Ashland Red Sox: Past Articles

Hudson, MA --Though not witnessed personally by this reporter, Sunday's pair of defeats has given rise to rumors that Ashland Manager/GM Steve Saraceno is looking deep into the independent leagues for new talent.  

Pictured in this undated file photo is former All-American at the University of Arkansas, and one-time 1st round draft pick of the Kansas City Royals, Dunkin "Twinkle Toes" Cronin out of San Jose, CA. 

Known for his blazing speed and slimy nosed style of play, his promising career was cut short after a series of suspensions for performance enhancing kibble, and for eating his own vomit.

Most recently, he has roamed the outfield for the San Jose, Petco Co-Ed Softball "K-9-2-5'ers" of the independent Central Pacific League.

When Pressed for comment, Saraceno's only reply was to blow intensely hard, yet somehow inaudibly, into a small, narrow whistle.

Sudbury, MA--The Sox returned to form, scoring early and often in a rout of the Sudbury Yankees this past Sunday.  Fine pitching performances by "the Committee" were backed up by a potent offensive attack, led by Wayne "What Bad Knee?" Sylvia, who single-handedly drove in more runs in one game than the Sox had plated in the previous three.

Next up for the Ashland nine is a double-header with the Holliston Mariners this Sunday, July 30, beginning at 9:00 AM. 

Ashland, MA~ After a dismal 2-8 start to the season, the Ashland Red Sox finished their final eight games by going 7-1.  The momentum continued into round one of the playoffs when the Sox battled to a 2-0 victory over the capable Indians squad from Marlboro. 

Timely hitting and solid defense were the keys in this well played pitcher's duel, that saw the resurgent Steve "Reports of My Demise Were Greatly Exaggerated" Saraceno combine with rookie sensation Mike "Sauce" Donfrancesco for a shut out. 

Dan "Don't Call Me Gerard" Phelan knocked in what proved to be the only run the Sox would need on an early single, with the only other score of the day being plated on a double steal.

Next up for the Ashland Nine is a 9/17 double header showdown with the surprising Holliston Mariners, who defeated the powerful Framingham Orioles, ending their run of five straight league championships.

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(API) Ashland, MA--The champagne bottle was smashed on the bow of another MWABL season as the 2007 campaign was christened this past Sunday on a sun-drenched day at the 'ol Ashland boat yard.  After a tightly contested skirmish, the leftover champagne was flowing in the locker room of the defending champion Ashland RedSox, 7-4 winners over the venerable Braves of Millis.

Behind the ageless arm of ace Steve 'Sara' Saraceno, the Sox managed just enough offense with timely base knocks, particularly from DH-for-the-day Brian 'Gimpy' Farrell, whose offseason knee surgery hasn't slowed down his bat speed.  Saraceno went the distance in scattering 8 hits, painting the black all day to the tune of 7K's, and more impressively, no BB's.  The 4 runs he allowed were all unearned as the Sox attempted to wake their gloves from winter hibernation.

Farrell was 3-3 with an RBI, and may have accounted for the first time in league history that a leadoff hitter employed the use of a courtesy runner.  MWABL official historians are checking the record books to confirm.  If the record stands, league officials plan to hang Farrell's knee brace in a place of honor in the MWABL Hall of Fame.

The Ashland 14+ were aided with the solid defensive play of rookie SS Michael 'At Least I'm Not Named Steve' Auren.  Offensively, Brent McKenzie, Kevin Quinn, Steve Southard, and Saraceno, in an act of self love, drove in the other Sox runs. 

The ASox also welcomed outfielder Steve Linda, bringing them back to the mandated half dozen Steve quota, who recorded the final out with the Braves threatening.

The boys from Ashland do battle next with the Goliath slaying Holliston Mariners at 9:30 on Sunday, 4/29.

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Holliston, MA--The Sox improved their record to 2-0 to start the season for the first time in their six year history with a tasty blend of strong pitching and timely hitting.  For the second week in a row, the menu was sparse in the early innings, with Mariners starter John Gatti serving up just one base knock over the first 4 innings.  Not to be outdueled, Sox second year hurler Steve Triveri took a no-hitter into the sixth before being chased by 5 hits from the first six batters in the home half of the frame.  Enter Steve Saraceno to take Triveri of the hook, working his way out of a bases loaded jam by inducing a pop up to short and striking out the next batter looking.

Once again the boys from Ashland came from behind in the latter innings erupting for 6 runs in the 7th and another 3 in the 8th, all started by Triveri, who decided he had no intention of taking the loss.  Triveri would add an RBI insurance run in the 8th, to go along with the hot bat of leadoff hitter Brian Farrell.  Before the barrage was over, Sox hitters Badaracco, Halzel, and Steve Saraceno would also send a teammate past homeplate.

Defensively, both teams hung tight, with the Sox guilty of just one miscue after shaking off the opening week jitters.  Rookie SS Mike Auren was solid again, recording multiple assists, including the front end of a nifty double play, while Chris 'What Position Am I Playing Again?' Cronin saw more action than the No Tell Motel with a baker's half dozen putouts in center and left.

The ASox barnstorm their way back to the friendly confines of the Ashland ballyard this Sunday, 5/6 at 10:00AM.  Tickets are still available.

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Ashland, MA~After finding themselves behind 2-0 in the top half of the first frame, the Ashland Red Sox pounced on the Indians for a nine spot in the latter half of the inning.  Six of those runs came off of bases clearing extra base hits by Steve Triveri, and SS Mike Auren.  A sacrifice fly by McKenzie, and RBI singles by Halzel and Cronin had the hometown team shifting into cruise control in the hopes of coasting to an easy win.

But the tribe continued to chip away, plating runs in the 5th, 7th, and four in the 8th to pull within two.  In the top half of the 9th, the impossible comeback seemed not so impossible as the boys from Marlboro pushed two more men across the dish to make it 10-10. 

This time, however, Custer was able to rally his troops, as Steve Saraceno singled home Auren with the winning run after it looked like he would be stranded on third after tripling with nobody out.  For Auren, it was his second triple of the game, which were also his first two MWABL hits, a feat as rare as the sight of Victor Saraceno scoring his own run. 

