'Nadoes spin it their way in 8th.

• Position: SPORTS

Byline: Steve Farley

WORCESTER - The Worcester Tornadoes have played in several close games recently. Last night, though, they made sure there would be no ninth-inning drama.

Leading by a run in the eighth, the Tornadoes plated three insurance runs off Sussex starting pitcher Mike Schellinger to take a four-run lead into the ninth.

Despite giving up a leadoff homer to the Skyhawks' Maikel Jova, reliever Anthony Sullivan buckled down and retired the next three batters and Worcester defeated Sussex, 5-2, at Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field.

The Tornadoes batted around in the pivotal eighth. Leadoff hitter Lucas Taylor (2 for 4, 2 doubles) ignited the rally by doubling to the fence in left and scoring on a single by Chris Colabello to make it 3-1. Worcester tacked on two more runs on a throwing error by Schellinger and an infield single by Yohanny Valera.

Right-handed starter Baron Short gave Worcester an outstanding effort. Short, who's only been with the Tornadoes for 2-1/2 weeks, scattered five hits and a walk while striking out four in eight strong innings. He threw 111 pitches.

Short (1-1) said he could've pitched in the ninth.

"I wanted it ... I felt good," said the 6-foot-4, 235-pound Short, who was released by the Los Angeles Angels during spring training. "We wanted to get our bullpen their confidence back. Whatever I need to do for the team, I'll do. If they want me to go eight (innings), I'll go eight.

"I was throwing fastballs, but a lot of two-seamers," Short said. "I was trying to make them put it in play so we could get those quick outs and get our guys back on offense. I'm very excited to be here. I love it. I'm so glad and thankful for the opportunity. I've got to keep working hard and stay...