HOLYOKE – The Valley Blue Sox fell to the Bristol Blues 2-1 on Thursday night in front of one of the largest crowds of the season at MacKenzie Stadium.

The Blue Sox hosted ‘Bark in the Park’ night, and a slew of four-legged friends were in attendance. It was also Springfield Thunderbirds night, and T-Birds mascot Boomer threw out a ceremonial first pitch.

Both the Blue Sox and Blues missed opportunities throughout the night. The Blue Sox stranded seven runners on base and the Blues left 11 on base. Valley catcher Lucas Manning threw a Blues runner out trying to steal second in the second inning and tagged a runner out trying to steal home on a delayed double steal in the third inning.

Valley scored its lone run in the fourth inning, when Jay Bant singled, Derek Williams doubled and Manning grounded out. They managed only a pair of singles across the remaining four frames.

“We need to work on our situational hitting,” Valley manager Pedro Santiago said. “But we keep working hard, we don’t give up, so I’m happy about that.”

The Blues scored their two runs in the third and fourth innings. Dean O’Neill singled home a run in the third inning and Dean Ferrara singled home another in the fourth.

After a clean first inning, Valley starter Andrew Wertz allowed two hits apiece in the second, third and fourth innings before being replaced. He was tagged with the loss.

The Blue Sox bullpen allowed just two hits in five innings of relief. Zach Laird continued his All-Star case with a strong two innings to close the game out and lower his ERA to 1.06. He was not selected for the NECBL All-Star game in its initial roster announced on Sunday, but the Blue Sox are hoping he’s selected as part of the fan vote.

Valley (15-16) entered the game 1.5 games behind Bristol (17-15) for first place in the West Division, which they won last year. They now sit 2.5 games back with two home games against the Danbury Westerners and the Blues before the NECBL All-Star game in Bristol, Conn. on Sunday. Both home games are at 6:35 p.m. and the All-Star game is at 5 p.m.