Up next for the Sox is a Sunday, 6/10, 9:30AM showdown with the ever dangerous Cubbies from Southboro.

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Southboro, MA~The Sox bats went cold, and the boys from Ashland dropped their first contest of the year to the Cubs.  Despite a strong pitching performance by Steve Saraceno, the Sox continued their troubles against the little bears, dropping to 1-6 against them since the team changed ownership in 2004.

Up next for the Sox is a rematch of the Championship showdown with the Medway Phillies, the only meeting the teams will have in the regular season.

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Ashland, MA~Take a short list of classic MetroWest League games:  1) the Will
Lessard-Wally Siggins pitcher's duel that gave the Cubs the championship in 1998.  2)
the Orioles two-out comeback from a 3-0 deficit against Newton that earned
the underdog O's a finals berth -- and eventual title in 2001.  3) the  16-inning regular season pitcher's duel between eventual finalists Braves and Orioles in 2004 -- Jimmy Callaghan (winner) and Rob Gray (loser) both going all  the way.  4) the 14-inning second game of a doubleheader between the dynastic O's  and upstart Red Sox in the 2004 American League finals -- Steve Saraceno pitching 19 innings that day, but losing to Gray who pitched 14.  5) the Phillies winning a 15-inning second game of a doubleheader versus the Braves to gain the 2006 finals, 6) only to lose the crown to the Red Sox in a 14-inning second game of a doubleheader -- Saraceno throwing 15 that afternoon.

Now add this gem:

7) July 29, 2007.  Ashland Red Sox - 5, Framingham
Orioles - 4.   16 innings.

It started mundanely enough.  Framingham took advantage of two Ashland
miscues to score single runs in the first and second off Red Sox starter Steve
Saraceno (not him again?).  But the Sox countered with single runs in
the fifth and sixth off O's ace Jeff Golden, tying the game at 3-3 in the eighth
with a single run off reliever Jeff Merzel.

Golden worked out of several bases loaded jams -- mostly the result of
cheap hits and errors -- in the first, fifth, and sixth.   

Saraceno (9-3 with a 1.76 ERA over 102 innings) settled in after the
first two frames and cruised through the tenth.  In the sixth inning he threw
an eephus pitch to O's first-sacker Barry Bennett, taken for a called
strike.  Bennett jokingly tried standing on home plate afterwards.  He
eventually struck out on a submarine curve.

Things got more serious in the ninth.  With one out and the score tied,
Ashland's Wayne Sylvia singled and stole second.  New Sox acquisition
Peter Padovano (3-for-4 on the day, including a key single in the 13th)
blooped a pop over third baseman Mark Knowlton's head.  Sylvia played it safe and
held at third.  Padovano moved to second on the throw.

With the winning run ninety feet away, Merzel displayed his New York
cool by getting Steve Triveri to pop out to short right, then struck out Mike
Donfrancesco in a nervewracking ten-pitch battle. 

Extra-innings. 

Framingham loaded the bases in the 13th off Donfrancesco (who threw
four gutsy innings in relief of Saraceno).  With one out Sox rightfielder Paul
Murphy dropped a possible sacrifice fly off the bat of Dave Bieksha.  But
Murphy recovered quickly -- his throw forced Carlo Galvani at the plate. 

But with the bases still loaded, Donfrancesco's wild pitch against the
next batter scored Merzel.  Orioles up, 4-3.  After nearly 13 innings, it
looked like the long sweltering day might finally end.

The first two Sox went down quietly in the bottom of the thirteenth.
But Padovano singled.  Triveri singled.  Donfrancesco stepped in against
Merzel again.  Again, it took many pitches.

This time Donfrancesco won.

His double to center scored Padovano with the tying run, and sent the
plump-footed Triveri slouching toward home with the potential
game-ender. 

Out.

No matter.  Triveri dusted himself off and climbed the hill to pitch a
scoreless fifteenth and sixteenth.  A few innings previous, Framingham's Walter
Currie had exploded his hamstring, leaving the O's with eight players. 
Seldom-used Stan Pulnik promptly dropped his scorebook and ran out to
second base like a free-range chicken.  Meanwhile, no one knew the name
of the Oriole rightfielder.  He seemed to have wandered in from the
woods...

In the bottom of the sixteenth, Ashland's Paul Murphy (on base 4 times)
led off with a walk.  Brian Farrell (2-for-4 on the day) sacrificed him over.
John Badaracco -- whose clutch base hit ended the 23-inning doubleheader that brought the Red Sox the title last year -- struck out.

With two down, clean-up batter Brent McKenzie stepped in.  He lofted an
easy pop to Mark Knowlton at short.

Maybe it was simply time for the game to end.

Because Knowlton dropped the ball.

That was it.

"I had to leave after the tenth inning to get down to the Cape for a
wake," said winning manager Steve Saraceno afterwards.  "I rushed home,

showered, dressed, drove down Route 495 listening to Steve Halzel do
play-by-play into my cell phone.  I got to the funeral home with five minutes to spare.  The game was still going on!  This is three o'clock!  I turned off my
phone, went inside, and paid my respects.  The phone vibrated in my pocket.  I walked outside and checked the text-message.  It said: WE WON."

The Red Sox and Orioles meet sometime next week in a regular season
finale that may well decide the American League division winner.   Check your local
listings for a field near you.

By: Steve Saraceno

Ashland, MA~Chris Cronin's ninth-inning bases-loaded walk gave the Ashland Red Sox a 4-3 "walk-off" victory over the Worcester White Sox in a taut first-round thriller at Ashland.

The Red Sox now go on to face the surprising Marlboro Indians in the American League finals next week at Ashland.

White Sox starter Tom Magnusson (10 H, 5 K, 4 BB, 2 HBP) entered the ninth having retired 11 of the last 12 Red Sox batters.  

But then the hot day began to take its toll.  With the score tied 3-3,
Magnusson hit Ashland shortstop Mike Donfrancesco to start the inning.  Sox
second baseman Steve Triveri dropped down his second sacrifice bunt of the day.  First baseman Wayne Sylvia walked.

