Canton rallies with three runs in seventh to beat Bolton in season opener

Canton’s Michael Sullivan struck out nine on Thursday against Bolton as the Warriors rallied for their first win of the season. (Photo courtesy Bill Brewster)

BOLTON, April 5 – The Canton High baseball team scored three runs in the seventh inning to snap a 4-4 tie and beat Bolton, 7-4 in a North Central Connecticut Conference game Thursday afternoon. It was the season opening game for both teams.

Canton pitcher Michael Sullivan pitched six innings and struck out nine to pick up the victory. He allowed five hits, four runs and walked three. James Mattson struck out two in the bottom of the seventh to pick up the save.

Matt Rose, Ryan Scafuri and Sullivan each had two hits for the Warriors (1-0, 1-0 NCCC). Scafuri had a single, double and drove in two runs while Rose had a single, a triple and one RBI. Sullivan had two singles and a RBI.

Bolton (0-1, 0-1 NCCC) had the early lead but Canton took a one-run lead in the third inning on a Scarfuri RBI double and an error. The Warriors extended the lead to 4-1 in the fifth inning on Rose’s RBI triple and Scarfuri’s fielder’s choice RBI.

Bolton rallied to tie the game in the bottom of the sixth inning with three runs and three doubles.

Canton came out strong in the top of the seventh inning with three consecutive singles from Gavin Wood, Scarfuri and Rose. Sullivan’s bunt single gave Canton a 5-4 lead. A second run scored on a bases-loaded walk and a third run came in on a sacrifice fly.

It was the third straight win for Canton over Bolton and the eighth win in the last nine years.

Canton returns to action on Friday when they host East Windsor in their home opener at Bowdoin Field beginning at 3:45 p.m.

Canton 7, Bolton 4
At Bolton
Canton (1-0)                     002  020  3 – 7-8-3
Bolton (0-1)                      100  003  0 – 4-5-4
Michael Sullivan, James Mattson (7) and unknown; Pagani, Shutler (3), Hanson (7) and unknown; 2B: Ryan Scafuri (Ca), Snuffer (B), Buchanon (B), Hollingsworth (B), 3B: Matt Rose (Ca); WP: Sullivan (1-0); LP: Schutler; Save – Mattson