Farewell and Adieu: Blues Bite Back, Snap Sharks' Six-Game Streak in 15–6 Slugfest
Bristol's Nick Flores went full apex predator with five RBI as the Blues handed Martha's Vineyard its first loss since the streak began, dropping the Sharks to 16–5.
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 15 | 10 | 0 |
|
|
3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 7 | 3 |
Oak Bluffs, MA. Under a warm, overcast island sky with temperatures in the low 80s with a stiff 15 mph breeze blowing across the diamond 2,169 fans packed The Shark Tank hoping to see the winning streak stretch to seven. Instead, the Bristol Blues (11–11) came to Oak Bluffs hungry, patient, and relentless, drawing a dozen walks and pouncing on three Sharks errors in a 15–6 victory that ended Martha's Vineyard's six-game run.
Bristol drew first blood in a hurry. The Blues loaded the bases in the top of the first and never let go, plating four runs on a Justin Ruiz RBI single and three consecutive bases-loaded walks from Jack Balcer, Sean Britt, and JJ Romatzick. The Sharks bit right back in the bottom half: Jackson Taylor worked a bases-loaded walk of his own, and Nick Barron laced a two-run single to right to pull Martha's Vineyard within 4–3 before the first inning was in the books.
The teams traded haymakers in the third with Balcer launched a two-run homer to right for Bristol, and Griffin Crain answered immediately with a solo shot of his own to keep the Sharks within striking distance at 6–4. Taylor added an RBI single in the fifth to make it 8–5, and the home crowd could still smell a comeback.
Then came the sixth where Bristol sent ten men to the plate and hung a six-spot, fueled by a Sharks error and the night's dagger: Nick Flores' bases-clearing triple to right field. Antonio Ducatelli singled Flores home to cap the rally at 14–5, and Flores added a solo home run in the ninth for good measure, finishing 3-for-5 with a triple, a homer, and five RBI in a monster night at the top of the Bristol order.
Carter Bentley's sacrifice fly in the sixth brought home James McGee for the Sharks' final run. Frank Spirito (2–0) earned the win in relief for Bristol, scattering two runs over 3.2 innings.
For the Sharks, the offensive bright spots were real: Taylor drove in two, Barron delivered the two-run knock in the first, and Crain's home run was his latest loud contact in a strong stretch. But twelve free passes and three errors proved too much for the Sharks.
At 16–5, Martha's Vineyard still owns one of the best records in the NECBL and streaks, like tides, come back around.
About the Martha's Vineyard Sharks
The Martha's Vineyard Sharks are a member of the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL), providing top collegiate talent with a platform to develop and entertain fans across the region. The MV Sharks Baseball Foundation, Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to promoting baseball on Martha's Vineyard. We are currently seeking support to improve our baseball field at The Shark Tank, enhancing facilities for players, fans, and the community. The total estimated cost for these upgrades is $520,000, and as of today, we have secured commitments totaling $200,000. If interested, your donation will help bridge this gap, directly contributing to better playing conditions, safety features, and accessibility, ensuring the Martha's Vineyard Sharks continue to thrive as a beacon of youth development and local pride. Donate here today via our secure online form at [mvsharks.com/donate](https://mvsharks.com/donate) (powered by MxMerchant for seamless, tax-receipted giving), or email/call Russ Curran at russ.curran@mvsharks.com / 508-813-0380. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference and qualifies for tax benefits.