Up stepped Ashland starter Steve Saraceno (11 H, 1 K, 0 BB).  In the second Saraceno had singled to right to plate the last two previous Ashland scores.  Now Saraceno rapped a sharp grounder through the shortstop hole.  Speedy pinch runner Paul Murphy held at third, loading the bases with one out.  Catcher Cronin came to the plate.  "That's the guy I want up there in a situation like that," said manager Saraceno afterwards.  Cronin had entered the game with a regular season batting average of .161 -- yet an on-base percentage of .409, courtesy of 13 walks in 15 games.

Now he walked again. 

And the Ashland Red Sox walked into the American League finals.

The game featured a flurry of early scores by both teams, followed by a long, stomach-twisting period from the second inning to the ninth with the score knotted at 3-3.

The Red Sox notched one run in the first.  But Magnusson pitched out of
a bases loaded jam to avoid further damage.  Then the White Sox took advantage of several Ashland miscues to score three in the second off Saraceno:  Kevin Ryan, Tim Bonin, and Craig Delman (2-for-3 on the day) each singled, and Magnusson helped his cause with a sharp shot past Ashland's Pete Padovano at third.

Saraceno (11-3, 2.12 ERA in 119 inn.) settled in after that.  Relying heavily on his curve (and also a couple of eephus balls) the veteran righthander held the White Sox to mild threats in the fourth and fifth, finishing his complete game by retiring the last nine batters he faced.

Ashland's biggest threat to break the long mid-game deadlock came in the eighth.  Centerfielder John Badaracco (2-for-3, double, triple) drove a tailing blast over Worcester rightfielder Matt McKeon to lead off the inning.  The ball rolled to the fence and Badaracco cruised into third standing.  Steve Southard followed with a line drive that shortstop Mike Filipkowski snared nicely on a drawn-in infield. 

Ashland manager Saraceno next called for a suicide squeeze.  But Magnusson's high, outside pitch eluded Pete Padovano's bat.  Badaracco was left for dead meat.

The White Sox seemed buoyed by their escape from grave danger.  But Saraceno retired Worcester one-two-three in the ninth, setting the stage for the bottom of the inning heroics.

Alongside Badaracco and Saraceno, offensive stars for the Red Sox included Mike Donfrancesco (1-for-2, big HBP to lead off ninth), and Wayne Sylvia (1-for-2, double, walk, and a foul home run over the left field fence).

Defensively, Sylvia saved several throws at first, and catcher Cronin, shortstop Donfrancesco, second baseman Triveri, and rightfielder Brian Farrell filled in admirably for vacationing starters.  It was Farrell's first start in the field since tearing up his knee in last year's championship final.

Delman (2-for-3) led the White Sox offensive attack, which included hits by ten of the eleven batters in the strong Worcester lineup.

"The White Sox [who finish at 11-6] should be proud of coming into the league this year and immediately establishing themselves as a force," said Ashland manager Saraceno afterwards.  "Not only that, but they showed sportsmanship in all our games with them.  That is appreciated."

The 12-4 Red Sox now move on to face the powerful Marlboro Indians (who mercy-ruled the Framingham Orioles by the surreal score of 15-0).  The doubleheader is set for next Sunday starting at 10 a.m. in Ashland. 

By Steve Saraceno

Ashland, MA~The Ashland Red Sox swept the Marlboro Indians 12-7 and 16-7 at Ashland to move into the league championship round once again. 

The twin bill featured two Red Sox comebacks -- a big one in the  opener, and a smaller but just as effective comeback in game two.  Hitting stars for the Sox included rightfielder Paul Murphy (3-for 4, and 3 walks), shortstop Michael  Auren (4-for-6, double), gimpster Brian Farrell (3-for-4), and first baseman Wayne Sylvia (3-for-6). 

Sox pitcher Steve Saraceno (13-3) pitched 13 2/3 innings on the day and collected both wins.

GAME 1 
Red Sox 12, Indians 7

Marlboro picked up where they left off in their previous week's mercy-win over
the Orioles, scoring 5 runs in the top of the first off Sox starter Saraceno.  Leadoff hitter Dave Rymsza (4-for-6 on the day) singled, shortstop Mike Richards singled, and centerfielder Tom Pare doubled.  Then Steve Courtwright, Jeremy McCormick, and second baseman Jeff Stiles each singled.

By the sixth inning the Tribe led 6-2.  Things looked promising for underdog Marlboro.  The first two Ashland batters grounded out in the bottom of the sixth.  But then...nine Sox batters scored.

The two-out mega-rally featured key bases-loaded singles by Mike Auren and Victor Saraceno to tie the game.  Then Paul Murphy, Brian Farrell, and centerfielder John Badaracco delivered hits to cap the 9-run explosion.  By the time the dust cleared -- and on this particular day there was plenty of it -- Ashland led 11-6.

Saraceno cruised the rest of the way -- if you can call giving up 14  hits cruising.  Maybe "surviving" is a better word.  Hitting stars for the Indians included Rymsza (2-for-3, walk), Stiles (2-for-3, triple), and Craig Macauley (2-for-3).  


GAME 2
Red Sox 16, Indians 7

The Red Sox grabbed an early 5-1 lead in this game, courtesy of walks and errors.  Sox starter Mike Donfrancesco pitched well into the fifth, departing with a 5-3 lead which reliever Steve Saraceno promptly blew.  Third baseman Mike Tognieri and Markian Stecyk delivered key singles, and manager Jerry Guerra's sacrifice fly put the Indians up 6-5.

But Ashland promptly answered with three runs to take the lead again in the sixth.  Auren singled, Pete Greene lofted a sac fly, and Murphy climaxed the rally with yet another hit.  The Sox got three more in the seventh, largely thanks to a Donfrancesco double.  In the ninth Ashland added four more runs.

Game two hitting stars for Ashland included catcher Brent McKenzie (2-for-4), Pete Padovano (2-for-4), Donfrancesco (2 doubles), Auren (2-for-3), and Sylvia (2-for-4).

The Indian attack was led by Tognieri (2-for-3) and Dave Rymsza (2-for-3, walk, on base 6 times on the day), and Stiles (3-for-5 on the day).  In the seventh Hugh Cornwall and Tom Courtwright blasted twin drives against the deep outfield fence in Ashland.  Either shot would have cleared Bowditch, Feeley, or Fenway. 

