NORTH ADAMS, Mass. -- The North Adams SteepleCats entered Friday night’s game against the Valley Blue Sox on a high after the walk off win the night before.

 

This time however, the SteepleCats were not able to overcome four errors on defense and a 6-0 deficit in the 8-4 loss.

 

The Blue Sox (1-1) scored three runs in the top of the second and led the remainder of the game.

 

After trailing 6-0 in the fifth, the SteepleCats (1-1) were able to make the game interesting, scoring a run in the bottom of the inning, two in the sixth, and one in the seventh to cut the Blue Sox lead to 6-4. However, that was as close as they would be able to get it as the Blue Sox were able to close it out after that.

 

Patrick Ryan (Iona) got the start for the SteepleCats. He lasted four innings and gave up four runs. When the Blue Sox had the big second inning, he surrendered three walks and the defense committed two errors. He was able to settle down after that and only gave up one run in his final two innings of work. Blue Sox starter Alex Tuohy (Buffalo) was outstanding pitching 5 2/3 innings allowing three runs off six hits and struck out six.

 

Dustin Shirley (Dartmouth) was one of the bright spots on the game for the SteepleCats. On defense, he assisted in recording five ground ball outs. At the plate, he reached base safely three times with two singles, a walk, and a stolen base.

 

The SteepleCats travel to New Hampshire to take on the Keene Swamp Bats (1-0) in the team’s first road trip of the season Saturday night. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. from Alumni Field. The SteepleCats’ next game at Joe Wolfe Field will be Sunday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. against the Danbury Westerners (1-0). Ben Olson (Bradley) is expected to start on Saturday for the SteepleCats against Ryan Avidano (Georgia) for the Swamp Bats.