WORCESTER, Mass. — Game 2 did not go the locals’ way, as the Worcester Bravehearts fell to the Vermont Lake Monsters, 9-6, on Wednesday night at Fitton Field, forcing a winner-take-all Game 3 in Vermont on Thursday.

Things looked promising early for the Bravehearts, who led 5-2 after three innings, thanks in part to the offensive and defensive efforts of former Worcester State standout Chris Mondesir, now at the University of Maine.

But Vermont kept chipping away. The game was tied, 6-6, entering the ninth inning before the Lake Monsters hit a two-run homer to take an 8-6 lead. Vermont added another run to make it 9-6 heading into the bottom of the ninth.

The Bravehearts did not go quietly, loading the bases with one out, but Vermont turned a game-ending double play to force Game 3 on Thursday night in Vermont. The winner will advance to the championship.