"But I outsmarted them," said Sox pitcher Saraceno.  "I made sure we played in Ashland." 

The game was spiced by the odd sight of umpire Tim Hays twice being struck by sharp ground balls (Hays was the only man hit harder than Saraceno).  And late in the game tempers flared when Sox first baseman Wayne Sylvia got spiked.  But everyone calmed down and many could be found at TJ's afterward drinking a beer.

"We faced this murderous lineup four times this season," said Sox manager
Saraceno.  "And if you don't believe me, I have the ERA to prove it.  You really have to hand it to Marlboro, .500 during the regular season, for playing so tough in the playoffs."

The Red Sox await the finish of the Phillies-Dodgers series next week.  The league championship series is scheduled to start Sunday, Sept. 9 at 10am in Ashland.

By Steve Saraceno

Framingham, MA~The Ashland Red Sox notched their second straight MetroWest League championship with a doubleheader sweep over the playoff-tough Medway Phillies by scores of 1-0 and 11-7 Sunday at Keefe Tech.

Ashland's Steve Saraceno edged Medway's Jamie Nix in a tense pitcher's duel in game one. Both righthanders went the distance. The sole Red Sox run scored on a passed ball in the eighth inning.

In game two Ashland built an 11-3 lead in the middle innings and cruised the rest of the way. Offensive stars for the Sox included Steve Southard, Brian Farrell, and shortstop Michael Auren. Saraceno went the distance in this game as well, throwing 18 innings on the day to collect his fifth win of the 2007 playoffs.

GAME 1

Red Sox 1, Phillies 0

Befitting the championship setting, both teams found themselves involved at the outset in that rarest of MetroWest League rarities -- a scoreless pitchers' duel. Tight defense prevailed throughout, with Medway mounting serious threats in the sixth and eighth innings.

With two out in the sixth the Phillies' Mark Rogers singled. Then Tim Corning lined a drive to deep center that Ashland's surehanded Paul Murphy seemed to have in his sights. But the ball sailed over Murphy's glove and bounced past some concrete palings for a ground rule double.

After an umpires' discussion that included representatives from both teams, the lead runner was placed at third. Sox pitcher Saraceno (6 H, O BB, 5 K) then struck out Shawn Boardman on a forkball to end the threat.

Medway knocked on the door again in the eighth. With two out Chris Decatur and Rob Pisano singled. Gerry Diluzo then stroked a dying quail into the left-centerfield gap that leftfielder Chris Cronin snagged with a spectacular full layout dive to save at least one, possibly two runs.

"CC has been solid like that all year," said Sox manager Saraceno. "He started the season as our fifth outfielder, but ended up playing almost every inning of 2007 in leftfield. You can see the reason why."

In the bottom of the eighth Cronin rapped a line single to left, advancing to second on the charging leftfielder's error. Michael Auren pinch-ran for him. Auren moved to third on a Vic Saraceno fielder's choice, the throw coming to third late, everybody safe.

A few pitches later Auren scored on a passed ball.

Saraceno had the run he needed. Auren turned a double play in the ninth, assisted by a sweet pick from first baseman Wayne Sylvia, to end the game.

It was Saraceno's fourteenth win of the year, his second straight shutout versus the Phils.

Nix was monumental in defeat. Facing the powerful Ashland lineup, he allowed just four hits, struck out seven and walked one.

GAME 2

Red Sox 11, Phillies 7

Offense reasserted its sway in Game Two. For the third time in five playoff games Ashland scored 11 runs or more.

Just as in the 2006 finals, Steve Southard again came up big in the championship game. Southie went 3-for-3, including a triple to cap a perfect 5-for-5 doubleheader. Also on fire were rightfielder Brian Farrell (2-for-2, walk), shortstop Auren (2-for-3, 3-for-5 on the day), and the redoubtable Cronin (on base 4 times in the doubleheader).

Ashland scored two in the first off Phils starter and manager Rick Huckins. But Medway quickly matched it with two off Red Sox starter and manager Steve Saraceno.

The Sox plated two more in the second. By the fourth Ashland enjoyed a 5-3 lead. They made it 6-3 in the sixth on a well-executed double-steal. After Huckins departed the floodgates opened, Ashland taking advantage of three walks in the eighth to score five runs and build the lead to an insurmountable 11-3.

The Phillies offense scored four late runs, led by outfielder Dave Devilis (2-for-3, on base 4 times on the day), Wil Goulart (2-for-4), and Chris Decatur (2-for-4, double, 3-for-7 in doubleheader). But Saraceno ended the game and his long day on the mound with a strikeout of Rob Pisano.

For the second straight year Ashland swept all five playoff games, finishing the 2007 season with a 16-4 record. The Phillies went 3-3 in the playoffs, advancing to the finals by twice beating higher-seeded teams.

Saraceno has now won nine straight playoff games (along with a save in that stretch). The 52-year-old righthander threw 150 2/3 innings this year and finished with a 15-3 record. He did not walk a batter in eighteen innings of the doubleheader.

"The good thing is that I get to write these recaps," said Saraceno afterwards, "so I can make up any crazy stat I want. Actually, I didn't even play today! Seriously, folks, I was amazed at our team this year. We lost six good players from 2006 -- a full third of our team -- yet we played .800 ball in what was essentially a rebuilding year."

Saraceno added: "The biggest credit should go to our offense, which kept coming through with big hits. Brent McKenzie, Stevie Southard, Brian Farrell, John Badaracco, Paul Murphy -- these guys all have outrageous stats, and I didn't even make them up! Moreover, they hit in the clutch, which is not always the case on high-powered teams."

Asked to be quiet, Saraceno continued: "Our new acquisitions this year just kept plugging the gaps -- guys like Murph, Mike Auren at shortstop, Pete Padovano at third, Steve Linda in the outfield. We had a guy named Paul Busa who showed up for one game and then disappeared. Will he make it to the team party? God only knows."

After players from both teams departed the field, Saraceno said to a rapt audience of squirrels: "A tip of the cap also to Medway coach Rick Huckins for helping me find a field and get this series played. It's a pleasure to be in a league with guys like Rick."

By Steve Saraceno

....and we have our winners in the 2007 season ending superlatives!

