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 News 2003-2004 |
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Monday, August 2
World Series Preview
Teams' approach won't change
By Dave McAuley / News Sports Correspondent
Monday, August 2, 2004
Bellingham at Sudbury (Feeley Field, 7 p.m.)
For Sudbury and Bellingham, two months of grueling baseball have led to the biggest stage in Central Mass. Senior Babe Ruth: the World Series, which is set to begin tonight at Feeley Field (7 p.m.).
But don't be fooled.
Even with championship aspirations on the line, Sudbury's Ron Perry and Bellingham's Paul Jacques aren't designing complex game plans or scrupulously examining hitting and pitching statistics.
Rather, each coach's advice to their respective teams is simple: stay focused and don't change anything. In other words, for the North and South Division champs, it's business as usual.
"Throughout the summer, we've approached the season in stages," said Perry, whose North Division champion squad boasts an 18-4 overall record. "We always say, 'Take one pitch and one batter at a time.' So, this upcoming week, we're just going to keep doing the things we've been doing."
Jacques echoes the sentiment.
"I'm just going to tell my team to play their game," said the Bellingham bench boss, who will send ace Andy Parker to the hill tonight. "We know what we have to do: go out and make the plays. Hopefully, lady luck will be on our side, too."
Sudbury and Bellingham met once this season on July 7, with Bellingham prevailing, 2-1. With this regular-season matchup in mind, Bulldogs infielder Joe Corrado believes both squads are evenly matched, setting up an exciting Series contest.
"It was a pretty close game," said Corrado. "Our talent levels are pretty even and playing them gave us a little look. Hopefully, our memories will help us remember their pitchers and defense."
Although both teams share similar philosophies and playing styles, they have taken vastly different roads to the World Series. By winning its first two playoff contests against Milford and Ashland, Bellingham enjoyed a day off last Wednesday in the winners' bracket, before beating Ashland again on Thursday to claim the South Division title.
On the other hand, because of a 2-1 loss to Natick last Monday, Sudbury fell into the losers' bracket, meaning it had to rip off wins against Dover-Sherborn and Framingham on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. Then, due to Natick's perfect postseason record, Sudbury had to defeat the Redmen twice before winning the North.
All told, Perry's squad went 4-1 last week, without a day off. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs notched a 3-0 mark, with two respites. Despite the difference, Sudbury star hurler Matt Perry, Ron's son, insists his team won't be at a disadvantage this week.
"We were a little disappointed about the first playoff game, but we never lost faith," said Matt Perry, who will most likely start tonight. "We knew what we were capable of. All told, it was a really thrilling experience. Now, we have to keep that mentality of every game may be our last and compete. We'll be all set if we do that."
Meanwhile, well-rested Bellingham (17-4) has a comeback story of its own. Last year, the Bulldogs struggled through a 2-16 campaign, in which rookie coach Jacques says they were "the laughingstock of the league." Now, though, the South champs find themselves on the verge of Central Mass. supremacy and, like Sudbury, they won't be changing anything heading into this crucial week.
"It's been amazing," said Corrado, who also played last summer. "The main difference is that kids have been showing up and playing hard. We're feeling pretty confident heading into the Series."
Friday, August 13
GlobeWest Re-Cap
Sudbury claims Babe Ruth title
Sudbury swept Bellingham in the best-of-three Central Mass. Senior Babe Ruth World Series last week to claim its first league title since 1992.
Sudbury edged Bellingham, 2-1, in extra innings in Game 1 and then completed the World Series sweep with a 7-4 victory. Sudbury, the North Division regular-season champion, finished the season at 20-4. Bellingham, which entered the playoffs as the second seed in the South, ended the year at 17-6.
Pitcher Mike Gately was Sudbury's World Series hero, earning victories in both games to run his record to 8-1. Gately tossed two innings of scoreless relief in Game 1 and then bounced back the next night to throw 41/3 more innings of relief to hold off Bellingham for the Series-clinching win.
Alex Burpee also had a big Game 2 for Sudbury, knocking in four runs.
Sunday, July 11
2004 Allstars
NORTH ALLSTARS:
Sudbury - Mike Cordo, Dan Legere, Matt Perry
Dover/Sherborn - Rob Kutner, Mike Miklavic, Jamie Thorndike
Framingham - Jon Gordon, Phil Goulet, Jeff Tardiff
Westboro - Jordan Goldberg, Russell Heim, Tim Hulbert
Marlboro - Elli Roosenwite, Dan Rudzinsky, Rob Shannon
Natick - Dan Ciocca, Chris Curtis, Tom Barrick
SOUTH ALLSTARS:
Franklin - Jason Drapeau, Denis Hogan, Joe Macchi
Bellingham - Mark Claffey, Joe Corrado, Mike Russell
Milford - Brian Hayes, Jim Kowalik, Chris Vine
Ashland - Patrick Olson, Matt Whitehead
Hopkinton - Brian Doyle, Dan Merzel
Holliston - Mike Passaretti, Tyler Parrino
Wednesday, August 4
World Series Game 2
Sudbury 7, Bellingham 4
Sudbury reigns in Ruth: Team wins title one year after falling short
By Dave McAuley / News Sports Correspondent
Wednesday, August 4, 2004
BELLINGHAM -- Sudbury stars Alex Burpee and Mike Gately will never forget the gamut of emotions.
Disgust, frustration, and heartache imbued the Sudbury dugout last summer as Ron Perry's crew begrudgingly glanced at Milford's championship celebration in the CMass Senior Babe Ruth World Series.
But look at Burpee and Gately today and there isn't the slightest trace of that lingering pain. They're just too busy cherishing their newest prize: a championship trophy.
That was earned last night at Richardson Field, as Gately tossed 4 1/3 innings of relief and Burpee knocked in four runs, including the eventual game-winning tally on a seventh-inning round tripper, propelling Sudbury to a 7-4 victory over Bellingham. The win completed a two-game sweep over the Bulldogs for the title.
"It was so heartbreaking last summer," said Burpee, who notched three hits on the night. "This year, we've had a lot of close games, too. But to accomplish all of our goals feels so amazing."
The series-clinching victory also capped off a six-game winning streak for Sudbury, which lost to Natick in the first-round of the double-elimination playoffs last Monday.
"I think losing to Natick actually helped," said Gately, who entered in the fourth with the bases loaded and escaped the jam with a first-pitch popout. "We had our backs to the wall for a while. It just feels great to win."
Following a sloppy 2-1, nine-inning nail-biter on Monday which featured five errors, Game 2 followed a similar script. Sudbury (20-4) broke a 4-4 tie in the seventh, as Burpee followed Chris Nelson's leadoff double with a two-run soaring blast to right off reliever Mike Russell (0-1), giving the visitors a 6-4 lead.
After Sudbury tacked on an insurance run later in the inning, Gately -- who allowed two runs on two hits, while striking out three -- retired the Bulldogs (17-6) in order to clinch the championship.
"I came in and just wanted my team to get runs," said Gately (8-1). "And Burpee's home run was huge. I felt no pressure in the final inning. I knew if I threw strikes, my defense would help."
It was Gately's second victory in the series, as the right-hander started both games on the bench. In Game 2, he watched as his squad quickly jumped out in the first. With runners on first and second, Mike Cordo (2-for-4) delivered a two-out single into left for the 1-0 lead.
The Bulldogs (3-2 playoff record) responded in the third, taking advantage of an error and two hits in taking a 2-1 lead on an RBI groundout from Phil DiMarco (1-for-3, HR, 2 RBI) and Erik DiMarco's sacrifice fly. When Sudbury starter Greg White loaded the bases for the second time in the inning, Gately entered and stifled the rally.
After each team traded a pair of runs in the fifth, two of which were unearned, Sudbury tied it in the sixth, as Doug Bradford reached on an error and later scored on another error against Bellingham starter Mark Claffey, who lasted six innings. The tying run set up Burpee's heroics in the seventh.
"This was another one of those battles where a few mistakes made the difference," said Bulldogs rookie coach Paul Jacques.
Despite the loss, Jacques was still thrilled with his team's progress, in which they went from last place in the South during the 2003 season to this year's South Division championship. "The main difference was kids showed up," he said. "The most important thing is we had fun."
And for Sudbury, last night was thrilling, as painful memories were replaced with triumph. "Last year prepared us for this," said Perry. "As the season progressed, I knew we could win a championship."
Sunday, June 27
Saturday, June 26 Results
Ashland 3, Hopkinton 2
Ashland eked out a 3-2 nine-inning pitcher's duel with Hopkinton in CMass Senior Babe Ruth action yesterday in Ashland. Matt Whitehead (5 Ks, 3 BBs) pitched eight innings for Ashland (2-5), but the win went to Andrew Babb, who earned his first win of the season. Hopkinton's Matt Royal tossed the first 7 1/3 innings, and Brian Doyle was credited with the loss.
In the ninth, Ashland's Joe Lill (2-4, BB, SB) hit the game-winning single, knocking home Babb, who had singled to right and reached second on an error.
Both teams scored in the fourth. Doyle hit an RBI double for Hopkinton (1-4), and Whitehead (4-4, 2 RBI) drove in Ashland's Steve Boardman with a single.
In the eighth, each team again scored a single run. Hopkinton's Justin Allain doubled and scored on a Peter Sullivan RBI single. For Ashland, Zach Kamin singled, pinch runner Mark Piccoli stole second, and Whitehead followed with another RBI single.
Ashland plays again Monday at Natick (7 p.m.).
Sudbury 6, Westborough, 3
It took four pitchers to complete a three-hit (correction), 6-3 Sudbury defeat of Westborough in Senior Babe Ruth action yesterday. Greg White (5 Ks) pitched five shutout innings, and Todd Norley tossed a scoreless sixth. Andy Skelton ran into trouble in the bottom of the seventh, when Westborough's Chuck Gammal drew a lead off walk. Skelton recorded the next two outs, but Gammal moved to third on a pair of passed balls. Jeff Farrar walked and reached second on a passed ball. Matt Cornaro struck out but reached on yet another passed ball as Gammal scored. Mike LaRocca followed with a two-run single to round out Westborough's scoring. Matt Perry came in for the save.
All that came after Sudbury had grabbed a comfortable six-run lead. In the first, Skelton hit an RBI single after a Mike Cannon double. Matt Perry stole home after leading off the inning with a single. In the fifth, White drove home Gannon with an RBI single. Sudbury scored three in the sixth, when Mike Cordo (2 RBI) and Perry had RBI singles.
Both teams return to the field Monday, when Sudbury hosts Franklin (7 p.m.), and Westborough hosts Hopkinton (6 p.m.).
Franklin 1, Milford 0 (9 inn.)
In a battle for first place in the South Division of Central Mass. Senior Babe Ruth, Franklin's Joe Salvucci tossed a nine-inning complete game shutout, and his teammates finally broke through in the top of the ninth for a thrilling victory over host Milford at Fino Field.
Franklin remains unbeaten, moving to 6-0, while Milford fell to 4-2. Salvucci was brilliant, allowing just three hits and one walk, striking out 11. His counterpart, Milford's Cole Filosa, was almost his equal -- also going nine innings, allowing just five hits and one walking, fanning four.
But Pete Beksha was safe on an error to lead off the top of the ninth for Franklin. Salvucci bunted him to second, then Beksha moved to third on Joe Macchi's fly to center. Catcher Jason Drapeau then came through with the clutch two-out RBI single.
Franklin heads to Sudbury tomorrow (7 p.m.). Milford plays at Framingham Tuesday night (7 p.m.).
Tuesday, June 22
Monday, June 21 Results
Framingham 6, Dover-Serborn 0
Framingham Senior Babe Ruth pitcher Phil Goulet threw a no-hitter to earn his first win of the year, shutting down Dover-Sherborn from the outset to post a 6-0 victory. "Phil was in complete command all night," Framingham manager Steve Dressler said. Goulet, a pitcher for Marian High, struck out nine, while walking three and hitting three batters. He was aided by catcher Chris Loughran, who gunned down three runners trying to steal. Framingham improved its record to 2-2, while Dover-Sherborn fell to 2-2. In addition to his mound exploits, Goulet had two hits and an RBI. John Gordon added a double and two RBI. Framingham faces Westborough tomorrow, while the Raiders face Natick tomorrow.
Marlborough 7, Ashland 6
Marlborough was able to stave off a five-run sixth inning by Ashland to hang on for a victory last night. Marlborough jumped out to a 5-1 lead, but Steve Bourdau hit a three-run triple as part of the five-run sixth to cut the lead to 7-6, although Ashland (0-5) couldn't manage any more after that. Jason Avery led the way on offense for Marlborough (2-2) with three hits, while Anthony Minasian and Dan Rudinsky each had two hits. Marlborough next plays at Sudbury tomorrow, while Ashland plays at Holliston.
Bellingham 3, Milford 0
Mark Claffey's no-hitter and 2-for-3 night at the plate led Bellingham to a CMass South win over previously undefeated host Milford at Fino Field. Claffey (1-1) struck out seven and walked four for Bellingham (4-1). He also put Bellingham up in the fourth, leading off with a single and stealing second. Andrew Ramella knocked him in with a single to left. In the fifth Claffey walked with the bases loaded to bring in Dan Marusak. Eric DiMarco walked after Claffey, plating Joey Corrado. Shortstop Mike Russell and first baseman DiMarco made key plays to secure Claffey's no-hitter. Milford falls to 3-1 (2-1 South).
Franklin 8, Holliston 0
Franklin took advantage of 14 walks to shut out Holliston yesterday. Franklin jumped out to a 4-0 led, and added more runs in each of the next three innings to put the game away early. Phil Towne and Tony Brunetta each went 2-for-3 for Franklin (5-0), while Mike Botaish had two RBI. Franklin's pitching also combined for 10 strikeouts, with starter Joe Macchi recording six and Botaish striking out four. Franklin next plays at Milford on Saturday afternoon while Holliston will host Ashland tomorrow.
Sudbury 5, Natick 3
Mike Gatly threw a five-hitter to lead host Sudbury to a victory over Natick. Gatly struck out 10 and walked just one to help Sudbury improve to 3-1. Offensively for Sudbury, Mike Gannon had two hits and an RBI, Dan Legere doubled and drove in two runs and Chris Nelson doubled and scored twice. Kevin Fleming had a pair of hits and scored twice for Natick (1-3). Sudbury will host Marlborough tonight (7 p.m.), while Natick will entertain Dover-Sherborn tonight (7 p.m.).
Friday, June 25
Thursday, June 24 Results
Westborough 3, Natick 2
Kyle Laham went 3-for-3 and scored twice as Westborough edged host Natick 3-2 in a Senior Babe Ruth North Division matchup. Natick (1-5) scored two runs in the first, led by Dan Turner (2-3, RBI). Westborough (3-2) tied it up in the fifth. Laham singled and scored on Chuck Gammal's base hit. Mike Magnifico's fielder's choice then plated Gammal. Jordan Goldberg's seventh-inning double brought Laham home for the winning run. Russell Heim fanned six for Westborough, which hosts Sudbury tomorrow.
Thursday, June 24
Wednesday, June 23 Results
Milford 16, Millis 1
Mike Welsh threw a one-hitter and the Milford bats supported him with 11 hits -- seven for extra bases -- in a Senior Babe ruth win over host Millis. Welsh (1-0) struck out three and walked four, allowing just an unearned run in the third. Nick Greer broke up the no-hit bid with an infield single in the fifth. Milford (4-1) actually trailed 1-0 until striking for six runs in the fourth, then added three in the fifth and seven in the seventh. Jim Kowalik led the way, going 3-for-3 with a double, two runs, two RBI, two walks and three stolen bases. Bobby Capuzziello added a pair of doubles, going 2-for-5 with two RBI, while Chris Care was 3-for-6 with a double, a triple and three RBI. Brian Locke and Chris Vine also doubled, while Brian Sufferdini collected his first career hit with a double of his own. Millis falls to 2-4 with the loss. Milford will host Franklin at Fino Field on Saturday (noon).
Ashland 5, Holliston 2
After allowing two runs in the second, Ashland hurler Patrick Olson allowed just one hit over the final five innings, helping his squad to grab its first win of the season. The righty surrendered two singles and struck out five in the complete game victory for Ashland (1-5). Matt Whitehead led the offensive charge behind Olson, going 3-for-4 with an RBI. Andrew MacNeil and catcher Steve Boardman each added two hits, while Zak Kamin had a first-inning RBI single. Ashland hosts Hopkinton on Saturday morning (10 a.m.).
Dover-Sherborn 3, Natick 1
Rob Kutner went 3-for-4 at the plate and threw five solid innings on the mound as Dover-Sherborn defeated host Natick in a North Division game. Scott Coblyn's first-inning double knocked in Ezra Geggel to put D-S up a run. Kutner drove in Brian Buckler in the fourth, and Charlie Mamacos scored in the sixth to wrap up the D-S scoring. Kutner fanned six and gave up two hits for D-S (3-2). Anthony Tomasetti's triple scored Michael Melchiorri in the second inning for Natick (2-3).
Framingham 6, Westboro 1
Framingham took advantage of some early Westborough miscues and with some timely hitting beat the visting Scorpions. Jon Gordon had a very impressive 10K outing and scattered 4 hits to lead his team to the win. Offensivley Framingham was led by Nick Guarino (double and 2 rbis) and Phil Goulet (double and 1 rbi). Tim Hulbert went teh distance for Westborough striking out six, and only allowing 2 easrned runs in his first outing of the season.
