By: Shannon Bickert

Mystic heads into the first game of a two-game road trip tied with the best win percentage (.714) in the NECBL. The Schooners are tied with the Sharks for the best record (10-4) in the NECBL and in South Division standings; however, Mystic holds the tie-breaker, having the season series on the Sharks.

Mystic heads to MacKenzie Stadium to face off against the Valley Blue Sox on Monday, June 22. In their last meeting, the Blue Sox took down the Schooners at the Shipyard, with an 11-3 victory. Dylan Reid (Brown) was awarded the win, striking out eight across five innings. Valley’s offense combined for 10 hits on the day, including three from Lucas Alberti (GMU). In the loss, Devin Russell (UNC) hit his first home run of the season.

The Schooners enter the contest fresh, coming off an off day. Mystic has won their last two games, most recently taking down the Sharks in a 10-inning thriller on Saturday evening. Jack Harley (Stetson) hit the game-winning RBI single. MJ Bollinger (UConn) was tagged with the win, coming out of the bullpen and tossing three frames without allowing a hit and striking out four. Connor Lane (UConn) earned his third save of the year, retiring the Sharks in order to seal the win.

Valley is coming into the game winning their last game to the Mainers. Valley knocked 15 hits, while six members of the Blue Sox recorded multi-hit days. Valley’s pitching staff allowed just one earned run in the contest.

The probable starter for the Schooners is Dominic Pontbriant (USF). The lefty has been one of the best in the NECBL this season, pitching to a sub-one ERA across 11.1 innings.

The Blue Sox enter the matchup ranked 11th in the NECBL in hitting with a .208 team batting average, while Mystic sits in the middle of the pack at seventh place with a .241 average. The Schooners enter the day with one of the highest on-base percentages in the league, sitting in the second spot with a .380 average. Mystic has been aggressive on the basepaths, swiping 51 bags on the year, while Valley has been more quiet with half of the stolen bases that the Schooners have recorded this season.

The first pitch for Monday’s game is scheduled for 6:35 pm. You can catch the live-game broadcast on ESPN+.