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Seahawks’ strong start against IR not enough in 17-6 loss

Sussex Academy baseball flashes potential but lacks consistency
Sussex Academy freshman Mason Glover smashes a solo home run in the bottom of the first inning of the Seahawks’ 17-6 loss to Indian River at Sports at The Beach March 31. AARON R. MUSHRUSH PHOTOS
Aaron R. Mushrush
April 1, 2025

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Sussex Academy players knew they needed to come out strong March 31 against a talented Indian River baseball team. The Seahawks scored at least one run in each of the first four innings, but ultimately it wasn’t enough, as the Indians’ offense was too powerful in a 17-6 win. 

Emerson Layton led off the game with a hard-hit line drive to the wall that was caught by the left fielder.

“I thought he set the tempo to have some good at-bats,” said coach Doug Nowell.

Mason Glover followed it up with a solo home run. Matt Brittingham then walked ahead of a Ben Tollett single. An error off a ball hit by Victor Goodhue loaded the bases up for the Seahawks. Sophomore Derek Sachs put the ball in play with a hybrid bunt to third base to score Brittingham, and advance Tollett and Goodhue.

IR cut the Seahawks' 2-0 lead in half in the top of the second inning, but Sussex Academy was undeterred and kept the pressure up with two more runs in the bottom half of the inning. 

The visitors retaliated by staging an eight-run third inning to take a 9-4 lead. The Seahawks scored a run each in the third and fourth innings, but IR tacked on two more runs in the fourth and three more in the fifth and seventh innings for the 17-6 victory.

“I have the utmost respect for IR; their players play the game the right way, and it's a joy to watch those guys play,” Nowell said. “I root for that team and their coaching staff – they do a phenomenal job – but I wanted to see a little bit more fight against a top-echelon team.”

The loss moves the Seahawks to 2-1 after they opened the season with a 9-8 walk-off win over Seaford and destroyed St. Andrew’s 19-7.

Polytech will welcome Sussex Academy at 4:15 p.m., Thursday, April 3.

 

Seahawks senior shortstop Emerson Layton nabs the second out of the first inning.
Sussex Academy junior Victor Goodhue leaps up to catch a throw aimed at getting Indian River senior Jack Cappo out.
Seahawks coach Doug Nowell said senior Emerson Layton set the early tone for the offense with a line-drive shot to left field that almost made it out of the park.
Sussex Academy freshman Mason Glover is congratulated by junior Matt Brittingham after going yard to give the Seahawks a 1-0 edge.
Seahawks sophomore Derek Sachs drives in a run with a squeaker to third base with the bases loaded that scored Matt Brittingham and advanced Ben Tollerr and Victor Goodhue.
Sussex Academy junior Matt Brittingham slides into home to double the Seahawks’ lead.
Seahawks freshman Alex Stanislav started on the mound for Sussex Academy and was praised for his early efforts.
Sussex Academy senior Emerson Layton prepares to round third on his way home after Matt Brittingham singled to center field.
Seahawks junior Matt Brittingham watches the action at home after he advanced to second on an error.
Sussex Academy freshman third baseman Ben Tollett fires over to first to end the fourth inning.
Seahawks junior Victor Goodhue takes over on the mound in the third inning.
Sussex Academy sophomore Derek Sachs races home in the bottom of the third to trim the IR lead to 9-5.
Seahawks junior Victor Goodhue doubles in Emerson Layton and puts Matt Brittingham at third with this swing.
Sussex Academy senior Emerson Layton crosses the plate for the Seahawks' sixth and final run.
Seahawks senior Whitman Stout chases down the first out of the fifth inning.
Sussex Academy junior Maddox Roberts opens the fifth inning with a single.

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Aaron Mushrush joined the sports team in Summer 2023 to help cover the emerging youth athletics scene in the Cape Region. After lettering in soccer and lacrosse at Sussex Tech, he played lacrosse at Division III Eastern University in St. David's, PA. Aaron coached lacrosse at Sussex Tech in 2009 and 2011. Post-collegiately, Mush played in the Eastern Shore Summer Lacrosse League for Blue Bird Tavern and Saltwater Lacrosse. He competed in several tournaments for the Shamrocks Lacrosse Club, which blossomed into the Maryland Lacrosse League (MDLL). Aaron interned at the Coastal Point before becoming assistant director at WMDT-TV 47 ABC in 2017 and eventually assignment editor in 2018. 

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