SwampBats Tally Sixth Straight Win with Victory Over Mainers

SANFORD, ME - The Keene SwampBats were back on the road for just the second time early in the season. With Strong pitching followed by run support, they were able to beat Sanford on the road for the first time since June 11th, 2023.

RHP Kyle Peters (UConn) started for the second time with the Bats. After a great outing in the hope opener start, he topped that performance with an even better outing against an opponent's home opener. It was highlighted by an immaculate inning by throwing 9 straight strikes, tallying 3 strikeouts in the second inning.

After the immaculate inning, the Bats' offense carried that momentum with a leadoff single by Ty Mainolfi (Dayton). Then, an RBI fielder's choice by Jack Herring (East Carolina) to score Mainolfi later on.

The SwampBats padded their lead in the top of the 4th. A walk to Nicholas Romano (Florida Atlantic), followed by a single from Zach Thompson (Mercer), set the table. Mainolfi delivered again, singling to load the bases and help plate another run. O'Brien added a sacrifice fly, and Keene left the frame with a 3-0 advantage. 

Peters finished his outing with 5 innings pitched, no runs allowed, 1 hit, one walk, with 5 strikeouts.

After Sanford tied the game at 3 in the bottom of the 6th, Keene responded immediately. Romano and Mainolfi reached base once more, and O'Brien came through in the clutch with a 2-RBI double, putting Keene back in front. That two-run swing proved to be the turning point, giving the SwampBats the edge they needed.

In the top of the 9th, a Sanford error allowed Dylan Cupp to score an unearned run, extending the SwampBats' lead to 6–3. Though Keene left the bases loaded, the run proved vital in staving off any comeback hopes from the Mainers.

Jake Hooker (Xavier) closed the game for the SwampBats, with over an inning of shutdown work, not allowing a hit. The Bats' win puts them at a dominant 6-1, sitting atop the NECBL through the first 7 games of the summer.

Keene will host the Upper Valley Nighthawks on Friday night, followed by an off day on Saturday.

First pitch between the Nighthawks and SwampBats is set for 6:35 PM, and the game will be streamed live on ESPN+.