Saturday, June 26
Friday, June 25 Results
Marlborough 2, Dover-Sherborn 0
Dan Marieni confounded Dover-Sherborn hitters from the outset, throwing a complete game one-hitter for his first win of the year, leading the Marlborough Senior Babe Ruth team to a 2-0 victory.
Marlborough's lefty struck out five and walked two, needing just 76 pitches to go the distance.
The Flames (3-3) scored twice in the fifth inning, with Rob Shannon's RBI triple as the big blow. Shannon drove home Jason Avery from second with his blast, then scored on Rylan Mitter-Burke's sacrifice fly.
Marlborough hosts Bellingham on Monday.
Framingham 3, Millis 2 (8 inn.)
Jeff Tardiff pitched a complete game, eight innings, to earn the victory as Framingham beat host Millis in Senior Ruth action.
Tardiff had 11 strikeouts while only allowing one hit, coming in the seventh inning. Tardiff did not allow an earned run either. Offensively, Framingham (4-2) was led by Alex Johnson, who went 2-for-4 with an RBI. Mike DeFlorio hit the ball well too, as he also went 2-for-4, collecting the game winning RBI.
Framingham will get back in action on Tuesday when it hosts Milford (7 p.m.).
Bellingham 2, Holliston 0
Andrew Parker pitched a complete game shutout to lead Bellingham over host Holliston in Central Mass. Senior Babe Ruth action.
Parker finished the game with 12 strikeouts, while only walking two batters. Holliston (1-6) pitcher Tyler Parrino had 13 strikeouts of his own. Bellingham (5-1) received a contribution with the bat from Andrew Ramella, who smacked an RBI single in the sixth inning.
Bellingham will get back in action on Monday when it travels to Marlborough (6 p.m.).
Tuesday, June 29
Monday, June 28 Results
Sudbury 5, Franklin 4
Dan Cook and Doug Bradford combined for four RBI to lead Sudbury over Franklin. After Mike Cordo gave Sudbury (6-1) an early 1-0 lead, Doug Bradford hit a two-run double in the second, and Cook followed with a two-run single in the third to go up 5-1. Matt Perry earned the save for Sudbury after entering the seventh inning and escaping a second-and-third jam. Sudbury next travels to Milford tomorrow.
Natick 2, Ashland 0
Nick Leverone tossed a three-hit shutout as host Natick blanked Ashland in Senior Babe Ruth action. Leverone struck out nine as he improved to 2-0 on the year. Natick (2-5) gave him all the support he'd need with two runs in the fourth. Anthony Tomasetti delivered a key RBI single, scoring Kevin Fleming (1-3, run) with two outs. Chris Curtis then scored on insurance run on a wild pitch. Ashland falls to 2-6 with the loss. Natick plays at Hopkinton tomorrow (6 p.m.).
Bellingham 5, Marlborough 4
Eric DiMarco put Bellingham ahead for good with a clutch two-run single in a Senior Ruth victory over Marlborough. After Bellingham jumped out to 1-0 lead, Marlborough later went up 3-2, until Bellingham put up a crooked figure in the fifth with three runs, two coming on DiMarco's single. Brother Phil DiMarco did well on the mound for Bellingham with his first win of the season, while Mike Russell recorded his second save. Bellingham (6-1) will look to continue its winning ways when it hosts Westborough tomorrow.
Westborough 5, Hopkinton 4
Westborough got all the offense it needed in the first inning against Hopkinton. Errors and passed balls propelled visiting Hopkinton (1-5) to a 3-0 lead in the top of the inning, only to see Westborough put up five in the bottom half to take the lead for good. Mike LaRoca and Jon Ma each had two-run hits in the inning, while Kevin Kinnard contributed an RBI single. Tim Hulbert was dazzling on the mound for Westborough (4-3), striking out 10 while only allowing two earned runs to pick up his first win of the season. Westborough next travels to Bellingham tomorrow.
Dover-Sherborn 4, Holliston 2
Rob Kutner went the distance to remain undefeated on the season as Dover-Sherborn posted a victory over Holliston. After Holliston (1-7) used a two-run sixth to tie the game at 2-2, Dover-Sherborn rebounded a two-run sixth of its own to go up 4-2. Rob Harvey led the way for Dover-Sherborn (4-3) with a double and a home run.Holliston next hosts Marlborough tomorrow, while Dover-Sherborn will play at Millis.
Wednesday, June 30
Tuesday, June 29 Results
 |  | | Framingham's Nick Guarino |
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Wild win for Milford Ruth: Visitors hold off Framingham as Dolliver delivers gem
By Mark Ayoub / News Sports Correspondent
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
FRAMINGHAM -- From the start, one could tell it would be a strange game last night at Carey Field, as the start was delayed by 45 minutes waiting for the umpires.
The two teams didn't disappoint and, in the end, Milford was the squad able to take better advantage of its foe's mistakes. Milford made six errors, but Framingham had 12 walks and six wild pitches which the visitors used to record a 5-2 victory.
Milford (6-2) wasn't bothered by the late start, as it used a four-run first to produce most of its offense and send an early message to Framingham (4-3). After Framingham's Phil Goulet struck out the first batter, he walked Chris Care and Brian Hayes, and cleanup hitter Chris Vine sent both of them home with a single to right.
James Kowalik then followed with a single up the middle, and Michael Oliveri scored both of them with a double that hugged the left-field line to make it 4-0.
"As a visiting team, the first inning is very important," said Milford head coach Justin Richards. "It's important to pressure them, and we came out on fire."
After Goulet walked the following batter, he was relieved by Sean Wilson who, after inducing a groundout, used his instincts to prevent Milford from completely breaking the inning open.
On a 1-0 count to Peter Ferrelli, Wilson hurled a wild pitch high over catcher Chris Loughran, which sent Oliveri dashing home. However, Wilson sprinted to home plate to receive the throw from Loughran and narrowly tagged out to Oliveri for the third out in a half inning that lasted 15 minutes.
The long delay didn't bother Milford starter T.J. Dolliver, who threw nothing but strikes to no-hit Framingham through the first three innings.
"T.J. is unbelievable," said Richards. "He throws strikes and doesn't walk anybody (had had 1 walk last night)."
Dolliver finally lost the no-hitter in the fourth when Matt Gedman hit a bloop single to left. After he advanced to second on a groundout, Jon Gordon then singled up the middle to score Gedman, the second and last hit Dolliver would allow.
Milford also added a controversial run in the top of the inning when with Ferrelli on second, Chris Care hit a grounder to first. Framingham first baseman Wilson attempted to take it unassisted, and collided with Care in a bang-bang play at first, during which Ferrelli had advanced to third. Ferrelli kept running though, and when the play was called safe, he had no trouble running home for a 5-0 lead.
Things got interesting for both teams in the bottom of the sixth, but Framingham failed to convert three errors into a run.
"They gave us every single opportunity, but we didn't capitalize once," said Framingham coach Steve Dressler.
Milford had another error-filled inning in the sixth. After Jeff Gilpatrick reached on an error, he then advanced to third on another error on a grounder from Gedman. Kowalik then attempted to catch Gedman stealing, but instead threw the ball into center, allowing Framingham to score its second run. But Dolliver put down the next three batters.
"I've been pitching all my life," said Dolliver, "and I just try to stay calm in those situations. "I just have to stay in and keep trying."
After issuing his first walk in the seventh inning, Dolliver then shut down the next two batters, striking out Mike Shanta to end the game at 10 p.m. Tolliver finished with seven strikeouts, two hits and one walk.
"It was disappointing," said Dressler of his team. "We didn't have a fire; we didn't come to play. Our hitters were not being selective."
And while Richard couldn't complain about his team's patient hitting, he still knew that there was room for improvement.
"We're a really young team," said Richards. "We need to be careful in the field. If we do that, we're OK."
Franklin 6 Hopkinton 5
Catcher Jason Drapeau belted a game-winning RBI single in the eighth inning and Franklin held on for a thrilling 6-5 comeback victory over host Hopkinton in a Senior Babe Ruth South Division matchup. Trailing 5-4 heading into the seventh inning, Franklin rallied to tie it and send it into extra innings when Frank Brunetta led off with a triple and scored on Jeff Macchi's double to right-center. Franklin's Joe Salvucci hit a leadoff single to start the Franklin eighth and moved to second on Joe Macchi's sacrifice. With one out, Drapeau pulled the game-winning single to left. Hopkinton put runners on second and third with one out in the bottom of the eighth as Will Aronson walked and moved to third on Adam Merzel's single. Joe Czick then hit a fly ball to left which Salvuicci caught and fired a perfect throw to Drapeau who tagged out Aronson at the plate to complete a win-clinching double play. Franklin pitcher Denis Hogan recorded the win with 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief, limiting Hopkinton (1-7) to one hit with two strikeouts and one walk. Peter Sullivan and Dan Merzel each hit two-run singles for Hopkinton which pushed across three runs in the fifth and two in the sixth to rally from a 4-0 deficit. Hogan, Joe Macchi, Jeff Macchi and Adam Schieber had two hits apiece for Franklin, which plays at Marlborough tomorrow.
Thursday, July 1
Wednesday, June 30 Results
Capitalizing on key mistakes: Sudbury Senior Ruth uses Milford errors to move to 7-1
By Tina Ferrara / News Sports Correspondent
Thursday, July 1, 2004
MILFORD -- It came down to errors -- not who made more, but who was able to capitalize more.
Sudbury took advantage of four Milford errors in the seventh, pairing them with timely hits and aggressive baserunning to break a 2-2 tie and pick up an 8-2 win in interdivisional Senior Babe Ruth action at Fino Field.
"Any time you play Milford, it's going to be a tough game," said Sudbury head coach Ron Perry, whose team improves to 7-1 overall (4-1 North Division). "Sometimes it just opens up and things happen."
Sudbury's Matt Perry (3-0) was solid in his complete-game effort on the mound, allowing just one hit, two walks and one earned run while striking out three.
"He doesn't throw hard enough to blow it by guys," said Sudbury catcher Dan Legere. "It's all his control and his breaking pitches. He kept Milford off-balance."
Perry helped build a two-run cushion in the first inning. With one out, he legged out a slow roller down the third-base line. Legere followed with a walk, and a double steal put both runners in scoring position for Greg White's two-out single.
"They jumped on us early," said Milford head coach Justin Richards, "but we didn't give in to them. We kept battling."
Milford southpaw Mike Welsh (1-1) allowed just one hit and one walk over the next five innings while his team chipped away at Sudbury's lead. Peter Ferrelli led off the third with a walk. Aaron Piscia followed with a hard grounder to Perry, who threw to shortstop James Starr. Starr lost the ball in trying to turn the double play, and Milford ended up with runners on first and second with no outs.
Legere made a heads-up play on the next pitch, catching Ferrelli dead in the base path with a huge lead. But leadoff man Cole Filosa laid down a nice bunt, and Perry's throw to first sailed high, allowing Piscia to score.
Milford (6-3, 4-2 South) knotted the score in the bottom of the sixth in Perry's only lapse of control. After walking Filosa on four straight balls, he worked No. 2 hitter Chris Care to a 1-2 count before walking him.
Brian Hayes followed with Milford's only hit, a bunt that Sudbury waited too long to go foul on the first baseline. Chris Vine's sacrifice fly to center scored Filosa but gave Perry the momentum to close out the inning with two consecutive outs in the field.
"I felt pretty good," said Perry, who worked with a variety of fastballs and curveballs. "My control wasn't as good today as it has been, but Dan made some good calls and we were able to get some of the tough hitters."
Sudbury answered Milford's run with six of its own in the next frame. After Mike Gannon reached on a walk, White placed a bunt that Milford misplayed, resulting in Gannon's reaching third. After White stole second, Doug Bradford (2-3) came up big in the clutch with a single to left. Bradford scored on an error, making the score 5-2.
Leadoff hitter Mike Cordo knocked in Andy Skelton, who had walked, and Dan Ollquist, who had reached on the error that scored Bradford. Cordo went to second on the throw home and scored when Milford catcher James Kowalik attempted to gun him down with no one covering the bag.
"We're going to have innings like that on and off because we're so young," said Richards. "Once they got up a couple runs, a lot of guys put their heads down and lost focus. We're still coming together as a team and getting better day to day."
Perry said he was particularly satisfied to beat Milford.
"I'm very pleased with the win because I have a lot of respect for this program," he said.
Perry's squad hosts Hopkinton at Feeley Field tonight while Milford heads to Dover-Sherborn.
Framingham 22, Ashland 3
The Framingham Senior Babe Ruth team showed up at Ashland last night and wasted no time dismantling the home team, plating six first-inning runs en route to a lopsided victory. The first inning rally came on six hits, and was more than enough for Framingham starter Jon Gordon (3-0), who worked five innings and allowed just two hits for the win. Gordon was also the biggest contributor with the bat, as he went 5-for-5 with three runs and six RBI. Matt Gedman (3-3, 2 doubles, 3 runs), Nick Guarino (2-3, 3 RBI, 2 runs) and Mike DeFlorio (2-5, 3 RBI, 2 runs) also gave the Ashland pitchers trouble. Framingham (5-3) is next in action tomorrow hosting Bellingham, while Ashland (2-7) gets the long weekend to recover before welcoming Sudbury Tuesday.
Marlborough 10, Holliston 2
Rob Shannon had three hits, including a double and a triple, to lead Marlborough to a win over Holliston. Shannon, a shortstop, also drove in three runs for the Flames (4-4). Dan Rudinsky went six innings, striking out six and allowing just one earned run, as he improved his record to 2-0. Anthony Minasian added two hits and Jason Avery played a stellar left field for Marlborough, which hosts Franklin today.
Hopkinton 3, Natick 0
Dan Newbrander earned his first win of the season, tossing a complete game, two-hit shutout to lift Hopkinton over Natick. The right-handed Newbrander fanned five, walked just one and allowed two singles in the win. Hopkinton (2-7) received an RBI double from Joe Czick and scored a pair of unearned runs in the second inning. Hopkinton faces Sudbury today.
Dover-Sherborn 16, Millis 3
Dover-Sherborn exploded for 13 runs in the first two innings to cruise to an easy win over Millis. Conner Bresnehan starred on the mound and at the plate for the Raiders. He threw five innings for the win, and went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBI. The hit parade continued as third baseman Andrew Derr had two hits, three runs scored and two batted in, while Charlie Mamacos had the hat trick: three runs, three hits and three RBI. D-S (5-3) hosts Milford today.
Bellingham 11, Westborough 0
Bellingham pitcher Mark Claffey kept the Westborough bats silent all night, as he tossed his second no-hitter of the season in Senior Babe Ruth action. Claffey fanned 10 batters on the evening, while walking three. Offensively for Bellingham (7-1), Mike Russell went 4-for-4 with a double and four RBI. Bellingham takes on Framingham at Long Field today (8 p.m.).
Friday, July 2
Thursday, July 1 Results
Summer baseball: Tomasetti lifts Natick Ruth over Holliston
Friday, July 2, 2004
Behind the strong pitching performance of Anthony Tomasetti, Natick topped visiting Holliston 6-1 in Senior Babe Ruth League action.
Tomasetti went six innings, scattered five hits, struck out seven and gave up only one run.
Center fielder Mark Anderson had a two-run double in the second inning to spark Natick's offense. Tomasetti then helped his own cause by driving in another run with a single.
Two tremendous defensive plays highlighted Natick's win -- a sensational catch by left fielder Dan Turner in the fourth inning, and a diving stop by shortstop Chris Curtis in the sixth. Both came with the bases loaded.
Tom Barrick finnished things up for Natick in the seventh.
-- DAN MASSAR
Bellingham 1, Framingham 0
Andrew Parker turned in a complete-game shutout as Bellingham downed host Framingham in Senior Babe Ruth action.
Parker (3-0) fanned seven while scattering five hits and four walks.
Jeff Tardiff was impressive in defeat for Framingham (5-4), striking out 11, walking three, and giving up just two hits over seven innings.
Bellingham (8-1) recorded both hits in the third inning to score the game-winner. Michael Burke singled with two outs, stole second and moved to third on a balk. Joe Corrado then knocked him home.
Bellingham hosts Natick on Tuesday.
Milford 1, D-S 1 (8 inn.)
Darkness did what neither teams' hitters could, finally getting to Milford starter Cole Filosa and Dover-Sherborn counterpart Charlie Mamacos as their pitchers' duel was called after eight innings as the clubs battled to a Senior Babe Ruth draw in interdivisional action.
Filosa struck out seven and allowed one run on five hits and two walks over his eight innings, while Mamacos struck out three and allowed one run on seven hits and two walks.
Both teams scored in their first at-bat, with Milford (6-3-1) striking first on a bases-loaded RBI fielder's choice by Jim Kowalik. D-S (5-3-1) tied it in the bottom of the first on an RBI single by Connor Bresnehan, but neither team could muster another run the rest of the way.
Milford hosts Hopedale in a non-league exhibition game at Fino Field on Monday (7 p.m.), then returns to league action Wednesday at Marlborough. D-S plays at Franklin on Tuesday.
Westborough 7, Millis 0 (Forfeit)
Friday, July 9 Results
Bellingham 6, Hopkinton 3
Ryan Reolis struck out nine over seven solid innings, while Mike Russell and Mark Claffey each delivered a two-out, two-run single in the second inning, as Bellingham defeated Hopkinton 6-3 in Senior Babe Ruth action. With Reolis (2-0) solid on the rubber, Phil DiMarco (1-for-2) added a double and an RBI to the offensive effort. After a matchup against Ashland on Monday (7 p.m., Ashland High), Bellingham (11-1) enters a battle for first place against Franklin on Wednesday (Bellingham, 8 p.m.).