 (% of votes in parentheses)

MVP

Brent McKenzie (54%) in a payoff scandal waiting to happen.

Cy Saraceno Award

Steve Saraceno (84%) in a huge upset over favorite Paul Busa.

Gold Glove Winner

Wayne Sylvia (32%) in a tightly contested race.

 Rookie of the Year

Michael Auren (85%) Slowik who?

10th Player Award

Steve Southard (36%) your newly crowned King of the Single.

Iron Man Award

Steve Saraceno (44%) He is the manager, after all.

 Most Likely to Hit a Ball 350 Feet to Left and 350 Feet Foul Winner

Wayne Sylvia (88%) in a landslide.

Most Likely to Call Everyone "Steve" or "Mike" Winner

Pete Mike Steve Joe Larry Hank Bob Padovano (85%) in another landslide.

Most Likely to Show Up and Retrieve Squirrel-Piss Baseballs

Carl Hakansson (100%) in a late surging write-in campaign.

The MWABL defending champion Red Sox will kickoff the spring campaign with a team meeting at Pinz in Milford, Sunday, March 9, at 12:00 noon.

Ashland, MA~The 2007 MetroWest League champion Ashland Red Sox played .800 ball (16-4) despite losing seven players from the 2006 champs.  In sweeping all three postseason series the Sox extended their playoff winning streak to ten games -- a feat unprecedented in league history.

Third-baseman Steve Southard, a key performer in both Sox championship runs, underwent heart surgery in December.  The 34-year-old third baseman is back to work now and recovering nicely, though he will not play this year. Southard finished last season with seven straight hits and won Ashland's Tenth Player Award.

To help out in Southard's absence, the Sox added infielder Bobby Modica of Framingham.  Also gracing the roster will be outfielder Keith Cheverie, back after a year's hiatus.  Cheverie's defense helped deliver a Sox title in 2006.

Otherwise, most of the big guns from 2007 are reloaded: MVP catcher Brent McKenzie (.407), all-star centerfielder John Badaracco (.366, slugging .634), gimpy Brian Farrell (.426, OBP .517), steady shortstop Michael Auren (.302), and acrobatic first baseman Wayne Sylvia (.306).

On the mound, Ashland remains solid.  Heading the staff is Steve Saraceno, who at age 52 enjoyed a career year in 2007, going 15-3 with a 2.51 ERA over 151 innings.  The old junk merchant collected wins in all five postseason games, giving him nine straight playoff victories in the last two seasons -- plus a save.

Forcibly assisting Saraceno off the mound whenever necessary will be two-year standout Mike Donfrancesco, Steve Triveri (winner of the 16-inning Death Valley marathon vs. the Orioles last year), and knuckleballer Kevin Quinn.  Centerfielder Badaracco may also see some work as a Papelbon-type closer, sans the Riverdance.

"I look forward to a complete baseball season without that dad-fool Irish step dancing," says manager Saraceno.  "You won't see my brother, first-baseman Victor Saraceno, doin' it!  Nor will you see first-baseman Pete Greene, second-baseman Carl Hakansson, third-baseman Steve Halzel, third-baseman pepperpot Pete Padovano (.348), outfielder and new dad Steve Linda, nor that'ere outfielder-catcher Chris Cronin, winner of the Coaches Choice Eleventh Player Award for 2007, doing no Irish step dancing!  No sirree!  No way, no how!  They've got a nice old-fashioned Rockettes-style number they do together, and if it's good enough for them -- then dammit -- it's good enough for me!"

The Red Sox open at home vs. the Southboro Cubs April 20.

Ashland, MA (API)-The Ashland Red Sox beat the Southboro Cubs 9-8 in ten innings Sunday in an Opening Day barnburner at the Ashland field.

The three-hour game went back and forth more times than a commuter on steroids.  Over the first third of the contest the Cubs built a 4-0 lead against Sox starter Steve Saraceno.  But Saraceno settled down in the middle innings as Ashland roared back to take a 6-4 lead.

Southboro counterpunched with two runs in the seventh, and a run each in the eighth and ninth to take an 8-6 lead into the bottom of the ninth.

Then Ashland's big guns let loose against reliever John Gordon.  With one out shortstop Michael Auren (2-for-3, 2 doubles, walk, 3 runs scored) blasted a shot off the left-centerfield fence.  Then a double by centerfielder John Badaracco (on base 4 times, 3 runs scored, 2 SB) brought the Sox within one.

With two outs Gordon quickly got two strikes on Mike Donfrancesco, but just as Donfrancesco did in a similar situation last year versus the Orioles, the clutch third baseman lined a solid drive into right-center to tie the game.

Extra innings.  Saraceno held serve for the Sox in the top of the tenth, and in the bottom frame first baseman Pete Padovano lofted a leadoff double.  Victor Saraceno set down a perfect "sacrifice" bunt for a basehit.  Then rookie second baseman Bobby Modica rapped a grounder to the right side of the infield to knock in the game winner.

The win marked the 80th pitching victory for Steve Saraceno since entering the MetroWest League.  It was also one of his ugliest, as the chunky righthander gave up 14 hits and an uncharacteristic three walks during his ten-inning adventure in damage control.

Offensive stars for Ashland also included catcher Brent McKenzie (2-for-3), Donfrancesco (3-for-4, 3 RBI), and first baseman Pete Greene (triple).  The Southboro attack was led by catcher Paul Sonnett (3-for-4), P.J. O'Toole (3-for-4, double), Dennis Fontecchio (2-for-3, double), and leftfielder Paul Shaver (2-for-4).

 ~by Steve Saraceno

Ashland, MA~The first three White Sox batters accounted for six of their seven hits.  Leadoff hitter The Ashland Red Sox beat the previously undefeated Worcester White Sox 7-2 to grab a share of the American League lead Sunday in Ashland.

Veteran righthander Steve Saraceno went the distance for the Red Sox, upping his record to 2-0 on the season.  After giving up three hits to start the fourth, Saraceno faced only two batters over the minimum the rest of the way.

Red Sox catcher Brent McKenzie (2-for-3) led a balanced Ashland attack that scored runs in each of the first four innings to take a 5-2 lead.

