HOLYOKE – Gregory Shaw dominated on the mound Tuesday night to help lead the Valley Blue Sox to a 1-0 Opening-Day win at home against the Newport Gulls.
Shaw struck out six batters in five innings of work and allowed one hit and two walks.
The starting pitcher took control of the game, which can be attributed to his determination and attitude to improve each game.
“I think I could do a better job executing with two strikes,” he said. “I let up one of those nice hits [Newport] had, which was on a two-strike count.
“I think I can improve on that, but also commanding and pounding the zone.”
Shaw’s performance does not come as a surprise, as he was named a 2024 NECBL All-Star Pitcher. Last year, he started six games for Valley with 30 innings pitched.
The 2024 All-Star recorded a 2-0 record with 20 strikeouts and an impressive 2.34 ERA. The Blue Sox’s newly acquired head coach, Endy Morales, was impressed with Shaw’s performance.
“[Shaw] was very professional,” Morales said. “That’s what he does. The guy was an All-Star, and we picked him to be our Opening-Day starter because he has the experience and a [strong] pitch arsenal.”
The senior also played his 2025 NCAA season for the UConn Huskies. Shaw earned a 4-0 record this year with the Huskies, where he also registered a 4.45 ERA with 43 strikeouts.
Shaw holds down the fort on the mound with his strong command in the NCAA and NECBL.
The Gulls knocked Valley out of the 2024 NECBL playoffs last season. And Shaw emphasized that it was great to defeat the defending champs, but he has a goal this season to stay focused.
He wants to go out and compete each day for his teammates and coaches.
“I just want to go out there and compete,” The 2024 All-Star said. “The wins and losses will take care of themselves as long as we compete every day. I think we will put ourselves in a good position to win.”
