'Nadoes blow late lead; Daubert wins it for Ottawa.

• Position: SPORTS

Byline: Kevin O'Malley

WORCESTER - Atlas Fireworks provided plenty of post-game fireworks following Worcester's series-opening game against last-place Ottawa. Both teams produced a plethora of fireworks during the game, combining for six home runs in a 6-4 Rapidz win before an enthusiastic crowd of over 3,000 last night at Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field.

Of the six home runs, five cleared the fence - none more dramatic than Jake Daubert's winning, three-run shot off Worcester reliever Eddie Pena in the top of the eighth that barely made it over the outstretched glove of center fielder B.J. Weed in left-center.

Daubert's winner gave Ottawa the lead it lost in the bottom of the seventh, as the Tornadoes completed a comeback from a 3-0 deficit to take a 4-3 lead on Francisco Caraballo's fifth home run in Worcester's last seven games.

"I thought we did a heck of a job to get back in the game and to take the lead. We were in the right position, we were ahead after seven innings. Sometimes you win and sometimes you don't," Worcester manager Rich Gedman said. "They got a big hit when they needed it, good for them. So, hopefully, we can bounce back and get them (tonight).

"The game takes on a different shape and form every night. We got behind, we battled back, we had opportunities, we didn't win, but we had chances. It's a well played game, you tip your cap to these guys, they played hard. We put ourselves in good position and we didn't execute what we needed to do. So I can sit here and say these guys could've done better, but I just tip my cap to the other club and say good for them, they won, they played hard."

Worcester starter Matt Weagle pitched seven solid innings, surrendering three runs on four hits. He walked one and struck out four before giving way to Pena with a 4-3 lead in the top of the eighth.

Ottawa reliever Reid Price got the win...