Holliston 3, Millis 2
John Jemma scattered two singles and struck out nine, while Tyler Parrino capped off a two-run rally in the bottom of the seventh with the game-winning RBI single, as host Holliston edged Millis. After Holliston (3-10) cut Millis' lead to 2-1 in the sixth, Jemma -- who collected two hits to help improve his record to 1-1 -- was hit by a pitch to lead off the seventh and scored on an error. Then, Parrino (2-for-2) came through in the clutch, driving in Matt Rider for the game-winning run, dropping Millis tp 2-10. Mike Passaretti's RBI single was the source of Holliston's damage in the sixth. Holliston next hosts Milford on Wednesday, while Millis visits Franklin on Monday (6 p.m.).
Framingham 1, Franklin 0
Jeff Tardiff outdueled Joe Salvucci in a classic pitchers' clash, lifting Framingham over Franklin in an interdivisional Senior Babe Ruth matchup. Tardiff improved to 2-2 with the shutout, fanning 14 while allowing three hits and two walks and hitting a batter. Salvucci also allowed just three hits, striking out eight and walking only one as he fell to 3-1. Framingham (7-5) got the game's only run in the second, as Nick Guarino singled and moved to second on a passed ball. Sean Wilson then drove him in with a double -- the only extra-base hit either team mustered. Franklin falls to 9-3 with the loss. Framingham plays at Westborough on Monday.
Marlborough 4, D-S 2
Eli Rosenswaike went the distance on the hill and helped his own cause with a triple as Marlborough downed host Dover-Sherborn. Dan Rudzinsky doubled and scored and Dan Marieni was 2-for-3 to help Rosenswaike move to 3-1 on the year. Marlborough (7-5) struck for two runs in the first and added single runs in the fourth and seventh. Marlborough hosts Sudbury on Monday.
Thursday, July 8 Results
Natick 6, Westborough 1
Natick rocked host Westborough for five extra-base hits to win a North Senior Babe Ruth matchup at Westborough High School. Mike Slattery and Nick Leverone each had a single, a double and an RBI apiece for Natick (5-7). Dan Ciocca added an RBI double while Mark Anderson and Mike Melchiorri hit triples in Natick's nine-hit effort. Anthony Tomasetti picked up the win, striking out four and giving up just one hit in five innings of work. Anderson closed the game for Natick. Westborough falls to 6-6. Natick hosts Dover-Sherborn on Monday.
Thursday, July 8
Wednesday, July 7 Results
Bellingham 2, Sudbury 1
In a battle of 9-1 Senior Babe Ruth goliaths that lived up to its billing, it came down to the final out. And Bellingham escaped triumphant, with Mark Claffey wriggling out of a late jam to preserve a 2-1 victory at Sudbury. Sudbury (9-2) had men on first and third with no one out but, on an attempted double steal, Claffey (5 Ks, 3 hits allowed) got the ball to second baseman Mike Burke, who started a double play to end the game. Bellingham (10-1) had gone ahead with two runs in the fourth, when Phil DiMarco doubled and scored on Steve Robery's single. Claffey, who had singled, then scored on a Sudbury error.
Bellingham hits the road again tomorrow for Hopkinton (6 p.m.).
Marlborough 2, Milford 1
In one of the rarest plays in baseball, Marlborough eked by Milford last night on a walk-off balk. With the bases loaded and no outs and the game tied 1-1, Marlborough batter Tim Saben squared to bunt, at which Rylan Mitter-Burke took off from third at the same time. Milford then attempted a pickoff throw, but it sailed far from third base, officially resulting in a balk. As a result, Mitter-Burke was entitled to move up one base, scoring the winning run in the bottom of the inning. Behind the last-inning drama though, the game was mostly a pitchers' duel. Marlborough's Dan Marierni had 12 strikeouts and allowed just one earned run while walking one on 91 pitches. Milford's Greg Long meanwhile struck out seven while scattering six hits and one earned run. Marlborough (6-5) next plays at Dover-Sherborn tomorrow, while Milford (6-4-1) will play at Bellingham tonight.
Natick 3, Millis 0
Tom Barrick threw a two-hit shutout to power Natick to victory over Millis. Mike Melchiorri accounted for the first run with a suicide squeeze, while Mike Slattery and Barrick also had RBI singles for Natick (4-7). Kyle Ryan pitched well in defeat for Millis (2-9), striking out eight and allowing five hits. Natick heads to Westborough tomorrow, while Millis heads to Holliston tomorrow.
Dover-Sherborn 1, Ashland 0
In a tightly contested pitchers' duel, Andrew Derr just bested Ashland's Pat Olson as D-S scored an unearned run to grab a win. Derr allowed just one hit, a single in the fifth to Mark Piccoli, struck out six and walked three. Olson, on the other hand, didn't allow a hit until the fourth, striking out five and walking just one. D-S (6-4-1) scratched out its run in the fifth, following a Conner Bresnehan single and a sacrifice bunt. Bresnehan was on second when an Ashland error brought him home. Glenn House went 2-for-2 with a double for D-S.
Westborough 5, Franklin 3
Tim Hulbert struck out seven and scattered seven hits to lead Westborough over Franklin. Greg Jones also added a key triple, while Kyle Garry accounted for Westborough's fifth run with a successful suicide squeeze to lift the victors to 6-5. Westborough hosts Natick tonight while Franklin hosts Framingham tomorrow.
Framingham 2, Holliston 1
Tuesday, July 6 Results
Franklin 6, D/S 0
Derek Getchell and Dennis Hogan combined on a four-hit shutout as Franklin rolled past visiting Dover-Sherborn, 6-0, in CMass Senior Babe Ruth action. Getchell started and worked six innings, allowing just four D-S singles with nine strikeouts and three walks. Hogan pitched a scoreless seventh in relief with a strikeout and a walk. Billy Capen went 2-for-2 with a triple and Pete Beksha also went 2-for-2 with a pair of RBI singles in a 10-hit attack for Franklin (9-1). Beksha delivered Franklin's first two runs, driving in Hogan in the first and Phil Towne in the third. Jason Drapeau scored on an error and Tyler Pasquarosa rapped an RBI single which made it 4-0 in the fifth. Joe Macchi's run-scoring single highlighted a two-run sixth for Franklin. Shortstop Jamie Thorndike was a defensive standout for D-S (5-4-1). D-S hosts Ashland while Franklin travels to Westborough tonight. Both games start at 6 p.m.
Bellingham 2, Natick 1
Bellingham pitcher Andy Parker was pitching on three days rest. If that wasn't enough, he threw 125 pitches in his previous start. Nevertheless, Parker dominated Natick, going six innings, only giving up four hits while walking four and striking out six. Parker threw 113 pitches this time around, before giving way to Bellingham closer Michael Russell who closed out the game. Parker improved his personal record to 4-0 this season. Bellingham will face off against Sudbury tonight at 7PM, in Sudbury, in the Senior Babe Ruth's first place game.
Marlborough 2, Millis 1
Brian Guzzi struck out 10 and tossed a three-hitter to lead Marlborough over Millis last night in Senior Ruth action. Marlborough jumped out to a 1-0 lead when Anthony Minafian stroked an RBI single in the first inning, although Millis quickly responded when Ryan D'Arcy scored on a fielder's choice after reaching on an error. Marlborough waited until the sixth inning to score its final run, when Rob Shannon hit a triple and came home on Dan Marierni's single Guzzi (1-2) finished the game with just two walks allowed, no earned runs, and 90 pitches. Marlborough (5-5) will look to get over .500 when it hosts Milford tonight, while Millis (2-8) will play at Natick.
Holliston 2, Westborough 1
When Westborough drew first blood in the first inning on Russ Heim's RBI single, it looked like the Holliston Senior Babe Ruth team might have been headed for its 10th loss. But behind the stellar pitching of Matt Texeira (7 strikeouts, 5 hits allowed) and a two-run rally in the third inning, this time was different for the home team. Dan Friedman ripped an RBI triple, then scored on Brendan Shea's single in the third, giving Holliston (2-9) a lead Texeira would not relinquish. Dave Alpert (2-3) also had a good day at the plate. Jordan Goldberg (7 strikeouts) was almost as good as Texeira on the hill for Westborough (5-5), which hosts Franklin tonight (6 p.m.). Holliston is at Framingham (Bowditch, 7 p.m.).
Hopkinton 4, Framingham 1
Brian Doyle struck out seven to power Hopkinton Senior Ruth over Framingham last night. Matt Carrai scored the first Hopkinton run in the third when he was hit by a pitch, stole second, and scored on an error. Later on in the fourth inning, Pete Sullivan had a two-run single and Tom Duggan successfully executed a suicide squeeze for a 4-1 lead at the time. Doyle finished with seven strikeouts, three hits and a walk. "Doyle pitched a great game and we played solid defense," said Hopkinton coach Jeff Merzel, whose team improves to 3-8. Hopkinton next plays at Bellingham on Friday, while Framingham (5-5) will host Holliston tonight.
Sudbury 2, Ashland 0
Monday, July 12 Results
Millis 1, Franklin 0
Millis used a great pitching performance from Brendan Munroe and a clutch two-out hit from Al Rafter to score a 1-0 road upset over Franklin. Munroe scattered five hits over seven innings and did not walk a batter to earn his first win of the year. He also did not strike anyone out, relying on a nearly perfect defense. The Mohawks (3-10) got their lone run in the fourth inning, when Rafter doubled home left fielder Justin Morrell. That was all Munroe needed as he continued to confound the Panthers (9-4) with his strong curveball. Millis hosts Ashland tomorrow.
Bellingham 2, Ashland 0
Phil DiMarco and Andrew Ramella combined on a three-hit shutout as Bellingham blanked host Ashland in a CMass South Division matchup.
DiMarco started and pitched five innings, allowing all three hits with two strikeouts and one walk. Ramella fanned three in two hitless innings of relief. Second baseman Michael Burke played outstanding defense for Bellingham. Ashland's starter Matt Whitehead pitched a solid game and went the distance. Bellingham scored a run in the bottom of the first when Michael Russell singled, stole second, moved to third on a balk and came home on a wild pitch. Bellingham added an insurance run in the second when Ramella singled, stole second and third, and came home on Steve Robery's RBI single. Bellingham (12-1) will try to avenge its only loss of the season when it hosts Franklin tomorrow night at 8 p.m. "Hopefully, we'll play a better game and play better defense this time," said Bellingham coach Paul Jacques. "We had a couple of lapses in that game and they cost us."
Framingham 2, Westborough 0
Phil Goulet struck out 10 and pitched a complete-game shutout as Framingham blanked Westborough in Senior Babe Ruth action. Goulet walked three and gave up four hits, two to his Westborough counterpart Jordan Goldberg, who was the hard-luck loser in the affair. Goldberg gave up an RBI groundout to Jon Gordon in the fourth inning, then was the victim of small ball in the top of the seventh. Jeff Tardiff, who went 2-for-3 for Framingham, led off the final inning with a single. Mike DeFlorio sacrificed him to second, then Tardiff stole third and scored on a wild pitch. It was an important run, as Westborough (6-7) led off the bottom of the seventh with a single, but a line drive was turned into a double play to end the threat. Framingham (8-5) plays tomorrow against D-S at Bowditch field at 7 p.m.
Natick 5, Dover-Sherborn 1
Natick used a balanced offensive attack and an effective performance on the hill from Mark Anderson to close to within a game of .500. Dan Ciocca hit an RBI double and scored a run, while Mike Flattery (2-3, RBI) and Dan Turner (2-4, run, SB) each added two hits. Chris Curtis also singled and scored as the Redmen (6-7) scored twice in the first inning and never looked back. Anderson won his first start of the year, striking out four and allowing two hits in five innings of work. Tom Barrick pitched two scoreless innings of relief to close it out. Natick hosts Sudbury tomorrow.
Sudbury 11, Marlborough 1
Alex Burpee was 3-for-4 with a double and three runs scored as Sudbury exploded for 15 hits to defeat host Marlborough. Zack Norley was 2-for-3 with a double, two runs and two RBI and Dan Ollquist was 1-for-1 with three RBI as Sudbury improved to 10-2.
Matt Perry went four innings on the hill to improve to 5-0, and helped his own cause by going 2-for-4 with three RBI. Sudbury plays at Natick tomorrow.
Friday, July 16 Results
Franklin 2, Ashland 0
Completely dominating. Such was the performance of Franklin's Derek Getchell last night, as the hurler tossed a no-hitter in leading his squad to a 2-0 win over Ashland in Senior Babe Ruth action. In improving to 3-0 and collecting his first-ever no-no, Getchell struck out three and yielded only two walks. "He threw strikes and did an awesome job," said Franklin head coach Steve Florest, whose club improved to 11-4. "Derek's a competitor and battled out there the entire game." With third baseman Roger Thistle collecting six assists, Getchell induced a fly out to end the game and clinch history. "Everyone was really happy, pumped up and cheering for him," Florest said of the last out. Ashland's Joe Lill was the tough luck loser, scattering six hits and striking out two over a complete-game effort. He was victimized by Jason Drapeau's two doubles and Pete Beksha, who notched a two-bagger of his own. Both teams return to action Monday, as Franklin hosts Milford (6 p.m.) while Hopkinton hosts Ashland (6 p.m.).
Bellingham 9, Millis 5
Andy Parker pitched six shutout innings as Bellingham survived a late rally by host Millis to pick up the victory. Bellingham improves to 13-2 on the season and remains in first place in the South with a division record of 8-2. Parker allowed five hits and struck out five before leaving after Bellingham scored five runs in the top of the seventh inning to go up 9-0. Joe Corrado, who went 2-for-2, had a two-run single in the seventh to start the Bellingham rally. Millis (3-12) rallied for five runs in the bottom of the seventh off of two relievers. Andy Romella was 2-for-4 with an RBI-double for Bellingham and Steve Robery played well behind the plate.
Holliston 1, Hopkinton 0
Tyler Parrino made Dan Friedman's RBI single in the first inning stand up with a complete game three-hitter, lifting Holliston to a league win over visiting Hopkinton -- evening both clubs' records at 4-11. Dave Alpert led off the bottom of the first with a single, the first of his two hits. He went to second on an error, third on a wild pitch, then came home on Friedman's single. Parrino did the rest, striking out six and walking just one to move to 2-2 on the year. He had to do that well, because his counterpart -- Hopkinton's Brian Doyle -- allowed just four hits. Matt Royal had two of Hopkinton's three hits. Holliston heads to Bellingham, while Hopkinton hosts Ashland.
Westborough 3, Marlborough 2
A two-out rally in the bottom of the seventh inning allowed Westborough to edge Marlborough in a Babe Ruth game at Westborough High School. Marlborough's Dan Marieni retired the first two batters in the bottom of the seventh before Jeff Farrar grounded a single up the middle. He advanced to second on a wild pitch before Marieni walked Jon Ma. Tim Dion followed and launched a shot over the head of the center fielder to score Farrar and end the game. Dion's hit made a winner out of Tim Hulbert (3-1), who allowed three hits and struck out 11. He ran into trouble only in the fifth when Jay Laufer touched him for a two-run single. But Hulbert retired the final seven hitters he faced, including the final three on strikeouts. Russell Heim had an RBI single to put Westborough up 1-0 in the fourth. Ma tied the game at 2 with an RBI single in the fifth. Westborough improves to 7-7 with the win. Marlborough falls to 7-8.
Framingham 2, Sudbury 0 (10 inns.)
Jeff Tardiff struck out 16 batters as Framingham out-lasted Sudbury. Tardiff allowed three hits and walked four but he had to wait until the 10th inning for his teammates to finally put some runs on the board. Sudbury starter Matt Perry (5-1) hit John Gordon to lead off the 10th and was replaced by Zach Norley, who walked Tardiff. After two strikeouts, Alex Johnson came to the plate and knocked the ball into the left-center field gap to score Gordon and Tardiff. Tardiff (3-2) allowed an infield single in the bottom of the 10th but retired the final three batters to earn the shutout. Framingham (10-5) had its best chance to score in the sixth as Derek Zetlin hit a double. Matt Gedman sent a shot into right but right fielder James Starr made a diving catch to rob Gedman of an RBI. Greg White had two of Sudbury's three hits. Sudbury falls to 11-3.
Natick 3, Milford 2
Nick Leverone tossed seven solid innings, while Bill Flutie (2-for-3, run) and Mark Anderson each notched RBI doubles, as Natick edged Milford in Senior Babe Ruth action. In improving to 3-1, Leverone struck out eight and scattered three hits. Along with Flutie and Anderson, Tom Barrick knocked in a run with an RBI groundout. Both teams return to action Monday, as Natick hosts Framingham and Milford visits Franklin (6 p.m.).
Wednesday, July 14 Results
Hopkinton 5, Marlborough 3
Adam Merzel turned in a strong effort on the mound as Hopkinton rallied past Marlborough in Senior Babe Ruth action. Merzel went six innings, allowing three runs (0 earned) on four hits while striking out five to even his record at 2-2. Matt Royall struck out one in a scoreless seventh for his first save of the year. Down 3-1 in fourth, Hopkinton (4-10) rallied for four runs. Dan Newbrander singled in the eventual winning run, while Dan Merzel brought in Matt Carrai for an insurance run with a suicide squeeze.
