Nighthawks Make Late-Inning Comeback Against Mainers

By Thaddeus Sawyer

Friday night could not have gone much better for the Upper Valley Nighthawks.

Playing in front of a season-high 1,017 fans, an Upper Valley regular season record, the Nighthawks hosted Busyhead Night, raising almost $3,000 for the Busyhead Project.

On top of that, the Nighthawks (21-16-1) scored two late-innings runs to sneak past the Sanford Mainers (24-14), 2-1, making the race for the top of the North Division just a little bit closer heading into the final week of the season.

The Nighthawks are now 6-2-1 in contests decided by one run or less.

One of those two seventh inning runs came courtesy of center fielder Alex Kelsey, who posted a 4-for-4 night in his best performance of the summer. Coming up to the plate with three hits already under his belt, the speedy Kentucky outfielder smacked a triple into left center field, scoring shortstop Frank Kelly from first with ease after the High Point infielder reached on a single.

“I'm just thinking that it's nothing crazy right now,” Kelsey said. “Pitcher has to throw strikes, guy on first, two outs. 
I've just got to do a job, put it in play and that's what I did.”

A batter later, third baseman James Love reached base on a fielding error from Mainers right fielder Nater Wachter which allowed Kelsey to score what ended up being the winning run.

In his first start of the summer, Vincent Luther kept the Mainers’ bats at bay through five scoreless innings. The left-hander struck out six while not walking a batter.

Though the Binghamton University pitcher made a one inning appearance as an opener this spring against Cornell University on April 14, Friday’s appearance was his first real start since operating as a weekend starter for the Bearcats in 2025.

“I was excited to finally get back out there as the starter,” Luther said. “
Just trying to stay confident out there, throw strikes and get zeros and I know the guys are gonna make some plays behind me.”

The start marked Vincent’s last appearance for the Nighthawks this summer. The 20-year-old finished his Upper Valley tenure with 22 1/3 innings pitched across eight appearances and a 1.21 ERA with 22 strikeouts.

“It's been absolutely great learning, especially from all the guys,” Luther said. “
There's a lot of knowledge on the staff that taught me a lot. I was able to use a lot of that going out there and pitching.”

The Mainers’ only run came in the sixth when all-star catcher Domenico Tozzi sent a single back up the middle after a Jack Tate leadoff double to plate the designated hitter.

Nick Tamburro was charged with the run, his only over three innings of work. The fourth-year Nighthawk earned his third win of the season.

Julian Rondon earned his fifth save of the season with a hitless ninth inning, striking out two. The Liberty University left hander is now tied for the most saves in the NECBL.

Former Nighthawks pitcher Michael Bradshaw took the loss for the Mainers, his second of the summer.

Kelsey’s four hits led the Nighthawks, with no other player notching more than one. Kelsey also swiped a pair of bags, while designated hitter Alejandro Puig stole one.

Love’s fifth inning double, which nearly scored Kelsey for the first run of the game before he was thrown out at home, tied him for second in the NECBL with 10 two-baggers on the season.

With the win, the Nighthawks split the season series with Sanford, 3-3.

The Nighthawks will have the chance to do the same with another North Division foe when they return to the Maxfield Sports Complex on Saturday for their penultimate home game. Upper Valley will host the North Adams SteepleCats (8-28) for their final matchup against the North Division bottom feeders of the season.

The SteepleCats hold a 3-2 advantage in the season series and have won both previous contests at the Nest this season.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. The contest will stream live on ESPN+.