Boys drop close one to Holbrook
Eric Lowell struck out eight, but Holbrook scored three runs in the top of the seventh to outpace the Whalers in their home opener, 5-2.

MICHAEL GALVIN/The Independent Eric Lowell put in a fine effort in Saturday's home opener. The sophomore struck out eight in a complete game loss to Holbrook.

Down, 2-1, in the sixth, Nantucket came back to knot the game in the bottom of the inning. Erik Hughes stroked a two out single and came around to score when Will Soverino singled him home. That was all the scoring the Whalers would muster, however, as they could not advance Lowell home from third base in the bottom of the seventh.

The tight game featured fine pitching performances by Lowell and Holbrook's Chris Doherty, and steady defensive play by both teams. Holbrook scored first, but Nantucket tied the game in the bottom of the second as Brian Reis scored on a ground ball.

Holbrook came right back in the top of the third to push a second run across on a shallow fly to center that just fell in. Chris Welch prevented more Holbrook scoring in the inning by turning in an unassisted double play to end the frame.

Both teams threatened after that, but the score remained 2-1 until Nantucket tied it in the sixth.

Holbrook's Doherty struck out 12 Whalers in a

superb outing. I

- Steve Sheppard