Framingham 4, D-S 2
Jon Gordon pitched a complete-game four-hitter as host Framingham defeated Dover-Sherborn in Senior Babe Ruth action. Framingham (9-5) banged out nine hits with Matt Gedman (2-2, 2 RBI, sacrifice fly), Derek Zetlin (2-3, run), Nick Guarino (2-2, walk, run) and Chris Loughran (2-3, double, 2 RB) each notching two hits. Gordon (4-1) struck out nine batters and walked two. Both runs were unearned.
Milford 4, Holliston 3
Brian Hayes' two-run double helped Milford to a South Division win over host Holliston in Senior Babe Ruth play. Hayes knocked in Chris Care and T.J. Dolliver, who had both singled, in the third inning to give Milford (9-4-1) the lead. Holliston (3-11) managed to put a runner on third in every inning except one but could only rally twice. Dave Alpert was 2-for-4 to pace the offense. Chris Vine scored the eventual game-winner in the sixth after singling and moving to second on Jim Kowalik's bunt. Aaron Piscia's base hit brought Vine home.
Ashland 7, Millis 1
Pat Olson threw a two-hitter while Jeremy Morse went 2-for-2, leading Ashland to a South Division win over host Millis. After giving up a run in the first, Olson, who fanned four, held Millis (3-11) to just two baserunners for the remainder of the game.
Aside from Morse (2 RBI), Matt Whitehead (double), Mike Karam (3 RBI) and Andrew Babb (2 runs) did well offensively for Ashland (3-11).
Sudbury 12, Natick 1
Mike Gately and Zack Norley combined for a four-hitter on the mound as Sudbury downed host Natick in a North Division matchup. Sudbury (11-2, 7-1 North) combined nine walks and 10 hits to build a lead. Dan Ollquist's two-run single in the fifth made the score 4-1 before Sudbury added six more in the next frame. Chris Nelson, Greg White and Alex Burpee all hit well for Sudbury.
Franklin 5, Bellingham 1
Joe Salvucci fanned eight en route to a complete-game three-hitter as Franklin upset host Bellingham in South Division play. Tyler Pasquarosa (2-for-4, double, 2 RBI), Derek Getchell (2-for-3) and Dennis Hogan (2-for-3) hit well for Franklin (10-4).Bellingham falls to 12-2.
Monday, June 14
Opening Day Results
Holliston 7, Hopkinton 6
Joe Santos pitched seven inning, gave up 10 hits and struck out three to lead Holliston over Hopkinton in Senior Babe Ruth action. Holliston (1-0) received solid performances at the plate from Dan Friedman (2 for 4, run scored), Colby Watkins (2 for 4, 2 RBI, run scored), Mike Passaretti (2 for 3 run, scored). Holliston travels to Milford's Fino Field tomorrow at 7 p.m.
Franklin 3, Ashland 0
Joe Macchi was a master on the mound, pitching a complete-game gem, striking out 10 to lead Franklin Senior Babe Ruth over Ashland in the season opener for both clubs. Offensively, Franklin was pleased with it effort as Jason Drapeau (2 for 3, 2 doubles) and Macchi helped his own cause with two key hits. Ashland's starter Matt Whitehead was impressive as well pitching six inning, while allowing just three runs.
Milford 4, Westborough 2
Milford plated two runs in the sixth and Greg Long picked up a win in relief in the first game of the year as Milford knocked off Westborough in Senior Babe Ruth action. Matt Delvecchio reached on an error to start the sixth for Milford, than was replaced by T.J. Dolliver, who took third when Jim Kowalik reached on an error. An Aaron Piscia squeeze bunt brought in Dolliver and a Pete Ferrelli single drove in Kowalik. Jarod Castell was 2-for-2 with a double for Westborough.
Bellingam 13, Millis 2
Ryan Reolis struck out 10 in five innings pitched, while allowing just one hit, to give Bellingham a season-opening win over Millis. Joe Corrado led the charge offensively going 3 for 4 with a two-run single.
Natick 10, Marlborough 7
Natick's Nick Leverone tossed 6 1/3 innings of solid ball to lead Natick to a season-opening victory over Marlborough. Tom Barrick, who went 2 for 2 with two singles and an RBI also finished off he final outs for Natick on the mound. Dan Ciocca (2 for 3, 3 RBI) also chipped in with a huge day at the plate. Natick travel to Bowditch Field Wednesday at 7 PM.
Tuesday, June 15
Monday, June 14 Results
Marlborough 4, Framingham 1
Marlborough hurler Eli Rosenswailke was outstanding, and he made sure Framingham's season would not start on a good note in Senior Babe Ruth action. Rosenswailke worked the complete game, striking out 10 and walking just one to spark Marlborough to the win. The home team went ahead in the first when Dan Rudzinsky singled, stole second, went to third on a wild pitch and scored on Ryland Mitter-Burke's RBI single. But they'd need more, and they got some insurance in the fifth. Catcher Ken Bergeron singled and Sean McDonald was hit by a pitch to start the trouble. It ended up a three-run inning after a wild pitch, an A.J. Taillacq RBI fielder's choice and a Brian Guzzi two-run single. Framingham scored its lone run in the seventh, but couldn't spark a comeback. Marlborough next hosts Westborough Friday.
Millis 4, Ashland 1
It could have been a pitchers' duel at Walker Field, but shoddy Ashland defense plagued the home team in a 4-1 loss to Millis (1-1) in Senior Babe Ruth action. Kyle Ryan (1-0) was brilliant for Millis, allowing just four hits and striking out five. Ashland hurler Joe Lill deserved a better fate, but his teammates made five errors behind him. After Patrick Olson (2-3) knocked in the tying run for Ashland in the fourth, Millis plated the winning runs in the top of the fifth. Joe Buch (1-2, run) and Matt Fulone (1-3, run) led the way for the visitors.
Franklin 6, Bellingham 1
Behind a five-run fifth inning and a solid complete-game effort from Derek Getchell, Franklin moved to 2-0 on the year by soundly defeating Bellingham (1-1) in Senior Babe Ruth action. Getchell struck out six and scattered four walks and five hits to earn his first win of the year. Franklin struck in the first inning on a RBI single by Joe Macchi, then broke it open in the fifth. It all started with two outs, when Denis Hogan, Roger Thistle and Macchi all singled, with Macchi's knocking in his second of the game. Bellingham then unraveled, as three errors handed Franklin four more runs. Both teams hit the road tomorrow, with Franklin heading to Millis and Bellingham at Ashland.
Wednesday, June 16
Tuesday, June 15 Results
Milford 5, Holliston 0
Cole Filofa pitched a complete game, allowing only two hits and two walks, while striking out seven, as he shut out host Holliston.
Offensively for Milford, Jim Kowalik went 2-for-3 and scored two runs, while Chris Vine went 2-for-3 and had an RBI double. With the win, Milford improved to 2-0, and will look for its third win of the summer season Friday, when the Micros travel to Ashland and play at 7 PM.
Friday, June 18 Results
Westborough 3, Marlborough 1
Jordan Goldberg threw a complete-game four-hitter and knocked in two runs, leading Westborough to a 3-1 win over host Marlborough in a CMass Senior Babe Ruth North Division matchup. Goldberg struck out 12 and walked one as he improved his record to 1-1. His second-inning single knocked in Greg Jones, who led off with a walk and stole second and third, and Jarod Castell, who reached on an error and also stole second. Westborough (2-1) went up 3-0 in the fourth on Jon Ma's double, which scored Castell. Leadoff hitters Mike Magnifico of Westborough and Eli Rosenswaike of Marlborough (1-2) each went 2 for 3 with a stolen base.
Sudbury 4, Framingham 0
Catcher Dan Legere launched a three-run homer in the first inning and his batterymate, Matt Perry, made it stand up with seven stellar innings. Perry threw a complete game two-hitter, striking out six and walking just two. The righty also contributed a single and scored a run. But the offensive star was Legere, who had a pair of hits, scored two runs and hit his first home run of the season for Sudbury (2-0). Chris Nelson, Greg White and Andy Skelton added hits in a winning effort. Sudbury hosts Dover-Sherborn on Sunday (4 p.m.)
Millis 6, Holliston 5
Al McCarthy delivered a game winning single in the bottom of the seventh inning to left Millis over visiting Holliston in Senior Babe Ruth. McCarthy's game winner came with two outs in the inning and runners on second and third. Millis (2-2) received a solid outing from pitcher Mehdi Ahmadi, who threw a complete game to earn the win. Millis' Justin Morrell also came up big with the bat, knocking a two run single with two outs in the bottom of the sixth inning to tie the game. Joe Santos pitched a complete game for Holliston (1-3) as well. Millis will get back in action on Monday when it travels to take on Hopkinton (6 p.m.).
Milford 7, Ashland 1
T.J. Dolliver threw a complete game in his first Senior Babe Ruth start, picking up the win and leading Milford over host Ashland. Dolliver (1-0) struck out five batters while walking none and giving up no earned runs. Offensively, Milford (3-0) was led by Chris Care who went 3-for-3 with two singles, a double, an an RBI. Bryan Hayes also played well offensively, going 2-for-3 with a single, double, and two runs scored. Bobby Capuzziello went 2-for-4 with 2 RBI for Milford as well. Milford will get back in action on Monday when it hosts Bellingham.
Bellingham 11, Hopkinton 4
Joey Corrado and Mark Claffey each went 2 for 3 as host Bellingham defeated Hopkinton in a CMass South faceoff. Bellingham (3-1) scored on seven hits and several Hopkinton errors. Claffey added two RBI. Paul Melanson had a strong game behind the plate for Bellingham, which heads to Milford on Monday night. Hopkinton falls to 0-2.
Franklin 4, Natick 3
Dennis Hogan struck out the side for Franklin in the seventh inning, earning the win and leading his team over visiting Natick. Joe Salvucci started the game for Franklin (4-0), striking out 11 batters while allowing three runs. Offensively, franklin was led by Joe Macchi, who went 2-for-3 with a double and a run scored. Derek Getchell also hit the ball well for Franklin, going 2-for-3. Franklin will get back in action on Monday when it hosts Holliston.
Thursday, June 17
Wednesday, June 16 Results
Bellingham 10, Ashland 5
Andy Parker tossed six innings and struck out eight to lead Bellingham to victory over Ashland. Doing well on offense for Bellingham was Andrew Ramella, who had two doubles, and Joe Corrado, who was 2-for-4 with four RBI.
Sudbury 7, Holliston 4
Mike Gately pitched a complete game and struck out six to lead Sudbury over Holliston in each team's opener. Holliston took an early 2-0 lead, but a two-run homer by Sudbury's Chris Nelson in the fourth inning tied the game up at two, and Mike Gannon then put Sudbury ahead on a delayed steal of home.
Framingham 2, Natick 0
Jon Gordon went the distance as Framingham shut out Natick in Senior Babe Ruth action at the Bowditch Athletic Complex. Gordon struck out seven while scattering six hits and three walks to go to 1-0 on the summer. Framingham (1-1) managed just three hits, none of which factored into the scoring. Natick falls to 1-1 with the loss. Framingham scored first in the third on a walk, a hit batsman, another walk and a passed ball, then added another in the fifth on a walk, two sacrifices and an error.
Franklin 6, Millis 0
Tony Brunetta pitched a no-hitter in his first start of the year to lead Franklin to victory over Millis last night. Franklin (3-0) ended up with three runs in the first inning and added three more in the fourth. Brunetta finished with seven strikeouts, and nearly had a perfect game, allowing just a fifth-inning walk to Millis' Joe Boch. Joe Salvucci got things started on offense for Franklin with a first-inning RBI triple. Mike Potash and Frank Brunetta also each went 2-for-3 on offense for Franklin.
Westborough 10, Dover-Sherborn 6
Jarod Castell went 3-for-4 and scored twice, giving Westborough (1-1) its first win of the season in Senior Babe Ruth League action. Russ Heim started the game for Westborough, going three innings, allowing three runs and striking out four. At the plate, Heim went 2-for-2 with three runs and an RBI. John Mar pitched four innings for the win.
Tuesday, July 13
Hey Babe – Stars on the Horizon!
Unknown Observer
Had a chance to watch the Central Mass. Senior Babe Ruth All-Star Game this week, hereÂ’s a look at talent standouts:
- Jeff Tardiff, RHP, Framingham: a big, strong kid; has command of several pitches including a good fastball and a big, slow curve he throws for strikes; very aware of the field around him. Got fooled in AB though - on breaking balls.
- Dan Rudzinsky – 1B/P, Marlborough - stocky and not tall, but nicely turned a 3-6-3 DP while at first; has good throwing arm; in an AB slammed an opposite field gapper for 3RBI. He was called out at third trying to stretch the double into a triple, but it was the 3B coach’s fault not Dan’s. In the next AB, he earned a BB with an eight or nine pitch AB, fouling off several. Dan also pitched an inning, gave up a BB and a little flare for a single, but he looked sharp with good velocity. This Kid is a Player.
- Chris Vine, Milford, OF-1B; lefty batter - good plate presence, nicely controlled swing with power, aggressive.
- Matt Perry, SS/2B/P, Sudbury; good command of the strike zone on the mound; drove a 3 up and down including a K and two weak ground ball outs. Bats L, and beat out infield grounder, so has some speed.
- Jamie Thorndike, SS, Dover-Sherborn; nice moves at SS, good range.
- Mike Russell, IF, Bellingham; Web gem – from the SS position, a hot grounder on a very bad hop came to him, deflected the ball with his body as a backboard towards toe second baseman, to get a force 2nd. Nice play!!
- More: www.eteamz.com/cmsbr
[Disclosure: I know none of these players, their parents, or anyone in the league. Just an observer.]
Thursday, October 3
Board Addresses New Rules for 2003 Season
Two major items were voted on for the 2003 season:
1) 19 year old Eligibilty - The Board decided NOT to change the current age requirements. Therefore, no 19 year olds will be eligible for Senior Babe Ruth.
2) Use of wooden bats - The Board approved the exclusive use of wooden bats. Metal bats will not be allowed.
Thursday, June 12
Results: Wednesday, June 11
Holliston 4, Ashland 0
Jessie Newman pitched a complete-game gem, striking out 13 while scattering just two hits as Holliston shut out Ashland 4-0 in Senior Babe Ruth action.
Holliston (1-1) received some big help offensively from Marty Murphy, who belted a single and scored two runs, while Mike Shilalie knocked in a run with a sharp single.
Holliston ended up scoring the winning run in the first inning, and then shut the door with three more in the seventh.
Holliston hosts Hopkinton tomorrow night (6 p.m.).
Westborough 15, Hudson 1
Jeff Reynolds tossed a two-hit complete game to lead Westborough (1-1) to a lopsided victory over Hudson.
Reynolds collected eight strikeouts and walked none in the six-inning affair that was called due to darkness.
Westborough had two huge innings. In the third they plated four runs, and in the fifth they exploded for five more.
Offensively, Greg Jones led the attack with two hits and two RBI, while his teammates Matt Gebo (double, RBI) and Connor Thompson (double) also chipped in for the win.
Marcus Vazquez (single, RBI) and Jason Wade (double) produced the only two hits for Hudson (0-2).
Westborough hosts Sudbury tomorrow night (6 p.m.).
Wednesday, June 11
Senior Ruth Season Opens
Framingham 2, Hudson 1
Framingham's Willie Ortiz opened the Senior Babe Ruth season in style. The hurler threw an 18-strikeout no-hitter as Framingham topped visiting Hudson, 2-1 at Bowditch Field.
Hudson never hit a ball out of the infield.
Chris Loughran (double), Bryan Dressler, Marc Hewett and James Patelis had the hits for Framingham, which capitalized on seven Hudson errors.
Franklin 7, Holliston 5
Chris Gordon struck out eight batters and gave up only three hits as Franklin defeated Holliston in the season-opener for both teams in Senior Babe Ruth League action.
Chris Risica (2 for 4) and Gordon (2 for 3) each drove in two runs for Franklin (1-0) which had 10 hits off Holliston's Matt Pendleton
Jay Turner (1 for 4) recorded two RBIs for Holliston (0-1). David Bethany also recorded an RBI.
Franklin is next scheduled to take on Bellingham on Friday.
Tuesday, June 17
Results: Monday, June 16
Westborough 2, Framingham 1
Westborough's Tommy Blackney cut down the tying run at the plate in the seventh to preserve a 2-1 victory for visiting Westborough.
Curtis Garry threw a complete game gem to earn the win, but the Westborough hurler was tested throughout. Framingham threatened in the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh innings but Garry staved off Framingham's advances.
Westborough scored its only runs in the fourth inning. Chris Black laced an RBI double, and AJ Silver followed with an RBI single of his own.
Nursing a one run lead, Garry worked into trouble in the seventh, facing runners on second and third with one out. Garry then induced a long fly-out to center fielder Blackney, who recorded the out then fired home to Kyle Laham who held on for the tag, and an emotional victory for Westborough.
Framingham falls to 1-1, while Westborough improves to 2-1. Westborough hosts Marlboro tomorrow.
Natick 11, Marlborough 1
Brett Allard went 3 for 4 as host Natick continued its undefeated season with a six-inning mercy-rule win over Marlborough.
Sean Hladick struck out eight and allowed four hits in his six innings for Natick (3-0), which tallied eight hits and took advantage of four Marlborough errors.
Tim Nelson went 2 for 4 at the plate for Natick.