Both teams tallied 7 hits.  But Worcester allowed 8 free passes and made 3 errors, while Saraceno walked none backed by a solid Ashland defense.

"In our previous game we made seven errors," said Manager Saraceno afterwards.  "So it was nice to see the boys bring their gloves to the field today.  Even if some of the gloves are 40 years old..."

Brian McDonnell grabbed the overall offensive honors for the day with a perfect 3-for-3.  Lou Decataldo tripled to keynote a two-run fourth.  And Dan Fuller went 2-for-3 with a double.

Steve Saraceno

Framingham, MA~The Framingham Orioles shut out the two-time defending champion Ashland Red Sox 6-0 Sunday behind the ten-strikeout, three-hit pitching of rookie Tony Gentilecore.

Gentilecore's sole brush with trouble came in the fifth inning after two Red Sox batters singled with one out. A 6-4-3 double play -- Tom Galvani to Bob Galvani to Mark Hauglie -- ended the threat.

Steve Saraceno (2-1) took the loss for the Red Sox.  The former Oriole stalwart worked out of a  jam or two before Gentilecore's seeing-eye single in the third gave the O's a commanding 4-0 lead.

"These guys used to be my friends," said Saraceno afterwards . "I am shocked, shocked that they should treat me like this..."

Catcher Jeff Merzel and first-sacker Hauglie led the Framingham attack with perfect 3-for-3 days.  Third baseman Chris Currie, leftfielder Aubrey Doyle, and centerfielder Al Dayhoff all went 2-for-3.  Second baseman Bobby Galvani contributed a key double in the third.

The highlight of the Red Sox day came with leftfielder Brian Farrell's frozen rope triple in the fourth. That was it.

The Orioles remain tied for first place in the American League with the 3-1 Worcester White Sox. The Red Sox drop to 2-2.

Steve Saraceno

Ashland, MA~The previously winless Wayland Brewers swept the two-time defending champion Ashland Red Sox 2-1 and 11-8 on a scorching June Sunday at the Ashland field.

Brewers 2, Red Sox 1

Wayland scored its only two runs in the third inning. Ashland shortstop Mike Donfrancesco booted a two-out grounder to load the bases. The next Wayland batter drove a ball past third base apparently foul, but adjudged fair by home plate umpire Helen Keller.

Trailing by a run in the final frame, Carl Hakansson led off for Ashland with a line single to left. Leftfielder Brian Farrell's deep blast to left-center got tracked down for the first out, but then Ashland proceded to load the bases. The rally died when catcher Brent McKenzie (who entered the game hitting over .600) tapped back to the mound and Steve Triveri flew out to center to end the game.

The two unearned runs were all that Ashland starter Steve Saraceno allowed in his complete game loss.

Brewers 11, Red Sox 8

Temperatures rising toward 100 now, Ashland started Game 2 with just nine players.  Things soon got worse.

The younger Brewers built a 9-3 lead by mid-game, prospering in the sun and making plays when they had to.  Meanwhile the dizzy, cramped, and muscle-pulled champs found themselves down to seven fielders.  A spectator was quizzed, quite seriously, as to whether she would like to suit up.

The Red Sox closed the score to 9-8, however, by the last of the eighth. Then the game turned on an embarrassing blunder by Steve Saraceno.

With two outs and the bases loaded, one of Ashland's best hitters -- Brian Farrell (4-for-4, two doubles) -- stepped to the plate. The Brewer pitcher worked carefully. Farrell lined a hard drive foul to left. With the count 2-and-2, the pitcher -- seemingly out of options -- tossed to third. Saraceno was caught napping.

"No excuse," said Saraceno later. "This should never, never, never, never, never happen, not even at Little League level.  I once got picked off by the hidden-ball trick to end a Stan Musial League game. But this is worse.  The ball was in plain sight all the way."

The despondent manager shook his head.  "After setting such an example as this," he continued, "how the hell do I motivate my team to play heads up baseball?"  Saraceno reflected a moment, then made a big fist.  "The answer is clear: physical force."

~S. Saraceno

Ashland Red Sox Training Video

Manager Steve Saraceno takes us through his unique motivational, early season training regimen. All work and no baseball makes Steve a dull boy.

 WARNING:  The techniques and claims in this teleplay have not been evaluated by the FDA, American Psychiatric Association, or any governing body and do not necessarily represent the views of the Webmaster, staff, or owners of AshlandRedsox.com.

Ashland, MA~The Ashland Red Sox evened their season record at 4-4 with a doubleheader sweep of the Sudbury Tigers amidst unsettled weather this past Sunday in Ashland.GAME 1

Red Sox 5, Tigers 1Steve Saraceno went the distance for Ashland in Game One. The veteran righthander (now 3-2) scattered eleven hits over seven innings, the sole Tiger run scoring on a passed ball in the fourth.

Sudbury's Mitch Williams outpitched Saraceno in several respects. The Texan Tiger struck out 8 batters to Saraceno's zero, walked none (as did Saraceno), and allowed 2 fewer hits.

But Williams suffered from lack of defensive support in the fourth. With Sudbury up 1-0, Ashland scored two unearned runs (four runs total) to take the lead for good. Catcher Brent McKenzie's one-out double broke open the game as well as his right hamstring.

Other able-bodied Sox stars included leftfielder Brian Farrell (4-for-6 on the day) and third baseman Steve Halzel (2-for-2).

The Tiger attack was led by Williams (2-for-4), Manager Joe Dervin (2-for-3), and third baseman Ed Connors (2-for-3).

GAME 2

Red Sox 18, Tigers 6 The two teams waited out a 25-minute rain delay before resuming Game 2 during the first inning.

Williams started once again for Sudbury. Tiring somewhat after pitching the complete first game, the stalwart righty suffered several more Tiger miscues as the Red Sox scored 8 runs and never looked back.

Ashland's Steve Triveri (1-1) grabbed the win on the mound, complementing his 3-for-3 game at bat. Former centerfielder John Badaracco pitched two notable innings in relief.

Offensive standouts for Ashland included Badaracco (2-for-3, double), centerfielder Brian Farrell (2-for-3, triple, walk), leftfielder Steve Saraceno (2-for-3), and catcher Chris Cronin (2-for-3, 2 walks on the day).

