Three runs scored on the play and Bristol held a commanding 7-2 lead. 

The Mainers came to the plate in the bottom of the ninth trailing 7-4. Sanford eventually cut the lead to one, with the winning run at the plate and the tying run on first but Bristol's closer Carson Renner (Penn State) was able to limit the damage and get a strike out to end the game. 

Sanford hits the road to North Adams for the first time tomorrow. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

About the Sanford Mainers:
Sanford Mainers Baseball is Southern Maine's Premier Baseball Experience located in Sanford, Maine and is one of 13 members of the New England Collegiate Baseball League, as well as a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2001, playing its first season in 2002. The Sanford Mainers are committed to providing an outlet for collegiate baseball players from across the country to assist in skill development, while also acting as a community partner to the Southern Maine region in regard to youth activities, internships, volunteerism, and more. The Mainers are two-time league champions, taking home the title in 2004 and 2008. For more information on the Sanford Mainers, please visit our website at www.sanfordmainers.com or follow on Facebook at facebook.com/sanfordmainers or on Twitter and Instagram at @sanford_mainers.