Franklin 2, Ashland 1
Todd Bartolomei's two-RBI single in the first gave host Franklin all it needed to defeat Ashland.
Joe Mackie (1-0) held Ashland to two hits and two walks while fanning six. Mackie faced off against Pat Olson, who gave up five hits and three walks and striking out seven. Both pitchers went the distance.
In the first, Jake Dellorco and Ryan Risica each reached base on singles to score on Bartolomei's hit. Olson held Franklin (2-0) to two hits for the rest of game.
Ashland (0-3) scored in the fifth when Ross Weisman, who had reached on an error, scored on Dan Shapiro's single.
Franklin faces Milford at Fino field, while Ashland travels to Hopkinton tomorrow night.
Bellingham 7, Hopkinton 2
In a South Division Senior Babe Ruth contest at Richardson Field, Kevin Kenney's two-run single in the first was all Andy Parker needed, as the Bellingham southpaw tossed a one-hitter to lead the Bulldogs over visiting Hopkinton.
Kyle Dunbar led the attack for Bellingham (1-0), going 2 for 4 with a sacrifice fly for a RBI.
Parker was outstanding, allowing no earned runs, striking out 10 while walking two and hit a batter. Hopkinton's lone hit came from John Stickney.
Bellingham travels to Adams Middle School to face host Holliston.
Saturday, June 14
Results: Friday, June 13
Natick 2, Sudbury 1
Bill Flutie's single in the bottom of the 10th inning scored Kevin Fleming, as Natick recorded an extra-inning Senior Babe Ruth victory over visiting Sudbury at Mahan Field.
Natick managed three hits over the 10 innings, with two coming in the final inning, from Flutie and Nick Leverone. Tim Nelson had the other hit.
The winning rally started when Kevin Fleming reached base after being hit by a pitch. Leverone then singled. That hit was followed by a groundout and intentional walk, loading the bases for Flutie.
Leverone (1-0) earned the pitching win, entering the game in the eighth inning. Natick starter Justin Waters left the game in the second inning with an injury and was relieved by Tom Barrick, who pitched into the eighth.
Milford 7, Ashland 3
Host Milford plated four runs in the second inning on five singles en route to the season-opening Senior Ruth win over Ashland.
Mark Delvecchio went the first six innings for the victory, fanning seven.
Phil Negus plated Milford's first run in the first, cracking a run-scoring a triple. In the four-run second, Brian Hayes single and went to second on Conor Quinn's bunt single. Dan Messer singled in a run and Anthony Coppola added another base hit to score Quinn (2 runs, 3 stolen bases). Negus knocked in a run with a sac fly, Kevin Andrews was hit by a pitch and Chris Vine delivered an RBI single.
Russ Weisman had a single and double for Ashland (0-1). Milford plays at Hopkinton tomorrow morning at 10:30.
Tuesday, June 24
Results: Monday, June 23
Natick 3, Holliston 2
In a classic pitching duel, Natick's Justin Waters hurled seven solid innings and Tim Nelson hit the game-winning single in the bottom of the seventh as Natick defeated visiting Holliston at Mahan Field in Senior Babe Ruth play.
Waters struck out eight, yielding only five hits and two runs in the win. Holliston's Matt Pendleton also lasted all seven innings, allowing five hits and three runs, while striking out three.
On the offensive side, Natick's David Guen went 2 for 3, with an RBI and one run scored. For Holliston (3-3-1), Jay Turner batted 3 for 3, including an RBI single.
Holliston next visits Medway tomorrow (6:30 p.m.).
Hudson 7, Bellingham 1
Joe Palange struck out 12 in his first start for Hudson, which defeated host Bellingham.
Palange went the distance and scattered seven hits and two walks. Hudson (2-4) helped him out with two runs in the fifth, the offense led by catcher Ryan Botelho (2-4).
Bellingham (1-4) scored in the bottom of the sixth, when Sean Cotter blasted a triple for his second hit of the game. He scored on a passed ball.
Nigel Johnson started Hudson's five-run rally in the seventh with an RBI single, and James Mullane knocked in two with a hit of his own.
Hudson hosts Holliston tomorrow.
Ashland 9, Marlborough 1
Patrick Olson struck out five hitters and gave up no earned runs to lead Ashland past Marlborough.
"He pitched really well from the beginning," said Ashland coach Justin McKay. "They just couldn't keep up with his fastball."
Colin Mansfield, Ross Weisman and Steve Ciccarella each recorded two hits for Ashland (2-4).
Jason Avery had a double for Marlborough (1-3).
Ashland hosts Westborough tomorrow night at Ashland High School (5:30 pm).
Hopkinton 8, Westborough 0
Ryan Schiloski surrendered just two hits in posting a complete game in Hopkinton's Senior Babe Ruth victory over visiting Westborough.
Schiloski fanned three and walked none to pick up his and the team's first victory this season.
Offensively, Hopkinton (1-5) was led by Zak Weisberg, who went 2 for 2 with a walk and two RBI. Weisberg singled in one of two Hopkinton runs in the first, and the hosts went on to score six more over the next three innings to stake Schiloski to a healthy lead. The biggest hit was Dan Merzel's two-run single in the fourth.
"We weren't hitting and we were getting behind early in the games," said Hopkinton manager Howie Weisberg. "Hopefully this gets us back on track."
Hopkinton returns to the field tomorrow night when it travels to Framingham (7 p.m.).
Sudbury 1, Milford 0
Mike Gately went the distance, scattering five hits while walking none, as Sudbury handed Milford its first loss of the season in Senior Babe Ruth play.
Gately got all the support he needed in the second inning, when Dan Legre scored on a groundout off the bat off Mike Cordo.
For Milford, which suffered its first loss and is now 5-1, Matt Messer had two hits.
Milford travels to Marlborough on Thursday (6 p.m.), while Sudbury is at Bellingham tomorrow.
Framingham 5, Franklin 5 (called due to darkness)
No story posted.
Wednesday, June 25
Results: Tuesday, June 24
Natick 4, Framingham 3 (9 innings)
After allowing host Framingham to catch up on a two-out, two-run error in the bottom of the seventh, Natick scored a run in the top of the ninth to improve to 6-1 in Senior Babe Ruth play.
Mike Reynolds and Matt O'Reilly pitched for Natick, which made two double plays on the night and got four hits off of Framingham's Bryan Dressler and Phil Goulet.
Up 3-1 with two outs and runners on the corners, Natick dropped a pop fly to give Framingham two runs. The inning ended with O'Reilly's picking the runner off first. Kevin Fleming then opened the ninth with a single and stole second after Framingham made two outs. Fleming them dashed home from second when the Framingham catcher had trouble finding a wild pitch.
Marc Hewett had two hits to lead Framingham's offense, which tallied five hits.
Friday, June 20
Results: Thursday, June 19
Ashland 6, Bellingham 0
Richie Nicholas fired a complete-game one-hitter and seven different players had at least one hit, sparking Ashland to its first win of the Central Massachusetts Babe Ruth season -- over Bellingham.
Colin Mansfield had two hits to pace Ashland (1-3), while Nicholas, Ross Weisman, Pat Olson (double), Steve Boardman, Richard Smith and Steve Ciccarella registered hits for Ashland, which scored six runs in the fifth inning to break the game open. Jeremy Morse added a key sacrifice bunt.
Bellingham's lone hit was delivered by Kyle Dunbar (1-2, walk).
Nicholas struck out four and walked three.
Franklin 11, Hopkinton 5
No game summary.
Thursday, June 19
Results: Wednesday, July 18
Hudson 7, Natick 6
Corey McDonald fired 6 1/3 innings of no-hit relief and Marcus Vazquez plated the go-ahead run in the fourth inning with a sacrifice fly to propel Hudson to a Senior Babe Ruth win over visiting Natick, 7-6.
The 14-year-old McDonald struck out five and walked three as Hudson improved to 1-3.
For Natick (3-1), Mark Anderson was 2 for 3 with two of his team's three hits.
Vazquez was 2 for 2 with two RBI and two runs scored.
Natick's Billy Flutie was hit in the elbow by a pitch and taken to the hospital for precautionary reasons.
Natick will host Hopkinton tomorrow (7 p.m.).
Holliston 4, Bellingham 2
Jay Turner gave up no unearned runs in a complete-game effort, as host Holliston improved to .500 on the young season with a win over Bellingham.
Turner struck out eight and scattered two walks and three hits.
The two teams committed a combined 11 errors on the wet field, but Holliston (2-2) earned its three runs in the fourth inning off of RBI singles from Eric Chapin and Matt Texeira. David Bethony also blasted a double in the frame.
Holliston hosts Framingham tomorrow.
Milford 6, Franklin 0
Phil Negus started off the game as an unknown commodity, a 15-year old pitcher with a strong arm but no Senior Babe Ruth experience.
Yet after striking out seven and giving up only two hits in Milford's 6-0 victory over Franklin, Negus served notice that he might be one of the league's top pitchers.
"This is his first time pitching (in league action) and he proved a lot to everyone," said Milford coach Justin Richards, whose team scored all of its runs in the fourth inning. "He is already a good pitcher and he is only going to improve."
Negus started off the game strong, giving up only one hit through the first four innings and keeping Franklin off balance by mixing his fastball and curve. His overall performance was characterized by his ability to get out of jams. In the fourth inning, with runners on second and third and one out, Negus struck out two straight Franklin batters to keep the Panthers at bay.
"When I am under Pressure it makes me focus," said Negus. "(Franklin's Chris Gordon) was pitching great at that point and I knew it was going to be a close one."
Milford (4-0) was finally able to do some damage against Gordon in the fourth when Negus started off the rally by beating out a throw on an infield hit. Negus then stole second base. After Kevin Andrews walked, Jim Boudreau moved the two over on a sacrifice bunt. Matt Messer put Milford ahead 1-0 on an RBI single that drove in Negus.
James Kowalik then walked to load the bases. Milford tried a suicide squeeze, but Andrews was out at the plate.
Brian Hayes then followed with a clutch two-run single that drove in Messer and Kowalik. Mike Connell then followed with a two-run double to put Milford up 5-0.
"I told Connell to be aggressive up there," said Richards. "He went up there looking to put a hurt on it."
Connell (1 for 4) capped off the inning by scoring on a wild pitch by Gordon.
Franklin (2-1) threatened again in the fifth when a single by Adam Schieber and a walk by Dereck Getchell put runners on first and second. Both runners advanced after Matt Wenger grounded out to third base. However, Negus answered the call once again by inducing an inning-ending groundout.
"We had a lot of opportunities to score but just could not get the extra hit," said Franklin coach Larry Bartolomei. "Negus just sucked it up and got it done for them."
With Negus nearing a 100-pitch total, Richards inserted pitcher Mark DelVecchio into the game in the seventh. DelVecchio started off superb, striking out a pair of Franklin batters but then walked three straight to load the bases. DelVecchio then bore down for a strikeout to secure the victory.
"This was a huge win for us against our rivals," said Richards. "This will give us a huge confidence boost as we head into the bulk of our season."
Results: Friday, June 20
Framingham 0, Holliston 0 (10 innings)
Called due to darkness
Three Framingham pitchers combined on a 10-inning no-hitter, yet still couldn't come away with a win as Framingham and Holliston played to a 0-0 tie called after 10 innings in Senior Babe Ruth action.
Matt Hurley struck out seven in six innings, Patrick Connolly fanned five in three frames and Francisco Nieves struck out one in the 10th to combine for the no-no. It was the second no-hitter in the first three games of the year for Framingham (1-1-1).
Holliston (2-2-1) received some solid pitching as well, as Jesse Newman struck out eight in seven innings and Matt Pendleton fanned four in three innings in the scoreless draw.
Framingham managed four hits on the day, with Bryan Dressler collecting two. Holliston had six base runners on two walks and four hit batsmen.
Framingham plays at Sudbury tomorrow (11 a.m.).
Natick 5, Hopkinton 0
David Guen went 3 for 4 and Rich Paquette had two RBI as Natick cruised past Hopkinton in Senior Babe Ruth action.
Nick Leverone had a solid night on the hill for Natick (4-1), striking out five batters and giving up only three hits in his complete-game shutout win.
Dan Wright, pitcher Tom Macintre and Pat Day were the the only three Hopkinton (0-4) players to record hits. Macintre also had four strikeouts in his outing on the mound.
Natick next hosts Holliston on Monday (Mahan Field, 7 p.m.).
Milford 9, Westborough 2
Phil Negus went 3 for 4 with a pair of doubles and knocked in four runs to power unbeaten Milford to the Senior Ruth win over visiting Westborough at Fino Field.
Mark DelVecchio, who carried a no-hitter into the fifth inning, went the first six innings for the win, fanning nine with two walks.
Matt Messer was 1 for 3 with two runs scored and one RBI. Kevin Casey scored a pair of runs.
Milford (5-0) will host Bellingham tomorrow night at 5.
Franklin 7, Hudson 0
Franklin recorded a win by forfeit over Hudson at Franklin High School in Senior Babe Ruth action.
Franklin next hosts Framingham on Monday.
Results: Saturday, June 21
Holliston 4, Hopkinton 0
David Bethony scattered four hits over a complete-game effort, and Tyler Parrino and Jay Turner each went 2 for 3 as Holliston blanked visiting Hopkinton (0-5) in Central Massachusetts Senior Babe Ruth action.
Jesse Newman and Steve Silverstein cranked doubles for Holliston (3-2-1).
Sunday, June 22
MetroWest News Line, June 22
Senior Babe Ruth - happy with wood
Central Massachusetts Senior Babe Ruth President Steve Merritt is a bit of a traditionalist, so don't fault him for enjoying the league's wooden bat usage.
Following several discussions at the league's winter meetings, Merritt and his colleagues voted unanimously to use wooden bats this summer.
"Kids are using wood in high school," said Merritt. "So it's consistent for them to use wood here."
Each member of the independent league is responsible for financing the wooden bat usage. Many teams have resorted to find sponsorships to help offset the financial burden. ...
Milford is the league's lone undefeated team at 5-0, while Natick is looking strong at 4-1.
Tuesday, July 1
Results: Monday, June 30
Ashland 2, Natick 1
With Patrick Olson scattering five hits over seven innings, host Ashland used two unearned runs to pull out a tight CMass Senior Babe Ruth victory over visiting Natick, 2-1.
It was a key victory for the hosts, who pulled to 5-5, while dropping Natick to 6-4. Olson finished with eight strikeouts and three walks to move to 2-2 on the year.
Catcher Steve Boardman led the way for Ashland offensive with two hits and scoring the game-winning run. Ross Weisman had a hit, a run scored and a RBI. Matt Whitehead singled home Weisman in the second.
Justin Waters was the tough-luck loser for Natick, allowing seven hits and no earned runs over six innings, striking out six and walking two.
Milford 1, Framingham 0
In a CMass Interleague matchup, Anthony Coppola tossed a complete-game two-hit shutout, while host Milford bunched three of its four hits in the third inning to score the game's lone run and top Framingham in a crisply played game at Fino Field.
Coppola moved to 2-0 on the year by striking out nine and walking three. The closest Framingham came to scoring was getting its leadoff runner to second base in the first inning. After that, Coppola was dominant, as Milford moved to 8-1 on the year. Framingham fell to 2-4-2.
Coppola actually started the Milford third with a single, but was rubbed out by a Chris Fine fielder's choice. Brian Hayes singled, then Kevin Casey drove Vine home with a RBI single.
Holliston 4, Marlborough 3
Jay Turner was 2 for 3 and had the game-winning hit in the seventh inning to lead Holliston past Marlborough in Senior Ruth action.
For Marlborough, Barry Richard was a one-man wrecking crew going 3 for 3 and driving in two runs.
Hopkinton 7, Hudson 5
Zak Weisberg had a double and two RBIs to lead Hopkinton over Hudson in Senior Babe Ruth action.
Sudbury 5, Franklin 1
Dan Cook allowed four hits over six innings to lead Sudbury's surging Senior Babe Ruth team to victory over Franklin Monday night.
Mike Gately hurled the final inning for Sudbury, which improved to 8-1.
For Sudbury, Dan Legere had a double and single, Alex Burpee scored two runs and had a hit, and Matt Perry contributed a double.
Westboro vs. Bellingham
Postponed.
Monday, June 30
Results: Sunday, June 29
Sudbury 7, Westborough 1
Matt Perry was brilliant on the mound throwing a complete game four-hitter to lift Sudbury (7-1) over Westborough in CMass Senior Babe Ruth action.
Perry also struck out four batters on the way to the win, while Ben Tatkow (2 hits, 1 run scored) and Dan Legere (2 hits, 2 runs scored) provided the offense to seal the victory.
Sudbury's Andrew Wilson laid down a perfect suicide squeeze bunt that ended up plating two runners.
Sunday, June 29
Results: Saturday, June 28
Milford 2, Natick 1
Starting pitcher Phil Negus outlasted Natick's Matt O' Reilly in a pitching duel as host Milford defeated the visitors in Senior Babe Ruth action.
Negus (2-0) pitched a complete game, allowing no walks, four hits and striking out 10. On the Natick (6-3) side, O'Reilly (2-1) was the tough luck loser, allowing only five hits and two runs, striking out five.
Milford (7-1) posted both runs in the third, as Mike Connel reached on an error, scoring Brian Hayes, and Matt Messer hit a sacrifice fly.
Saturday, June 28
Results: Friday, June 27
Franklin 4, Natick 3
In a key battle between Senior Babe Ruth powers, Franklin rallied in the bottom of the seventh inning for a 4-3 win over visiting Natick.
