Local adult team stands in third place

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The opponents of the Connecticut Hackers, the Naugatuck-based adult baseball team, aren’t just having trouble scoring runs—they are having trouble getting hits.

The Hackers allowed just one hit in a double-header sweep over the Milford Monsters to improve to 9-5 overall and stand in third place overall in their division. The Hackers enter this week four games behind the first-place Meriden Blaze, who own a 14-2 record.

In the wins over Milford, Mike Fox tossed a shortened-game no hitter, and Jeff Farrell allowed one hit in a complete-game, seven-inning performance.

In game one, the Hackers slugged out a 15-0 win and continued their hot streak with a 5-0 victory in the nightcap.  In the opener, the Hackers produced five runs in the first, six in the second and four in the third en route to their triumph.

Nick Pereira blasted a three-run homer and had four RBIs; Jim Gomperts scored three runs while Farrell and Jeff Pugliese scored two runs each.

“Our bats really came alive after being dormant the last couple of weeks,” Hackers’ player/manager Mike Doran said.

The first inning in game one set the tone for the rest of the game. Pugliese reached on a fielder’s choice with one out, then Dan Kaminski walked before Farrell knocked both in with a two-run double. Gomperts followed with a walk and Pereira delivered a three-run homer to right center that cleared the scoreboard at Naugatuck High School.

That was all the run support Fox needed. In the mercy-ruled game, Fox went the distance in five innings without surrendering a hit, striking out six and allowing one walk.

“Fox had struggled lately,” Doran said.  “But, he really bounced back with this effort.  He looks like he’s returned to his old self after this start.”

In game two, Farrell, the former Red Sox minor league prospect, stole the show. He dazzled Milford in a complete-game shutout.

“Jeff continues to make noise as our co-ace (with Fox),” Doran said.

At one point, Farrell retired 18 of 19 hitters. For the game, Farrell allowed one hit, struck out seven and walked one.

On offense, the Hackers were led by Fox, Kaminski, Mike Townsend and Ryan Strout, who had two hits apiece. The Hackers rallied in the third for four runs, and that made the difference in the game.

Townsend, Ryan Mazurkivich and Strout loaded the bases with singles. Fox and Kaminski followed with run-scoring hits. A series of passed balls gave the Hackers two more runs and a commanding lead.

This Sunday the Hackers travel to Orange, which is currently tied for second with New Haven at 12-4.

Wes Dutton, the former Eastern Connecticut State player, will start game one.  Farrell is scheduled to take the mound in the other half of the twin-bill.