MONTPELIER, Vt. — For the second straight night, the Sanford Mainers (3-4) allowed the opposition to hang a crooked number on the scoreboard for their second consecutive loss. The Vermont Mountaineers (4-3) broke open a 3-3 tie in the seventh scoring with six unanswered runs in earning a 9-3 win at Recreation Field Sunday night.

The Mainers opened the game with an RBI single from shortstop Brendan Skidmore that gave the Mainers a 1-0 lead in their first at-bats. The Mountaineers tied the game in the third with a RBI double by Isaiah Pasteur.

The teams exchanged single tallies in the middle innings with Sanford re-taking the lead heading to the sixth after a sacrifice fly from Skidmore and a Johnny Slater RBI single, scoring Nate Stepna who beat the tag at home to make it 3-2. 

In the sixth, Vermont tied the game with the help of a Shawn Hunter errant pick-off attempt, allowing Austin Clemons to scamper all the way to home, knotting it up at 3-3.

In the seventh, the Mainers couldn’t elude the big inning defensively as Vermont sent ten batters to the plate, scoring six runs to take a commanding 9-3 lead, which held for the final score of the game.

Blake Morgan tossed 4 2/3 innings of two run ball in a spot start for Sanford, and didn’t factor in the decision. Hayden Heflin suffered the loss, falling to 0-1 on the season.

Shaine Hughes had another multi-hit night, giving him three straight. Mike Mastroberti’s multi-hit game streak was snapped at four with a hitless performance. He did extend his on-base streak with a walk, making it five straight games the infielder has been on base.

The Mainers return home after a four-day hiatus from Goodall Park, hosting the Laconia Muskrats tonight. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.