Natick (4-2) led 2-0 and 3-2 before Franklin (6-1-1) rallied for two runs in the fifth and one in the sixth to tie it twice. Franklin then tallied the winning run in the seventh on a Joe Macchi sacrifice fly, scoring Todd Bartolomei (2-3, 2 runs).
Chris Gordon went the distance for Franklin, improving to 2-0 as he allowed just one earned run on two hits and four walks while striking out six.
Tim Nelson was 2 for 3 with a double and an RBI for Natick. Tom Barrick allowed just three hits in suffering the loss in a complete-game effort.
Franklin hosts Bellingham today (5 p.m.).
Sudbury 9, Hopkinton 1
Ben Tatkow had a triple and a single, scoring twice as Sudbury picked up a win over host Hopkinton in Senior Babe Ruth action.
Tatkow led the offense, which totaled 11 hits on the night. Andy Pheifer picked up the win for Sudbury (6-1) with five strong innings, striking out five and scattering three hits. Alex Burpee took the mound in the sixth and closed out the game, allowing just one hit.
Sudbury travels to Westborough tomorrow.
Westborough 7, Holliston 3
Matt Read went six innings and fanned six for Westborough, as the hosts picked up a win over Holliston in Senior Babe Ruth action.
Westborough (3-4) scored six times in the first three innings to take a commanding lead. Jeff Reynolds paced the offense by going 2 for 2 with four RBI and a double.
Holliston falls to 3-5 with the loss.
Westborough hosts Sudbury tomorrow (2 p.m.).
Ashland 7, Hudson 0
Matt Whitehead tossed five shutout innings to lead Ashland to a win over host Hudson in Senior Babe Ruth action.
The 15-year-old right-hander allowed just two hits and two walks while striking out five to even his record at 1-1.
He got plenty of support as Ashland (4-5) scored three runs in the first, two in the second and two in the fifth. Steve Boardman led the way, going 1 for 2 with two RBI and two runs. Ross Weisman was 2 for 4 with an RBI and Colin Mansfield was 1 for 4 with two RBI.
Hudson falls to 2-6 with the loss.
Ashland hosts Natick on Monday (8 p.m.).
Friday, June 27
Results: Thursday, June 26
Bo McIntyre took a no-hitter into the fifth and finished with a one-hit shutout to lead Hopkinton past visiting Ashland, 1-0, in Senior Babe Ruth action.
McIntyre (1-1) struck out six and walked just two in the complete-game victory.
Hopkinton 1, Ashland 0
Hopkinton (3-5) scored the only run of the game in the first inning. Ryan Schiloski walked, stole second, went to third on an error and scored when Zack Weisberg reached on another error. Weisberg and Dan Wright collected the only two hits of the day for Hopkinton.
Ashland falls to 3-5 with the loss.
Hopkinton hosts Sudbury tonight (6 p.m.).
Thursday, June 26
Results: Wednesday, June 25
Hopkinton 2, Framingham 1 (10 innings)
Ryan Shiloski singled in the bottom of the 10th, driving in teammate Michael Donovan, breaking a 1-all deadlock in favor of host Hopkinton. Shiloski finished the day 3 for 5 with a run and a RBI.
Sean Stevens (1-2) picked up the win in relief of Hopkinton starter Justin Allain. Allain threw five innings, giving up three hits and one run. He struck out three and walked four.
Framingham starter Matt Hurley was the hard-luck loser, throwing eight innings, allowing one run and striking out 10.
Hopkinton hosts Ashland tonight (6 p.m.).
Ashland 4, Westborough 1
Host Ashland posted single runs in the first and second innings, and starter Matthew Kelliher-Gibson made that stand up with a complete-game three-hitter to record the Central Mass. League win over visiting Westborough.
Colin Mansfield led the Ashland attack by going 2 for 3 with a double and a run scored. Catcher Steve Boardman also went 2 for 3. But the big reason Ashland moved to 3-4 was Kelliher-Gibson, who allowed no earned runs, struck out three and walked two to move to 1-1 on the year.
Ashland coach Justin McKay lauded a great sacrifice bunt by Steve Ciccarella in the second inning, setting up Kelliher-Gibson's RBI groundout to score Mansfield with the eventual winning run. Westborough dropped to 2-4 with the loss.
Ashland travels to Hopkinton tonight.
Franklin 8, Marlborough 1
Derek Getchell pitched six strong innings and Joe Salcucci went 2 for 4 with two doubles and two RBI as Franklin downed host Marlborough in Senior Babe Ruth action.
Getchell (3-1) allowed only one run and three walks, as he struck out eight in the victory. Meanwhile, Chris Livingstone went 3 for 4 with three doubles and an RBI. Billy Capen also participated in the offensive parade with two RBI.
Dan Rudzinsky went 2 for 3 with a double and an RBI for Marlborough (1-5).
Franklin (5-1-1) next hosts Natick tomorrow (6 p.m.).
Holliston 6, Hudson 4
Starting pitcher Jay Turner dominated on the mound and in the batter's box as Holliston defeated Hudson in Senior Babe Ruth action.
Turner (2-0) pitched a complete game, stifling the Hudson offense with nine strikeouts. Offensively, Turner contributed a sacrifice fly and scored two runs to aid his own effort.
Tyler Parrino scored two runs in the winning effort for Holliston (4-3-1).
"Everyone in our lineup contributed in the victory," said Holliston head coach Bob Warburton.
Holliston next visits Westborough tomorrow.
Sudbury 15, Bellingham 1
Visiting Sudbury posted seven runs over the first three innings then cruised to the Central Mass. victory over host Bellingham, moving to 5-1 on the summer.
Three pitchers held the hosts to just three hits, with Dan Cook getting the win by tossing five innings of two-hit ball, moving to 2-0 on the summer.
Leading Sudbury's 12-hit attack was Alex Burpee, who went 2 for 3 with two walks and a double, two RBI and four runs scored. Andy Pfeifer went 2 for 3 with two runs scored.
Sudbury heads to Hopkinton tomorrow night.
Tuesday, July 15
Results: Monday, July 14
Milford 3, Holliston 1 (9 innings)
Milford entered last night's matchup with Holliston knowing that a win would take them one step closer to its goal -- the Southern Division crown.
And right-hander Mark DelVecchio ensured that fate.
DelVecchio threw a complete game and Phil Negus drove in the eventual game-winning run in the top of the ninth as the Micros defeated host Holliston 3-1 in nine innings of Senior Babe Ruth action.
With the victory, Milford remains a half game ahead of Franklin -- which defeated Ashland 4-3 last night -- with the two teams scheduled to play tomorrow night at Franklin (6 p.m.) for the title and No. 1 seed.
"We came into the game knowing we had to win the next two games," said DelVecchio. "We just wanted to take one game at a time and put everything out there. We played well and got the win."
The 18-year-old dominated the Holliston offense, scattering three hits and allowing only one unearned run. He walked one, while striking out 12. He also had a no-hitter through five innings.
"Mark's pitching was absolutely unbelievable (last night)," said Milford head coach Justin Richards, "He was around the plate and got his pitches for strikes."
Holliston starter Jesse Newman also pitched well, hurling eight solid innings, allowing only five hits, one unearned run and striking out nine.
"Both starting pitchers pitched great baseball," said Holliston head coach Bob Warburton. "It's the kind of game you like to be in. Both teams played very well."
However, reliever Matt Pendleton entered in the ninth and was victimized by three seeing-eye base hits.
After Pendleton quickly retired the first two batters, Conor Quinn, Kevin Casey and Chris Vine each squibbed an infield hit to load the bases. Negus (2-3, 2 RBI) then struck a line drive into left center, giving Milford the 3-1 advantage.
"Our offense has been, for the most part, nonexistent this year," said Richards, whose club improved to 12-3. "We just haven't been able to get that big hit or break...but Phil came through huge. That might be what we need for (our offense to be effective) in the playoffs."
Before the ninth, both offenses were quelled by the dominant starting pitching. Over the first five innings, neither pitcher allowed a runner to reach third base.
However, led by its ace, Holliston broke through in the sixth. With one out, Newman (1-3, run) legged out an infield single to break up the no-no and Matt Texeira followed with a walk. After a strikeout, Sean Junda (1-4, RBI) delivered a two-out single to right field, scoring Newman for the 1-0 edge.
After a pep talk from Richards between innings, Milford rallied in the seventh. Anthony Coppola (2-4, run) led off with a single, moved to second on a bunt and -- with two outs -- scored when Casey reached on a two-base error.
In his last three innings of work, DelVecchio stifled the Holliston bats, stranding a runner on second in both the seventh and ninth innings. Over that span he struck out six, including the side in Holliston's last at-bat.
"After (Holliston) got that run (in the sixth), I was a little mad," said DelVecchio, who is heading to Bentley College in the fall. "I was waiting for us to get a run so I could get on the mound and help my guys out, like they helped me."
While Milford's playoff destiny is in its own hands, Holliston (6-7-2) will need help from division rivals Hopkinton and Ashland. To Holliston's advantage, these two teams square off tomorrow night, meaning one of them will lose. According to Warburton, a Holliston victory over Bellingham tomorrow night will most likely secure a playoff spot.
"I just wan to get in the playoffs," said Warburton. "Our pitching is doing well, so we can do some damage in the (postseason).
Meanwhile, the Micros hope to continue their stellar play into the divisional showdown tomorrow night. "It means a lot (to beat Holliston)," said DelVecchio, "because we have momentum now going into the game with Franklin."
Marlborough 7, Natick 6
Natick put together a valiant effort near the end, but it was not enough as Marlborough's Eli Rosenswaite stopped them to post the upset in a CMass Senior Babe Ruth contest.
Up 7-2 to start the sixth inning, Natick squeaked across four runs to close the deficit to one, but Rosenswaite's strong pitching proved too much in the end.
Ken Bergeron went 3 for 3 with two doubles, three RBI and three runs scored. Barry Richards also went 3 for 3, while Dave Pacific went 2 for 4 with a double for the victors.
Marlborough, now 3-10, next plays in Westborough today, while Natick (8-3) hosts Hudson tomorrow.
Westborough 8, Framingham 5
Jeff Reynolds pitched all seven innings for the win, plus had both of his team's hits to top Framingham.
Westborough took advantage of numerous Framingham walks, hit batters, wild pitches and balks to score all eight runs on just the two hits.
Will Ortiz, who pitched into the fourth for Framingham, got the loss but did go 2 for 4 with a double. Framingham's Russ Murachuer added two singles in the losing effort.
On the mound, Reynolds got out of a few jams and surrendered only two earned runs, adding three RBI at the plate.
Franklin 4, Ashland 3
Roger Thistle's RBI single in the eighth won the game for Franklin to set up a battle for first place with Milford tomorrow night.
Joe Salvucci led off the top of the eight with the single, and was sacrificed to second by Billy Capen. Two batters later, Thistle then drove in the winning run.
The real story of the game though was relief pitcher Mike Potaish, who came on in the fourth inning and pitched 3 2/3 innings of hitless, scoreless ball to allow Franklin's offense to come through.
In addition to Thistle, Salvuccie (2-4) and Chris Livingstone (1-4, 2 RBI) also did well on offense for Franklin, who improved to 11-3-1 on the season.
Hudson 5, Sudbury 3
Joe Palange survived a late surge by Sudbury to power Hudson to victory.
Hudson staked Palange to a lead with a five-run fifth inning, and Palange, after allowing all three runs to Sudbury in the last inning, eventually stranded the tying run at the plate to end the game. Palange finished the game with seven strikeouts and no walks.
Matt Armour, Ryan Botelho and Matt Sukis all had singles to contribute to the five-run outburst for Hudson (5-9). Brendan Mahoney had a key two-run double for Wayland (10-3-1) to make the game 5-2, which was followed up with an RBI single from Jeff Goodman, but Palange shut the door from there on.
Hudson next travels to Natick, while Sudbury plays at Framingham tomorrow.
Saturday, July 19
Play-off Positions Secured
Congratulations to Sudbury, they have clinched the North Division Regular Season title and assured themselves the number 1 seed in the North Divisional play-offs. Natick also secured the number 2 seed. Westboro earned the 3rd seed by beating Bellingham last night in their make-up game. Framingham is the 4th seed. Westboro will play at Natick and Framingham will play at Sudbury on Monday the 21st.
Congratulations to Milford, they have clinched the South Division Regular Season title and assured themselves the number 1 seed in the South Divisional play-offs. Franklin also secured the number 2 seed. Seeds 3 and 4 was decided on Thursday by a coin flip between Ashland and Hopkinton. Ashland won, therefore, receiving the number 3 seed.
This was an exciting season especially during the final games. The league compliments all the teams for their efforts in playing every game to win! Bellingham and Marlboro especially deserve recognition for their efforts in Wednesday night's action. Bellingham after facing a very disappointing season, acted as a spoiler by defeating Holliston. The final position for the play-offs hinged on their game. Marlboro too played exemplarily in their win over Westborough.
It is a credit to the coaches and players to see teams come to the ballfield playing for pride. Again, congratulations to the teams that made the play-offs, and to those who did not, you gave it your all right to the last game.
Thursday, July 17
Results: Wednesday, July 16
Natick 3, Hudson 1
Natick closed out the regular season in style, as four pitchers combined on a one-hitter to nip visiting Hudson 3-1 in a pitching duel in Senior Babe Ruth action.
Natick (11-5) took a no-hitter into the seventh as Anthony Tomasetti worked the first two innings, Mark Anderson tossed the next two, Sean Hladick added one and Nick Leverone worked the final two frames.
Marcus Vazquez broke up the no-hit bid with a lead-off double just out of the reach of diving right fielder Tim Nelson. He also broke up the shutout when he scored on a groundout.
Vazquez nearly matched his Natick counterparts on the mound, as he allowed just one hit himself in a complete-game effort, but he was victimized by some shoddy fielding behind him.
Natick struck for one run in the second when two walks and a single by Tom Barrick loaded the bases, and a run scored on an error after a botched squeeze play. Walks and a pair of passed balls led to two insurance runs in sixth.
Natick opens postseason play on Monday against an opponent to be determined.
Framingham 2, Sudbury 1
James Patelis cranked a two-run triple in the third inning and Phil Goulet and Pat Connelly combined on a four-hitter, lifting Framingham past visiting Sudbury in Central Massachusetts Babe Ruth League action. With the win, Framingham (6-8-2) qualifies for the playoffs.
Sudbury (11-4-1), the first place team in the North Division, was paced by Dan Cook (2 hits). Sudbury jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the third inning, but Framingham responded in the bottom half. Russ Murachver got things started with a one-out single and Ben Hewett followed with a single. After Murachver and Hewett advanced on a passed ball, Patelis delivered his clutch triple.
Framingham escaped trouble in the early innings, with Hewett, the catcher, throwing out two would-be basestealers at second base. The team also erased runners on plays at the plate and third base.
Marlborough 3, Westborough 1
One night after Westborough ruined Marlborough's playoff hopes, Marlborough put a serious dent in Westborough's, winning a Senior Babe Ruth matchup.
Barry Richards pitched seven innings, giving up three hits and just one run for Marlborough (4-10).
Jay Deal led the way for the Marlborough's offense, going 2 for 3 with a two runs, a pair of stolen bases and an RBI. Kyle Lehan had a double for Westborough (6-9).
On Wednesday, host Westborough rallied to score two runs in the bottom of the seventh to pull out a 4-3 win over Marlborough.
Tom Blackney singled to start the seventh, then Greg Jones was safe on an error. After both runners moved up on a passed ball, Blackney scored on a wild pitch. Then, A.J. Silver knocked in the winning run with a RBI single.
Silver finished 2 for 2 with two walks and the RBI. Russell Heim was on base three times and stole three bases. Mike McDevitt got the win in relief, tossing three innings of no-hit, no-run ball, striking out six.
Bellingham 7, Holliston 6
Bellingham let Holliston back in the game, but in the end, kept Holliston out of the playoffs with the win in Senior Babe Ruth league action.
Ryan Riolis pitched 6 2/3 innings before giving way to Andy Ramella in the seventh. Holliston scored three in the bottom of the seventh, but it wasn't enough.
In the top of the seventh, John Le singled in Sean Cotter for the run that gave Bellingham the edge. Dan Rolls had two RBI for Bellingham.
Ashland 3, Hopkinton 2, 8 innings
The odds were stacked against Ashland. To qualify for the CMass South Senior Babe Ruth playoffs, the Clockers needed to defeat rival Hopkinton, which had won their first matchup, 1-0.
They also needed 1-13 Bellingham to pull off a big upset over Holliston.
When the dust settled, the Clockers had done their part in a 3-2, eight-inning comeback victory, and Bellingham had come through with a 7-6 victory.
"We can beat any team in this league," said Ashland head coach Justin McKay. "It's just a matter of coming to play."
McKay's squad came to play late in the game, after falling behind 2-0 in the third inning on back-to-back singles by Ryan Schiloski and Dan Merzel. But Ashland's Pat Olson didn't allow anything else, finishing up with a complete-game five-hitter.
"I felt like I could have done better," said Olson. "But in the last couple of innings, when we really needed it, I came through."
"He's been this good all season," said McKay, adding that his ace has very high expectations as a result.
Hopkinton's Tom McIntyre was also overpowering, allowing just four hits in his complete-game effort. But the deciding factor was errors. Ashland committed just one to Hopkinton's five, including two in the Clockers' two-run sixth inning.
