Rockport 7 Manch-Essex 6

Rockport Townies came from behind on Friday night to beat the Manch-Essex Mariners 7 to 6 in Rockport.

Ty Watkins went the distance for the win, scattering nine hits, allowing 4 earned runs, while striking out 7. Marques got the start for Manch-Essex lasting five innings, allowing 3 runs on 7 hits, 2 HBP, while striking out 3 and walking 2. DaSilva relieved in the 6th and received the loss.

Manch-Essex jumped out to 3-0 lead thru 4 1/2 innings on some sloppy defense and some heads up baserunning. Rockport scratched two back in the bottom of the 5th to make it 3-2 on two hit batsmen and a single by Juncker (4 for 4, 3rbis). In the 6th inning, Cain (2 for 4, HR, 2rbis) hit a rain-making bomb to straight away centerfield to make it 4-2 heading into the bottom of the inning.

Marques began the 6th, but was quickly relieved by DaSilva after walking Watkins to start the inning. Rockport then quickly struck with three straight doubles to left centerfield by Robertson (2 for 4, 2b, rs), Brock Currier (2 for 3, 2B, 2rbis) and Brent Currier (1 for 2, 2B, 2 rs, rbi). Juncker and Osmond both singled to cap the 5 run outburst putting Rockport ahead 7-4 heading into the top of the 7th.

In the 7th, Watkins got the first out on an infield pop up, then Graham reached on another infield error (Townies committed three), followed by back to back singles by Bertolino (3 for 4, 2b, rbi, 2 rs) and Orlando (2 rbis). Cain then was intentionally walked to force bases loaded with one out. Watkins induced a grounder to second for a force out, but Manch-Essex scored one run to make it a 7-6 with runners at the corners and two outs. However, Watkins got the next batter to fly out to right to end the game.

Rockport improves to 9-5, Manch-Essex drops to 8-4-1. Rockport hosts Rowley on Sunday, while Manch-Essex travels to Beverly.