Grays Split Metro Trip, Trek to CT Saturday

SUFFIELD, Conn.- The Providence Grays returned from last weekend’s road trip to New York and New Jersey with an overall record of eight wins and two losses. While they faced some challenges against the Atlantic BBC of Brooklyn, who handed the Grays their first defeats of the season, they found redemption with impressive victories over the Elizabeth Resolutes. Now, the Grays are gearing up for another thrilling weekend as they travel to Suffield, Connecticut, to face the Dirigo BBC of Maine and the Brandywine BBC of West Chester, Pennsylvania, at the Hilltop Farm Vintage Base Ball outing.

The Grays started their road trip on Saturday, June 3, with a match against the formidable Atlantic BBC of Brooklyn. In a game played by the 1864 rules, Providence struggled offensively, but left fielder Jamie Maynard and center fielder Mike "Banquet" Swanson showed their prowess with three hits each. Right fielder Aidan Pirruccello-McClellan also made his presence felt with two hits. Unfortunately, the Grays fell to the Atlantic with a final score of 15 to 2.

Undeterred by the setback, the Grays faced the Atlantic once more, this time in an 1884 matchup. Providence started off hot, with a total of seven hits across the first three frames, with two each from catcher Pirruccello-McClellan and right fielder Johnny Carlevale.  In addition, the Grays’ defense behind stellar pitching by Kai Henson limited the Atlantic to three aces in those early innings. However, Brooklyn plated eleven across the middle innings while Providence could muster just one. Henson finished with eleven strikeouts, but the Grays' comeback attempt was halted after two runs in the eighth to settle the score at 17 to 9 in Brooklyn’s favor.

Providence redeemed the weekend with two wins in Rahway River Park on Sunday, downing the Elizabeth Resolutes 32 to 20 in the 1870 matchup and 28 to 6 in the 1864 matinee. In game one, Providence batted around enroute to seven runs in the first to take control early. The Grays turned the order over at the bat in two additional innings - the fourth and fifth consecutively. All nine batters totaled multiple hits throughout the game, highlighted by a home run from Captain Brian Travers and four hits from second baseman Huseyn "Zesty" Nagiyev in his Providence (and base ball career) debut.

Despite this offensive prowess and solid defense throughout the majority of the contest, Providence allowed Elizabeth an opening in their final licks, and the Resolutes took every opportunity, batting around and plating 16 runs before the dust settled on a victory for the Rhode Islanders.

In Game two, following the rules of 1864, the Grays kept the host batters at bay in a convincing triumph. Providence boasted 17 runs after three innings, including a grand slam from electric leadoff man Dave Leopardi. Offense in this match was generated by four hits from catcher Carlevale, three from both first baseman Kai Henson and second baseman Aidan, two each off the bats of left fielder Banquet, right fielder Zesty, pitcher Travers, short stop Frank "Druid" Pagano, and third baseman Jon "Bones" Henson.

This Saturday, June 10, the Providence Grays are heading to Suffield, Connecticut, to participate in the Hilltop Farm Vintage Base Ball outing. Their opponents for the day will be the Dirigo BBC of Maine and the Brandywine BBC of West Chester, Pennsylvania. Both games will adhere to the rules of 1864, promising an exciting display of base ball.

The first game is scheduled to start at noon, and the Grays are eager to showcase their skills once again. Follow the action on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on all the rousing moments as the Providence Grays bring their passion to Connecticut.