It took two huge defensive plays in the top of the sixth to ignite Ashland. Catcher Steve Boardman thwarted a stolen-base attempt with help from a pitch-out.
"If that play doesn't fire you up," cheered McKay after the runner was called out, "I don't know what will."
The Clockers responded to their coach by executing another.
Hopkinton grounded out 5-3 for out No. 2, and Zak Weisberg, who was on second, broke for third. The ensuing throw from first went over the third baseman's head and Weisberg dashed to the plate. But Ashland shortstop Steve Cicciarella backed up the bag and fired home for a bang-bang play, with Boardman applying the tough tag -- and Ashland erupted.
"When you get down two runs, it's tough to respond," said McKay, "especially with wooden bats."
But the team brought that fire to the plate to tie the game in the sixth. No. 9 hitter Zach Johnson led off with an infield single, and Richie Nicholas followed by reaching on an error. Cicciarella (2-3) laid down a nice bunt, putting runners on second and third with one out.
Boardman then hit a grounder to the second baseman, who tried to get Johnson breaking for the plate. The speedy center fielder beat the throw, and Boardman was safe on a fielder's choice. Nicholas then scored on another ground ball error to knot the score.
Olson was lights out in the final two frames, fanning three and allowing just McIntyre to reach base on a single.
"Pat had his stuff working, especially in the late innings," said Boardman. "His slider's a fabulous pitch, and it finally started working for him later in the game."
In the bottom of the eighth, Cicciarella's one-out single got things going. Boardman reached on another error and, after a groundout, there were runners on second and third with two down. Hopkinton head coach Howie Weisberg opted to intentionally walk Ross Weisman and load the bases.
"(Weisman) is a very good hitter," said Weisberg. "I wanted to set up the force."
The decision backfired, with right fielder Colin Mansfield knocking in Cicciarella on a solid single to right for the winning run.
"I'm glad we were able to pull it out," said Mansfield. "I thought we could do it earlier, but I'm happy it ended the way it ended."
Both teams are now 8-8 and enter the playoffs along with Milford (13-3) and Franklin (11-4).
Milford 4, Franklin 0
Milford Senior Babe Ruth star hurler Phil Negus chose the perfect time to pitch his best game of the summer.
With Milford tied with Franklin atop the CMass South Division standings, the 15-year-old Negus fired a no-hitter to beat the second-place hosts, 4-0, and give the Micros their second straight division championship and a No. 1 seed heading into next week's playoffs.
"We knew we had to win (this game) to be the champs," said Negus, who gave up just an infield error, a walk, and hit a batter while striking out 11. "We've been striving for a championship all year long, so it feels good that I could come out and help the team in a big way tonight."
Negus kept Franklin off-balance all night by mixing up his blazing fastball with a hooking curve that allowed him to gain strength as the game progressed. After walking Roger Thistle to lead off the third, Negus retired the final 15 batters he faced.
Offensively, the hero for Milford was another 15-year-old, Bobby Capuzziello.
With the game scoreless entering the seventh, Matt Messer hit a one-out single off Franklin starter Joe Macchi. Messer was then forced out at second on a fielder's choice by Negus. With two outs, Negus stole second and Kevin Andrews walked, setting the stage for Capuzziello -- who drilled an 0-and-1 Macchi offering to left field to score Negus for the 1-0 lead.
With men at second and third, Chris Vine then reached on an infield error that scored both Andrews and Capuzziello to make it 3-0. Vine took second on the ensuing throw from the outfield, took third on a passed ball, then scored on Anthony Coppola's RBI single, capping the inning.
"After I fouled off that first pitch, I said to myself 'if he throws me another pitch like that, I'm just going to rip it,"' said Capuzziello. "And that's just what I did. It feels great and I'm proud to be champs."
Through the first six innings, this game had all the makings for a fiery pitching duel between Negus and Macchi. After Negus struck out the side in order in the fourth, Macchi -- following two consecutive one-out singles by Kevin Casey and Dan Messer -- bounced back to fan Negus and Andrews to end the inning.
Following another 1-2-3 inning by Negus in the fifth, Macchi (7 IP, 3 ER, 6 hits, 5 BB, 4 Ks) again showed his ability to get himself out of trouble in the sixth when he got pinch-hitter Dan Messer to pop out to shortstop with runners at first and second and two outs.
"This game had great pitching all the way through," said Franklin head coach Larry Bartolomei, whose squad finishes the regular season at 11-4-1 with a No. 2 seed and will play Sunday at home against a yet-to-be-determined opponent. "We just didn't hit the ball today and it's been like that at times during the season.
"But you can't take anything away from Negus. He pitched a tremendous game," Bartolomei said. "And Macchi did too. He kept us in the game the whole time and he got into a little bit of trouble here and there, but for the most part, he was great."
For Milford, its regular-season campaign ends at 13-3 and, as the top seed in the South, will play all of its playoff games at home next week.
"It feels great to be champs again," said Milford head coach Justin Richards, whose team also defeated Franklin in the final game last year to clinch the South title. "Everyone's just real happy right now. Phil and Bobby came through huge for us and it was an excellent game all-around. Both teams played outstanding."
Saturday, July 19
Results: Friday, July 18
Westborough 11, Bellingham 6
Matt Gebo, Curtis Garry and Russell Heim had multiple-hit games and Westborough scored six runs in the third inning en route to a Central Massachusetts Senior Babe Ruth victory over Bellingham on Friday night.
Westborough (7-9) earns a No. 3 seed in the North Division playoffs. Pitchers Russell Heim and Tyler Anderson combined on the win.
Garry, Heim, Jordan Goldberg, A.J. Silver, and Mike McDevitt each cranked a double.
Sunday, July 20
Play-offs Set To Begin
By Steve Muscatello/Metro West Daily News Sports Correspondent
Central Mass. Senior Babe Ruth fans, fasten your seat belts. The playoffs start tomorrow and competition is fierce.
North Division champ Sudbury (11-4-1), winners of three of its last four, will host fourth-seeded Framingham (6-8-2). The two teams split (both 2-1 scores) during the season, with Framingham winning its season finale against Sudbury to qualify for the playoffs.
Shortstop Andrew Wilson leads the way for Sudbury with a .310 average, while third baseman Alex Burpee chips in with a .302 average and 11 RBI. Framingham, meanwhile, is led by Patrick Connolly, who has a record of 1-2 but has a 0.95 ERA in 22 innings of work. Framingham's top hitter is center fielder James Patelis (.380).
Despite two victories over top-seeded Sudbury, Natick (11-5) finished in the two spot, and will face third-seeded Westborough (7-9). Matt O'Reilly (3-3, 1.89 ERA) anchors a strong Natick pitching staff while Tim Nelson (.409) leads the offense.
A.J. Silver (.379, 11 RBI), Matt Gebo (.370, 7 RBI, 9 SB) and Matt Read (.350) lead Westborough offensively, while Jeff Reynolds (2-1, 2.80 ERA), Curtis Garry (2-2, 2.33) and Mike McDevitt (1-0, 1.20) are top pitchers.
In the South Division, Milford (13-3) wrapped up its second consecutive title with a 4-0 blanking of Franklin behind a no-hitter from Phil Negus. The Micros have won seven of nine and will play host to Hopkinton, which lost a coin flip with Ashland for the third spot.
The story of the summer has been the Milford pitching staff, which boasts a team ERA of 0.49 (16 runs in 15 games). Mark DelVecchio (5-0, 0.78) is the ace of the staff but Negus (4-0) is strong in the two spot.
Kevin Casey has ignited the offense thus far with a .509 on-base percentage hitting at a .350 clip, while Brian Hayes (.344) has also swung a hot bat.
Hopkinton enters the playoffs at 8-8, with two of its losses coming to Milford (9-0, 4-1). Tommy Peacock checks in with a .357 batting average.
After winning the 2002 Central Mass. playoffs, Franklin (11-4) enters the playoffs as a No. 2 seed. Chris Livingston (.359, 8 RBI) has been an offensive monster.
Ashland's road to the tournament was thrilling. Entering its regular season finale, Ashland needed both a win over Hopkinton and a win from 1-13 Bellingham over 6-8 Holliston. After both scenarios occurred, Ashland's string of luck continued as it won the aforementioned coin flip with Hopkinton for the No. 3 seed.
Ashland's three-headed pitching staff of Rich Nicolas, Pat Olson and Matt Whitehead has been fantastic.
The higher seeds will host play throughout the tournament. The first two rounds of play are double elimination, which should make for some interesting matchups.
Those fortunate enough to grind through the double elimination facet of play will advance to the Championship Series, a best-of-3 format starting July 28.
Friday, July 18
Results: Thursday, July 17
Marlborough 7, Hudson 1
Entering its final game of the season, a young Marlborough Senior Babe Ruth team was looking to end its season on a winning note with the benefit of having a bit of momentum heading into what potentially could be a very successful 2004 campaign.
With a big boost from starting pitcher Sean Tupper, who allowed just one earned run on six hits over 4 1/3 innings, the Devils did just that with a 7-1 victory over host Hudson in a Central Mass. North Division contest last at night Sauter Field.
The win gives Marlborough -- which will return all but two players -- two consecutive wins to end its season with a 5-10 record and a whole lot of optimism for next summer.
"We've won some good games this year," said Marlborough head coach Tom Bergeron, whose team defeated a tough Westborough squad 3-1 on Wednesday and playoff bound Natick earlier in the season. "We only had two 18-year-olds on the team, so I'm proud with what the kids accomplished. And I'm pretty excited about next year. I think we're going to do pretty well with almost everyone coming back and a lot of strong arms returning too."
Those arms include those of southpaw Jason Avery, Barry Richards (who gave up just one earned run and three hits against Westborough), Eli Rosenswaike, Dan Rudinsky and Tupper, who earned his first win of the year last night following several hard-luck defeats throughout the season.
After Tupper retired the side in order in the first, the 18-year-old gave up Hudson's lone run in the second when Ryan Botelho reached on an infield error to lead off the inning. Jim Mullane singled to move Botelho to third, and Nathan Vayez drove home Botelho with a sacrifice fly to center to give Hudson a 1-0 lead.
Tupper then escaped a bases loaded jam in the third. His team, on the combination of a number of Hudson miscues and timely hitting, scored four runs in the fourth to give him a 4-1 lead.
"I was just trying to throw strikes today and keep the ball on the ground," said Tupper. "The defense made some plays and otherwise was solid behind me the entire game. In that fourth inning, the offense put up some runs and, as a team, we were able to bring it all together."
David Pacific led off the fourth with a line-drive double to left and Jay Deal followed with walk to put runners at first and second. A wild pitch by starter Mullane (5 IP, 3 earned runs, 3 hits, 3 walks, 6 strikeouts) moved each runner up a base before Ken Bergeron struck out and Tupper reached on an infield error to score Pacific to tie the game 1-1. On the play, Deal was able to move to third.
After Tupper stole second, a wild pitch allowed him to advance to third and Deal to cross the plate to make it 2-1. Greg Beckard followed with an RBI single to left that scored Tupper for a 3-1 lead before Avery's single to center was misplayed to allow Beckard to score all the way from first for the final run of the frame.
In the bottom half of the inning, with Hudson (5-10) again loading the bases, Tupper again weaseled his way out of trouble when Matt Armour grounded into a rare 1-2-3 double play and the lanky right-hander got Matt Sukis looking to end the rally.
"Sean pitched very well for us tonight, as he has been all year long," said Bergeron. "He gave us some good strong innings tonight and we swung the bats well and came through with a few key hits. It was a good way to end the season."
Maintaining a season-ending tradition, Marlborough and Hudson will square off in the annual "Marlborough Cup" which pits the two squads against each other in a best-of-three exhibition series. The first game is Sunday, followed by the second on Monday, and the third on Wednesday if necessary.
MetroWest Daily News
Results posted to the Central Mass Senior Babe Ruth web site are compliments of the MetroWest Daily News. You may visit them on-line at their web site:
MetroWest Daily News
Tuesday, July 22
Results - Day 1 South Playoffs
Armed and ready for playoff run: DelVecchio tosses complete game for top-seed Micros in opener
By Dave McAuley / News Sports Correspondent
MILFORD -- Boasting a regular-season ERA of 0.49, the Milford Micros' pitching staff led the team to the Southern Division crown.
And last night, ace Mark DelVecchio extended the overwhelming domination into the first game of the Senior Babe Ruth playoffs.
Over his complete-game effort, the right-hander did not issue a walk and yielded only two hits while striking out five. Kevin Andrews gave DelVecchio all he needed by knocking in the eventual game-winning run in the first, as the Micros defeated visiting Hopkinton 4-0 at Fino Field.
"We got our run early in the first, which I was happy about. I told my guys that was all we needed," said DelVecchio, who improved Milford's record to 14-3. "I've wanted to pitch in a playoff game like this all year."
Ryan Schiloski toed the rubber for Hopkinton and also pitched well. Over six innings, Schiloski allowed four hits and one walk while striking out two. He was victimized by three errors, which led to two unearned runs.
"My curve was all right and my fastball was there," said Schiloski. "I was hitting my spots, but got unlucky at times."
After the win, Milford looks to clinch a berth in the finals tonight when it hosts Ashland at Fino (7 p.m.). Hopkinton (8-9), now in the loser's bracket, visits Franklin tonight (6 p.m.), needing a win to stay in the double-elimination tournament.
Last night, Milford was able to jump out early after a defensive lapse by Schiloski. After hitting leadoff hitter Kevin Casey, the right-hander's attempted pickoff throw evaded first baseman Tom McIntyre, allowing Casey to scamper to second.
With two outs, Andrews smacked a line drive into left, scoring the Milford second baseman for the 1-0 edge.
"We had talked about scoring early and jumping out on teams," said Milford head coach Justin Richards. "We had an opportunity to do it, and Andrews came through."
For the next five innings, Schiloski quelled the Milford offense, but DelVecchio (6-0) matched him. Through six innings, only two Hopkinton batters reached, as John Stickney legged out an infield single and Dan Wright reached on an error.
"(DelVecchio's) been great all year," said Richards. "We stress pitching and defense. He does not walk batters. He's around the plate and has a really nice curve ball. He's come out on a mission all year."
In the sixth, the Micros offense awakened. After back-to-back singles from Matt Messer and Phil Negus, Bobby Capuzziello (1-3, 2 RBI) ripped a double to left field, giving Milford the 3-0 advantage.
The Milford designated hitter later scored when Schiloski plunked Conor Quinn with the bases loaded.
"The offense went silent for five innings, which has happened a lot this year," said Richards. "The pitching and defense carried us. But in the sixth, Capuzziello came through huge and gave us breathing room."
With the four-run cushion, DelVecchio ran into trouble in the seventh. After two quick outs, two errors and an infield single loaded the bases. However, the 18-year-old escaped damage when Wright grounded out to end the game.
"I spotted the ball well and the curveball (also worked well)," said DelVecchio, who is headed to Bentley College in the fall. "I lost a little in the end, but we worked threw everything."
Hopkinton has now lost all three matchups against Milford, the only team it has yet to defeat this summer.
"This was not the start (to the playoffs) we were looking for," said Hopkinton head coach Howard Weisberg. "(Schiloski) pitched really well. He (walked only one batter), threw strikes and did a great job. It's tough not having run support...Hitting has been our Achilles heel all year."
And in the end, Weisberg's charges could not produce any offense against Milford's premier ace.
"I tried to get my pitches over the plate," said DelVecchio, "and when I saw their stance (or approach), I tried to throw it so they couldn't hit it. It worked out well."
Ashland 9, Franklin 0
A nine-walk fifth inning resulted in nine runs for the Ashland Senior Babe Ruth squad last night, as Natick cruised to a 9-0 victory over Franklin in the first game of the CMass playoffs.
Ashland, now 9-8, next plays at Milford tonight, while Franklin host Hopkinton in a loser's bracket contest.
After an infield single to open the inning, the next four Ashland batters all walked, walking in two runs. This was a common theme throughout the inning, as the only runs that were not walked in or were the result of a passed ball came on a two-run single by Zach Johnson.
Hidden among the nine-run outburst was Ashland starter Richie Nicholas, who went the distance, recording five strikeouts and only three walks.
Results - Day 1 North Playoffs
Waters calm for Natick: Complete-game gem shuts down Westborough
By Damian Vega / News Sports Writer
Minor edit from original story, play at second who the pitcher was - Skip Walsh
NATICK -- Justin Waters is a pretty carefree, fun-loving guy. But in the top of the sixth during last night's Senior Babe Ruth playoff game against Westborough, the Natick hurler's attitude changed.
One run was in, and the visitors had first and second with only one out.
"When they got somebody on, I was nervous. And then when they got that first run, I was like 'great,'" said Waters. "I just wanted to bear down and get out of the inning."
Waters squelched the rally by getting Curtis Garry to line out to left and fanning Matt Gebo to lift Natick to a 3-1 win over Westborough.
With the win, Natick advances to play at Sudbury -- a team it beat twice this season -- tonight at Feeley Field (7 p.m.).
"Justin pitched a heck of a game," Natick coach Jim Tomasetti said. "He deserved the start, and that was probably one of the best games I've seen him pitch."
The loss leaves Westborough one defeat away from elimination. Tonight, it hosts Framingham at Gibbons Middle School (5:45 p.m.).
"We're mostly happy with the way we played," Westborough coach Andy Sharifipour said. "It was a pitcher's duel the first couple innings and we hit the ball pretty well off their pitcher who was throwing well."
