Miners Rally Late to Earn Tie in Season Opener

The Hamden Miners opened their 2025 campaign with a thrilling comeback, tying the Waterbury Silverbacks 7-7 in a nine-inning battle on Friday.

Hamden struck first in the bottom of the second, scoring two runs—one on a wild pitch and another on a double play that brought a runner home from third. Waterbury responded quickly, posting three runs in the top of the third and adding two more in the sixth to take a 5-2 lead.

The Miners chipped away with a run in the seventh, then delivered a clutch two-out rally in the eighth. Brian Hersh stepped to the plate and ripped a two-run double to bring Hamden within one. After Waterbury extended the lead to 7-5 in the top of the ninth, the Miners staged one final push.

With two outs and a runner on, Tyler Kornacki tripled to the gap to drive in a run, then came home moments later on a wild pitch to tie the game. Kornacki reached base four times in the game—walking twice, getting hit by a pitch, and collecting the game-changing triple. He added two stolen bases and scored twice, including the tying run.

Hersh finished 1-for-2 with the key double and two RBIs, while Matt Cinque went 1-for-2 with a double and made five defensive plays—including a double play—while splitting time between second base and shortstop.

Hamden's pitching impressed in the early innings. Starter Dylan Ellison threw two scoreless frames, striking out three without allowing a walk. Jack Lewis followed with two perfect innings of his own, striking out one and keeping Waterbury off the board.

Each team collected five hits, but Waterbury’s three errors helped keep the Miners within striking distance. Hamden committed just one error in a sharp season-opening performance.

Next up for the Hamden Miners is a game at Rogers Park where they will take on the Danbury LakeHounds on Monday at 6:30 pm.