The Boston Rockhoppers are now 3-1 on the season and are in first place in the North American Lacrosse League after defeating the Baltimore Bombers 20-9. They scored nine straight times in the third quarter to pull away from the Bombers as they would dominate the previously undefeated team.
The game was tied at seven at the half, but the Rockhoppers forced five over and backs from the Bombers in the second half and Baltimore had just two third quarter shots on net.
Boston scored nine goals in a row in the third and shut out the Bombers. The Baltimore defense struggled and Boston had several wide open shots. Mike Stone scored two in that quarter along with Ethan Vedder.
Boston is now in first place at 3-1 with the tie breaker over the now second place Baltimore. Boston has dominated the past two weeks in all areas of their game, and Vincent Talbot has emerged as a star for this team as he has started in two weeks in a row.
Stone scored five goals to lead the Rockhoppers while they also got hat tricks from Marty Bowes and Andrew Kirkaldy. Kirkaldy ran the Baltimore goaltender Ginny Capicchioni in the second quarter, just one of many signs of the physical play in this game.
Two separate scrums saw Ryan Hotaling and Ben Rubeor in a disagreement along with Devin Spilker and Malcolm Chase. Spilker and Andrew Wasik each had three goals each for the Bombers as their points leaders.
Peter Vhalaksis dominated in the faceoff circle most of the game, preventing several potential Baltimore possessions. Between him and Timmy Fallon the Rockhoppers have possibly the two best faceoff men in the league.
Baltimore has two games against Kentucky this week, but they have to be concerned about their inability to score and the nine goal run they gave up to Boston. Meanwhile, the Rockhoppers return home against the Rhode Island Kingfish next week, and they have to be encouraged after giving up less than ten goals in the past two weeks.