Centerfielder Pinoccs Patton-Bowe keynoted the Sudbury offense, going two-for-three.

"Our thanks to the umps and the Tigers for getting Game 2 played," said Sox Manager Saraceno afterwards. "During the rain delay lightning struck a tree behind our bench and I took the opportunity to carve a bat out of the smoldering wood. That explains my two infield hits. I just hope such magical bats are not declared illegal at the next league meeting..."

by S.Saraceno

Ashland, MA, 7/13/2008 ~ Rightfielder Brian Farrell's three-run homer powered the Ashland Red Sox to a 13-6 comeback victory over the Holliston Mariners on a sunny, breezy Sunday in Ashland.

Farrell's fifth-inning laser-blast struck twenty feet up the lightpole in leftfield. The homer put the Sox ahead 7-6 after trailing 6-0 in the second inning. Indeed, Ashland scored thirteen unanswered points after spotting Holliston their early touchdown.

Farrell, who also tripled in the third, is now hitting .533 with an unheard of 1.067 slugging percentage. Of his 16 hits so far this year, only 6 have been singles.

"That's the first home run I've ever seen hit at this field," Ashland manager Steve Saraceno said afterwards. "Keep in mind, I've been around this game since the Cotton Gin League merged with the Tobackey Association in 1873, and never have I seen a batter more consistently swat for power than Farrell has this year. One of our players found the home run ball afterwards. He told me it was moaning in pain."

Holliston started the game by picking up where Millis left off two weeks ago in their 13-4 shellacking of starter Steve Saraceno. But after surrendering six runs on eight hits over the first two innings, Saraceno (now 4-3) blanked the Mariners over the final seven. In fact, the snowcapped righthander collected a season high ten strikeouts on the day.

Complementing Farrell's heroics were two doubles by leftfielder Paul Murphy, playing in his first game of the year. Also making his 2008 debut was Steve Southard, who underwent open heart surgery in the offseason. Southard calmly knocked a sacrifice fly in his first at-bat.

Holliston actually outhit Ashland 12-9. Offensive stars for the Mariners included pitcher Tom McCabe (2-for-3, triple), Ed Wright (2-for-2), and John Moore (1-for-1).

by S. Saraceno

Marlborough, MA~The Ashland Red Sox swept the Marlboro Indians 6-1 and 4-0 at Marlboro in two crisply played contests that belied the day's heat and humidity.

Red Sox 6, Indians 1

"I've never seen a better-played defensive game in my ten years in this league," said Sox starting pitcher Steve Saraceno after his 6-1 win in the opener.

Gems from third baseman Mike Donfrancesco, shortstop Mike Auren, leftfielder Brian Farrell, centerfielder John Badaracco, rightfielder Chris Cronin, second baseman Carl Hakansson, and catcher Brent McKenzie limited the Marlboro offense to just one run despite eight hits over the first four innings.

Badaracco gunned out a runner at home to end the first. McKenzie cut down two would-be base-stealers. In the fourth, ignoring a balky hamstring, McKenzie backed up an overthrow at first to complete a 6-4-2-4 double play. The temperature at the time was 91 degrees.

After that play, Saraceno retired the final nine Indians in order to end it. The slowballing righthander neatly defined the term,"contact pitcher" -- walking zero and striking out zero for his fifth victory of the year.

Offensive stars for the Sox included Badaracco (3-for-3) and McKenzie (2-for-3). Indians Manager Jerry Guerra (2-for-2, perfect bunt) and Mike Giordano (2-for-2) led the Marlboro attack.

Red Sox 4, Indians 0

Saraceno remained on the mound for Game Two. The 53-year-old righthander fared even better this time against a strong Marlboro lineup, scattering seven hits for the 4-0 shutout. It was his 85th pitching victory in the MetroWest League.

"I even got a K this time," Saraceno said, "for which I am very proud."

Indians starter Jack Buchanan also turned in a fine performance. After allowing three runs in the first, Buchanan's deliberate soft-tosses ("even slower than Sara!") shut down one of the league's most terrifying offenses.

Typical of the Sox day was centerfielder John Badaracco's spectacular shoestring catch of a twisting drive by Jim Rooney in the fourth. After knocking the wind out of himself, Badaracco jumped up and doubled the retreating Jerry Guerra at first.

Offensively McKenzie (4-for-5 on the day), Donfrancesco (2-for-4), and Brian Farrell continued their hot hitting. Farrell's .533 batting average entering the doubleheader actually dropped a few points, despite a 3-for-6 performance.

Marlboro's Steve Courtwright (2-for-2) and Guerra (3-for-5 on the day) led the Indian attack.

"Here's what I especially liked," said Ashland manager Saraceno after the doubleheader. "In the last inning of the second game, I saw our rightfielder Steve Linda hustling to back up an infield play at first. It was about two thousand degrees at the time, we had played two games, and this was Steve's first inning in the field. That's what I call baseball."

by S. Saraceno

Fesh allowed just 4 hits. But he found himself in trouble all day due to 7 free passes.

Two of those freebies came in the ninth. With the Dodgers up 3-1, Ashland's John Badaracco led off with a single. Dodger centerfielder Dave Christian robbed Brent McKenzie of a blooper, nearly doubling Badaracco at first. Fesh re-directed a hard shot from Mike Donfrancesco for the second out. But then he walked Steve Triveri and beaned Steve Saraceno to load the bases.

Acclimated by now to the agony of men on base, Fesh induced Steve Halzel to line softly to first for the game-ender.

The Dodgers offensive attack featured first baseman Vladislav Zilberman (2-for-3, double, triple), leftfielder Matt Vidal (2-for-3, fine running catch), and Ben Campbell (double, on base all three times).

"Zilberman gave me trouble all day," said Sox starter Saraceno. "In the eighth we decided to unintentionally intentionally walk him to fill the bases. Little did I know the next batter, Fesh, had entered the game hitting .538..."

Saraceno survived a rainmaker fly ball to end the threat. But by then the damage had been done. Two earlier Sox miscues led to two of the three Dodger runs. Saraceno (now 6-4) suffered his third complete game loss this year in which the Sox scored one run or less.

