SANFORD — The Sanford Mainers’ (7-9) pitching and defense was up to par but the bats fell silent, scratching just a pair of hits in a 2-1 loss to the Valley Blue Sox (11-7) at Goodall Park on Monday night.

The lone highlight for the Mainers’ offensive nine was a Chris Gaetano solo home run, giving Sanford an early 1-0 lead after three complete innings. However, that was the only offensive output the Mainers mustered for the rest of the game.

In a low-scoring affair, both starters lasted five innings, only surrendering a run each. Brendan Shea had his best outing of the season in his second spot start for Sanford, tossing a season-high five innings while scattering five hits and allowing just a run in the fifth. Valley starter Perry Kulaga was just as good, throwing five innings and allowing just one hit and a run.

Valley tied the game and took the lead with single tallies in the fifth and sixth. The Blue Sox got two-out RBI singles from Garret McCain and Dave Petrino, respectively, to take a 2-1 lead that they wouldn’t relinquish.

Blue Sox reliever William Worswick came out of the bullpen and stymied the Mainers for the last three innings, ending the game on a stretch of 11 consecutive retired to end the game and earn the save.

The Mainers return to the action tonight to host the Newport Gulls at Goodall Park in a rematch of last year’s NECBL championship series. It’s the first meeting between the two teams this season. The Mainers will call upon right-hander Ben Greenberg (0-2, 2.81 ERA), with Newport sending Carson LaRue (0-2, 10.45 ERA) to the mound.