Guilford Falls to No. Haven in SCC's

May 21, 2024

The North Haven Nighthawks scored 4 runs in the 7th inning to earn a 6-4, come-from-behind win over Guilford in the opening round of the 2024 SCC Playoffs. The defeat eliminates the Grizzlies from the conference tournament, while they will look forward to competing in the CIAC State Tournament that begins next Tue., 5/28.

The Grizzlies got off to a fast start in the game, scoring 3 times in the bottom of the 1st to take a 3-0 lead over the Nighthawks. Lucas Ametrano and Mike Buccaro began the inning with back-to-back singles, then Lucas Deshefy doubled deep into the right-center gap scoring Ametrano, before an overthrow to the plate allowed Buccaro to score while Deshefy advanced to 3rd. Colin Pompano followed with a sacrifice fly that scored Deshefy for Guilford's 3rd run.

Bryce Meder was Guilford's starting pitcher, and he held No. Haven scoreless through the first 3 innings, allowing just 1 hit while striking out 6 before the Nighthawks finally broke through in the 4th when a run scored on a double-play to make it 3-1, Grizzlies.

In the bottom of the 5th, Meder helped his own cause when he singled home Buccaro to advance Guilford's lead to 4-1 over the Nighthawks.

North Haven cut Guilford's lead to 4-2 in the top of the 6th on a Luca Faulkner RBI single.

Then in the top of the 7th, the Nighthawks scored 4, highlighted by a Max Cargan single that tied the game at 4, and a Nick Romano, 2-RBI single that gave North Haven a 6-4 lead.

In the bottom of the 7th, Guilford was able to get 2 runners on base, but could not push them across to prolong the game.

The Grizzlies will have a long week off to prepare for the CIAC Class L State Tournament ranked at #9, and will host an opening round game on Tue., 5/28 - 4pm. At GHS Field. While the brackets have yet to come out, it appears as though they will take on either Torrington or Berlin - check back for details.