SwampBats use strong pitching performance to get back in win column

BRISTOL, Conn. - After making franchise history by setting a new mark for the longest SwampBats win streak ever, and tying the NECBL win streak record, Keene (12-2) got back on track with a hard-fought, 4-3 win over the leaders of the South division, the Bristol Blues (9-6).

For the first time in what seemed like weeks, Keene's offense was unable to get a baserunner aboard through the first two innings. Fortunately for the Bats, starting RHP Ben Rabatin (Kent State) was able to match Bristol's efforts on the mound, holding the Blues to two hits and no runs in his four innings of work. The first run for either squad came across in the top of the third, when DH Xavier Perez (Houston) ripped a double into the outfield to continue his hot start to his summer with the Bats.

2B Ripken Reese (Kent State) drove in another run the next inning, but Bristol responded in a big way in the fifth, scoring three and taking the lead. Not to be outdone, the SwampBats put up two of their own in the top of the sixth, in the form of a Chandler Tuupo (Charleston Southern) sacrifice groundout and RF Jack Herring (ECU) scoring on an error. 

Then, Keene's pitching stepped up big time with quality outings from RHP Skip Shenosky (Penn State), who went 3.1 innings of scoreless ball, while fanning three and earning himself the win, and RHP John Malone who came in for the save and struck out one in the ninth as the closer.

The Bats move to 12-2 on the season, and have an off day Sunday, before hosting the Vermont Mountaineers at Alumni Field on Monday. First pitch between the Mountaineers and Bats is set for 6:35 PM, and the game will be streamed live on ESPN+.