Ashland scrambled to man the ramparts with three big guns missing from the lineup. First baseman Triveri (1-for-2, two walks, fine defense at first) and leftfielder Chris Cronin (1-for-2, walk) fired their best shots. But in the end the volley fell short.

"A big thunderstorm passed through Maynard at dawn," said Sox manager Saraceno afterwards, to a bored audience of squirrels. "The first two fields we looked at were underwater. Then by chance I found this field at the end of a dirt road out in the woods. It seemed strangely untouched by the elements. So we played the ballgame -- as if shut off from the world -- and at the end I saw Shoeless Joe Jackson come running in from centerfield. Some said it was just Badaracco, having taken off his cleats. Hah! What do they know? Idiots!"

Saraceno was last seen playing catch with his father.

by S. Saraceno

Worcester, MA~The Worcester White Sox solidified their hold on second place in the American League with a solid thumping of the Ashland Red Sox, 8-2, at the Main South field in Wormtown.

Matt Mckeon went the distance for the pale hose. After allowing solo runs in the third and fourth, Mckeon shut down Ashland the rest of the way. The cool righthander allowed seven free passes in addition to seven hits, but never really appeared in trouble. He stranded nine baserunners in all.

Shortstop Lou DeCataldo (3-for-3, double), rightfielder Mike Luby (solo HR in 8th), and leftfielder Brian Spanos (1-for-3, double) led the Worcester attack.

"Luby hit that dinger off a slow forkball nearly in the dirt," said Ashland's Steve Saraceno, who threw the pitch. "I put it where I wanted. But Luby did too -- about 35 feet over the right field fence."

Saraceno (6-5) took the loss for the Red Sox. Though touched for eight runs, the veteran junkman was perhaps more sinned against than sinning, as five Worcester tallies scored on miscues. The Ashland offense has now scored a combined total of four runs in four of Saraceno's losses.

Centerfielder John Badaracco (2-for-3) led the Ashland effort. Second baseman Carl Hakansson (1-for-2, walk) and Steve Linda (2 walks) also chimed in.

by S. Saraceno

Ashland, MA

Red Sox 9
Cardinals 7

Momentum exchanged hands several times in Game 1 until Eric Cormier came on in the sixth inning and promptly struck out the final five batters to end all excitement.

Cormier inherited a base runner and an 8-7 lead, stranding the former and maintaining the latter.  The ex-Red Sox farmhand from Milford looked nasty for the second week in a row deploying a hard fastball, salient curve, and occasional forkball to baffle  the Hudson five.  

Previously Sox starter Steve Saraceno had pitched a tad better than seven Cardinal runs (four unearned) might indicate.  Four errors and some missed chances from the left side of the infield helped turn a 2-1 Sox lead into a 4-2 deficit in the 5th, and to reduce an 8-4 Sox lead to 8-7 in the sixth.

"A good pitcher is like a riverboat gambler," said Saraceno somewhat obscurely afterwards.  "He works with the cards he's dealt.  I almost got out of  that jam in the fifth --I threw perhaps my best pitch of the year,  a twostrike cutter that painted the outside corner on Tom Langmeyer.  But glory be, he went with it and doubled down the line.  Sometimes you  just get trumped, that's all." 

Trumping Cards starter Matt Sandock in the fifth were the seven aces of the Ashland order:  leftfielder Paul Murphy, rightfielder Brian Farrell, centerfielde John Badaracc(RBI double), catcher Brent McKenzie, third baseman  Mike Donfrancesco (key triple)first baseman Steve Triveri   (2-for- 2 in the game), and SS Mike Auren (double, 2 for 2).   Their flurry gave the Sox an 8-4 lead which, with Cormier's help, they never relinquished.

In the second inning Ashland's Steve Southard collected his first hit since returning from offseason open heart surgery, a typical line drive that plated two and gave the  Sox their early lead.

Leading the Hudson attack were Jeremy Ames  (2-for-3), Wade Krejdovsky (2-for-3, big triple in the 6th), and Tom Langmeyer (double on the cutter).

Red Sox 2
Cardinals 1

Eric Cormier took front stage again in Game 2.  Not only did the righthander shut down the Cards with a complete game 6-hitter --he contributed his second-game winning RBI in two weeks.

"In the minors they always used a DH for him," said Sox manager Saraceno.   "So these last few weeks have been Eric's first at-bats since high school.  Maybe I should take a fifteen year rest."

The nightcap turned out to be one of those surprising MetroWest League pitching duels -- rare as a mowed field in August.   Cards starter Anothony LaMonika nearly matched Cormier strikeout for strikeout (10 to 9).  No runs scored until the third, when Sox rightfielder Chris Cronin singled and moved to  third on a two-out single to right by second baseman Bobby Modica.   Saraceno,  running for Modica, deliberately strolled off first base, looking to get hung up.  LaMonika balked.  Cronin crossed for the first run.  

Ashland played small ball again in the fifth.  With two out Steve Southard     (2-for-3 on the day) singled.  Centerfielder Paul Murphy pinch ran, promptly stealing second. Then Cormier helped his cause with a broken-backed liner to center, plating the speedy Murphy.

Carefully nursing that two-run lead into the seventh, Cormier tired slightly.  The tall righthander had alread pitched two innings in Game 1 for the save.  Now working his ninth inning of the day he allowed a leadoff single to number eleven batter Brian Rodriguez.   Then with one out Matt Finnegan singled to left.   The ball briefly eluded the charging Brian Farrell, and when his throw to second got away, Finnegan broke for second.   First baseman Steve Triveri gunned him down easily.  But one Cardinal run had scored.  Two out now,third baseman Matt Sandock kept hopes alive with a walk.   Then Wade Krejdovsky   (3-for-6 on the day) singled.

"At that point I thought about taking Cormier out," said Sox manager  Saraceno.   "Of course I wasn't crazy enough to actually say anything."
Cormier induced Ray Sullivan to ground to short and the long sunny day of perfect baseball weather was over.

Sox offensive stars for the doubleheader included shortstop Michael Auren (3-for-4, two doubles), Farrell (2-for-4), Southard (2-for-3), and                 Triveri (2-for-4).  The Cards attack was led by Jeremy Ames                            (3-for-4) and Krejdovsky (3-for-6).

by S. Saraceno