Sometimes it’s just not your night.
Heading into Thursday evening’s Intertown Twilight League (ITL) clash against Rowley, the Manchester Essex Mariners were on an absolute tear. Led by some stellar pitching and a balanced attack at the plate, the talented squad had won a dozen games in a row to build on their substantial double-digit, first place point lead in the league standings.
But against the visiting Rams — who sat in fourth place prior to the contest — Manchester finally saw that impressive streak snapped. It was quick, too, with Rowley earning an 11-0 drubbing in a mercy-rule shortened affair.
It didn’t help that both teams were short-handed, with the Mariners without key players such as Harry Painter and Troy Flood.
Despite the loss, Manchester still boasts a 14-2 record and has a comfortable lead over second-place Rockport (8-6-1) in the standings. Coach Cory Burnham’s group will have some time to regroup before looking to bounce back and get some revenge next Tuesday when they host Rowley again for a 5:45 p.m. first pitch at Memorial Park. The two rivals will meet again the following day at Eiras Park in Rowley at the same time.