Navigators win 14-inning marathon at Fraser

LYNN – With just a half-game separating the first three teams of the Northern Division of the NECBL (Sanford and Keene in a virtual tie for first, with Keene right behind), the Navigators were hoping to have a strong performance to ensure their chances come playoff time against Keene last night at Fraser FIeld.It took 14 innings, but they finally got it. Matt Costello’s walk-off single in the 14th inning gave the Navigators a 2-1 victory over division rival Keene tonight at Fraser Field. Chris Prescott (1-0) got the win in relief.The teams had several opportunities to win in regulation, but couldn?t quite pull it off.Keene had a bases loaded-no out rally in the top of the tenth, courtesy of a single, throwing error and intentional walk. Reliever Ryan Krull fanned second baseman Chris Tremblay, then induced first baseman Paul Karmas to bounce into a 5-2-3 inning ending double play.The Navs had their chances in the bottom of the frame. Second baseman Tyler Kuehl reached on a missed third strike.Teammate Matt Costello dropped a single to right-center, with Kuehl taking third. However, third baseman Nick Belcher flied to center to keep the game tied.The game was scoreless through the first four frames, before North Shore took a 1-0 lead in the fifth.Center fielder Justin LIttle beat out a bunt, then stole second with one down. He advanced to third on a wild pitch, then crossed the plate on an infield out.The SwampBats evened the score in the sixth off Navs starter Wayde Kitchens.Designated hitter Evan Chambers lashed a double over the head of left fielder Joshua Garton, Chambers went to third on an infield out, and came home on a single to left by Karmos.The Navs left the bases loaded in the seventh, while leaving Kuehl at third in the eighth.