Using a well-placed fastball and sharp curve, Waters matched Westborough pitcher Mike McDevitt pitch for pitch through the first three innings. Then in the fourth, Natick broke through.
Tim Nelson reached on a hit by pitch and stole second. Brett Allard stepped in and drove a fastball into right center for a triple to plate Nelson with the game's first run.
In the fifth, the hosts tacked another one on the board, as Chris Curtis walked, stole second and was brought in on a Rich Paquette single.
Then, Waters' smooth sailing got bumpy.
Matt Read led off with a single. Following a strikeout, Garry singled and was followed by Gebo, who also singled to plate Read and make it 2-1. Waters, however, worked out of the inning with no further harm.
"That was probably the best I pitched this year," he said after his 10-strikeout gem. "I was just trying to hit my spots and get out of there with the lead."
Natick added to the lead in its half of the sixth. Nick Leverone led off with a walk and moved to second as Dave Guen followed with a walk of his own. Tim Nelson then bounced back to Garry (who relieved McDevitt in the fifth). The Westborough pitcher wheeled and fired low to second. The ball squirted away and Leverone, who tried to score from second, was tossed out.
"There was some miscommunication between us," said Tomasetti, who coaches third base. "He thought I said go and I said no. I can't fault Nick for that, though. He was hustling the whole way and was almost in there."
After a Tom Barrick single loaded the bases, Guen came in to score on a walk and make it 3-1.
Waters dampened any hopes of a rally by striking out the side in the seventh.
"I'm thrilled with the win," Tomasetti said. "I expect them to come out and play the same way today."
Sudbury 1, Framingham 0 (9 innings)
By Tina Ferrara / News Sports Correspondent
SUDBURY -- The best kind of baseball games, said Sudbury coach Ron Perry, are like this -- great pitching, superb defense, and extra innings.
It was his team, the top seed, that played a bit better, scoring the game's only run in the ninth inning of a CMass Babe Ruth playoff to defeat No. 4 Framingham, 1-0, under the lights at Feeley Field.
Sudbury's Dan Cook and Framingham's Pat Connolly dominated on the mound for all nine innings. Cook gave up just two hits and Connolly four, two of them in the final frame.
"Ultimately, at the end of the game, you're going to get a break and get the win," said Perry.
Sudbury's break was a throwing error on Cook's infield single that went deep behind third base. He went to second as the throw escaped the first baseman.
Andy Pheifer battled Connolly in the following at-bat, fouling off four pitches with two strikes before connecting for a clutch single to center. Cook moved to third, where he was waved around when the ball was misplayed.
While Sudbury's bench emptied to congratulate Cook, Framingham challenged that he never touched third base. The umpires disagreed.
"I would hate to see anything taken away from the kids," said Framingham head coach Steve Dressler, "because both teams played great. Sudbury won the game."
And Sudbury (12-4-1) advances in the double-elimination playoffs, and hosts Natick -- a 3-1 winner last night over Westborough -- tonight (7) at Feeley Field. Meanwhile, Framingham (6-9-1) drops into the loser's bracket and travels to Gibbons Middle School in Westborough today (5:45 p.m.) needing a win to stay alive.
Cook (6-0) was brilliant on the hill, allowing batters to reach in just three of the nine innings. Framingham's James Patelis led off the game with a double to center, and No. 3 hitter Marc Hewett later reached on a walk. But Cook, who had fanned the No. 2 hitter, struck out the next two to end the inning.
"I was just putting the ball over the plate," said Cook, who attends Lincoln-Sudbury High. "The defense made the plays behind me."
Connolly (1-3, 0.95 ERA), who pitched for Framingham High this spring as a freshman, was able to work himself out of early jams before shutting down Sudbury in the later innings.
After recording five straight outs to open the game, Connolly gave up a walk to Dan Legere, a single to Matt Perry and another walk to Chris Nelson. The next batter hit a ground ball to shortstop Bryan Dressler, who made the play to end the inning with the bases loaded.
"We couldn't piece anything together," said Sudbury third baseman Alex Burpee, whose team also threatened with a two-out rally in the fourth. Pheifer walked and Legere singled before Framingham catcher Ben Hewett escaped harm by catching a foul pop-up behind the plate.
Aside from an infield single to Russ Murachver and a fielder's choice to Patelis, both in the third, and a walk to Chris Loughran in the seventh, Cook retired every batter he faced after the first inning. He tallied eight strikeouts and just two walks.
Equally impressive was Connolly, who until the ninth sent every batter back to the bench except for Brendan Mahoney (single), Ben Tatkow (reached on error), and Burpee (hit by pitch).
"My heart goes out to Pat," said Dressler. "He pitched an unbelievable game for a kid just turning 15. Cook also threw a great game."
Dressler felt Sudbury took the momentum in the top of the seventh, when left fielder Mike Cordo and right fielder Mike Gannon each made excellent catches to rob Framingham.
"The whole game turned in that inning," said Dressler. "It was the key to the game, besides the great pitching."
The win was especially sweet for Sudbury, which split with Framingham in two 2-1 games earlier this season. Not only does the team head into the winner's bracket in the tournament, but it also gets the satisfaction of beating a rival.
"We fought tough and wanted it more than Framingham," said Burpee.
Thursday, July 24
Results - Day 2 North Playoffs
Exorcising some diamond demons: Sudbury takes command of North bracket by blanking nemesis Natick
By Tina Ferrara / News Sports Correspondent
Thursday, July 24, 2003
SUDBURY -- It's always good to win a playoff game, but snapping a two-year losing streak against a league rival makes the victory even better.
Going into last night's CMass Senior Babe Ruth winner's bracket playoff at Feeley Field, Sudbury was 0-6 against Natick over the last two years. But the hosts broke out of that slump in dramatic fashion with a 5-0 win, led by Mike Gately's three-hit shutout and Dan Legere's two-out, bases-loaded triple that highlighted a five-run sixth inning.
A second straight postseason win gives Sudbury (13-4-1) home-field advantage for tomorrow night's playoff (Feeley, 7 p.m.) against the winner of tonight's loser's bracket contest pitting host Natick (12-6) against Westborough (Mahan Field, 7 p.m.).
"It's a good feeling," said Sudbury's Alex Burpee, a member of last year's team that went 0-4 against Natick. "It's also a sense of relief. We haven't been able to beat Natick, and we finally got a chance to win."
Burpee was Sudbury's offensive and defensive catalyst, going 2 for 3 with the tie-breaking RBI single, while also tallying six assists and two putouts at third base.
"He's a machine," said Gately.
Natick was also dominant over the first five innings with Matt O'Reilly on the mound. The recent Natick High graduate had a perfect game until the fourth, when he gave up a walk to Gately and a single to Burpee.
"It was a great game for five innings," said O'Reilly. "I was making outs, not striking lots of kids out."
Gately could have said the same, as he was responsible for just four baserunners all game. Natick's Dan D'Innocenzo went 2 for 2, Brett Allard hustled to beat out an infield single, and Anthony Tomasetti drew Gately's only walk, on a full count.
"When we were warming up, I knew Gately was on," said catcher Dan Legere, "(During the game,) I'm wasn't moving the glove at all. I just sat back there, set up and the ball came right in the mitt. He hit his spots. That's how he wins."
Sudbury waited to provide run support until the sixth inning. With one out, Gately walked and Ben Tatkow was hit by a pitch. After a huge strikeout, it appeared O'Reilly would get out of the inning.
Up to the plate stepped Burpee, a tall lefty hitting in the No. 3 spot. After quickly falling behind 0-and-2, Burpee battled back to a full count.
"I love being up there in that situation," said Burpee. "It's late in the game, two outs, runner in scoring position going on the crack of the bat. I want to get the hit that brings the run in."
And Burpee delivered, driving the next pitch into right field, plating Gately for the go-ahead run.
"I was pretty happy to see Alex up there," said Sudbury head coach Ron Perry.
O'Reilly then walked cleanup hitter Andy Pheifer to load the bases for Legere, who fell down 1-and-2 then blasted a letter-high fastball to deep left for a bases-clearing triple. He scored on the same play, taking advantage of a throwing error on the cutoff to put Sudbury up 5-0.
"I haven't hit well all year," admitted Legere. "I wanted to come up with the bases loaded. It's what you like to do -- come up and get a big hit."
While his team tallied as many hits as Sudbury, Natick head coach Jim Tomasetti was disappointed in his team's offensive output.
"Bottom line -- we didn't hit," he said. "If we don't hit, we're not going to win. Matt came out here and pitched a great game. We fielded great, we just didn't hit."
Although Sudbury's players were especially thrilled about shutting out the rival Redmen, Perry looked at the bigger picture.
"We've set ourselves on playing one game at a time," he said. "I didn't try to build up the Natick thing. Let's not focus on what went on before. Let's focus on this game. If we do what we need to do against a very good team, we're capable of beating them."
Westborough 4, Framingham 1
Jeff Reynolds pitched brilliantly, striking out two and allowing just one run on five hits to keep Westborough alive and oust Framingham from the CMass Senior Babe Ruth playoffs with a 4-1 victory.
Westborough (8-10) also relied on Reynolds for his offense. He along with Matt Read belted two-run singles to combine for all the runs Westborough needed to top Framingham (6-10-2).
Westborough travels to Natick tonight (7) in another loser's bracket contest.
Thursday, July 24
Results - Day 2 South Playoffs
Victor still to be decided: Scoreless South bracket battle suspended 'til tonight
By Josh Press / News Sports Correspondent
Thursday, July 24, 2003
MILFORD -- Wait 'til tomorrow. That's what Milford and Ashland had to do after last night's 0-0 tie at Milford's Town Park in Senior Babe Ruth playoff action.
Over nine innings, the teams squared off in a game that saw emotions run high and fine overall pitching.
Prior to the game being halted due to darkness, Milford's Phil Negus and Ashland's Pat Olson -- both spurred on by an energized and animated fan base -- were hurling gems for their respective teams.
Negus threw all nine frames, allowing just five hits and striking out 11 while not walking a single batter. Olson also went nine, yielding eight hits and three walks while striking out four. But the telling stat for Olson was that he forced Milford's lineup into 11 fly-ball outs.
"Tonight, I was just able to jam (Milford) and got the fly balls when I needed them," said Olson, who threw more than 100 pitches and will give way to either Rich Nicolas or Colin Mansfield tonight (Fino Field, 5:30 p.m.). "The pitches were where they had to be, my fielders did a great job behind me and everything just came through for us out there. Hopefully (today), we come with our bats and get a few more hits."
The winner of tonight's continued game immediately occupies the driver's seat in the South Division playoffs. The loser, meanwhile, will turn back around and face Franklin tonight (7:30 p.m.) at Fino. Milford is 14-3, while Ashland is 9-8.
At the outset, Negus looked like he was in for a long night. In the first, he gave up a leadoff single to Nicolas, then a one-out hit to Steve Boardman to put runners at first and second. But the 15-year-old right-hander got out of the jam by starting a 1-6-3 double play.
Negus then retired the next 23 of 26 Ashland batters over the following eight innings before yielding back-to-back two-out singles in the ninth. He again escaped damage with an inning-ending groundout.
"I thought I spotted my pitches better later in the game then I did in the first and second innings," said Negus, who threw a no-hitter in his last start in Milford's regular season finale, a 4-0 victory over Franklin. "I didn't get my curveball going in the first few innings and they kind of jumped on my fastball to get a few hits. But as soon as I got the curve over the plate, they stopped hitting."
Clearly, for Milford or Ashland to squeak out the win tonight, each will have to hit at a far more successful clip then they did last night. The teams combined for just 13 hits and no player from either team reached third base through the first 4 1/2 innings.
For Milford, in particular, it will have to be more patient on the base paths, as twice runners were thrown out easily at the plate attempting to score from second base.
"We got plenty of guys into scoring position, but a few of them got thrown out at the plate," said Milford head coach Justin Richards. "We just have to be smarter with the little things that can win or lose ballgames. We had several opportunities, but it's been a great game so far with great pitching and defense on both sides.
"So (tonight) we'll come back and see who's going to win this one."
Franklin 4, Hopkinton 0
Franklin's Chris Gordon pitched around six walks, giving up only three hits as he shut out Hopkinton and ended its season.
Franklin will play the loser of the Milford-Ashland game, which was tied 0-0 after nine innings, tonight at Fino Field.
Offensively, Chris Livingstone and Kyle Dow were each 2 for 3 with a pair of RBI. Gordon received strong defense, especially from shortstop Joe Salvucci.
Sunday, July 27
Results - Day 5 North Playoffs
Sudbury cooks up win
By Todd Piken / News Sports Writer
Sunday, July 27, 2003
SUDBURY -- After missing a chance to close out the Central Massachusetts Senior Babe Ruth North Division on Friday night, Sudbury was not about to let its last opportunity go by the wayside.
With staff ace Dan Cook on the mound last night, Sudbury clawed and scratched its way to a 4-0 victory over Natick at Feeley Field, earning the division title.
Cook (7-0) tossed a complete-game gem, striking out eight, while scattering just four hits and walking two.
"The entire season has been close like this," said Sudbury coach Ron Perry, the former Holy Cross basketball star whose team will play in the World Series against Milford, starting Monday.
"I told the guys before the game that pitching and defense are going to win this game. That is what happened. Dan pitched very well, and the defense made the plays."
Cook gave up just one hit and struck out two through two innings, and his offense gave him a one-run cushion in the bottom of the second.
With two outs, Mike Cordo lined a base hit to right off Natick starter Matt O'Reilly (3 inning pitched), and Cook beat out a dribbler to shortstop to put runners on first and second. Andy Pheifer then stepped to the plate for Sudbury, and delivered a clutch single to the left-field gap that plated Cordo for a 1-0 lead.
"That was a big hit for us by Andy," said Perry, his team now 14-5-1. "It ended up being a huge run for us with how the game turned out. But it was nice to tack on a few more runs late in the game to secure the win."
Natick (14-7) did not make things easy, threatening in the top of the fourth.
O'Reilly smacked a single to right and leadoff hitter Dan Dinncenzo laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance O'Reilly to second. Nick Leverone then reached on an infield hit to put runners on first and third with two outs. Cleanup hitter Tim Nelson then scorched a line drive to center field that looked destined for the fence. Center-fielder Dan Legere took two steps in, and then was forced to sprint backward before jumping up and stabbing it for the final out.
"The defense really did a great a job behind me," said Cook, who threw 100-plus pitches. "Natick put the ball in play a lot, and my teammates picked me up with amazing play."
Cook shut down Natick for the last three innings, with one strikeout in each of the last three innings.
"We came down here and we gave it all we had," said Natick coach Jim Tomasetti. "We have had a tough couple of days, playing two games on Friday, but the kids fought hard, and I am proud of what they did."
Sudbury scored three more runs in the sixth. Steve Wilson led off with a sharp single to center, then stole second. After a groundout, Alex Burpee walked to put runners on first and second. Two straight infield errors plated three runners to make it 4-0.
Sunday, July 27
Results - Day 5 South Playoffs
Milford to the Series
By Lou Ottaviani / News Sports Correspondent
Sunday, July 27, 2003
MILFORD -- With Milford leading by two runs after two innings in last night's Central Massachusetts South Division championship game, it appeared this contest would be all that it was built up to be.
Having squared off twice this week -- and each team coming away with 1-0 victories -- one could sense the importance this rubber match would have. But after the second inning, things fell apart for visiting Ashland, allowing the Milford Micros to take advantage of several costly errors and nine unanswered runs as Milford defeated Ashland 13-3.
Milford advances to the World Series against Sudbury, a 4-0 winner over Natick last night. The Series starts Monday.
"This was a great win for our team tonight," said Milford coach Justin Richards. "Having lost to Ashland last Thursday, I told our team that they had two choices: they could either fold up and call it a season or battle back and win tonight and take one game at a time.
"We've had two intense games with them. So we knew what we were up against. Having seen them twice now in the past week, our batters felt confident up at the plate tonight and we hit them well."
Ashland's Richie Nicholas showed courage on the mound for Ashland despite the lack of defensive support. But pitching in three games during the week took its toll on Nicholas as Milford's top of the line up knocked out 10 of their total 16 hits off him.
"This was a very emotional and physical game for us tonight," said Ashland Coach Justin McKay. "Richie (Nicholas) pitched well and didn't want to come out but we had to. He's been a workhorse for us this week. I have to give credit to Milford. They have a great club that is deep in pitching and has a strong defensive team as well as hitting and speed."
Milford received a strong performance from starter Mark DelVecchio, who pitched six innings, allowing seven hits, striking out two and walking one. Matt Messer came in to close out the game in the top of the seventh as he struck out the only three batters he faced.
"Mark is a tough kid who wants to win," said Richards. "He's our senior and captain on the team and with this being his last year, he wants to go out on top. Matt did a nice job throwing strikes for us and gave us an opportunity to rest our starters for next week's matchups."
Ashland scored lone runs in the first, second and fifth innings. What potentially could've been rallies in the second, third and fourth innings for Ashland were short-lived and thwarted by Milford's defense. Milford catcher Kevin Andrew threw out Zach Johnson attempting to steal in the second and key double plays by Milford in the third and fourth stopped Ashland bids.
Milford's bats were on fire, lashing out 16 hits. Kevin Casey (4 for 5; 4 runs), Matt Messer (2 for 5; 2 RBIs and 3 runs) and Phil Negus (4 for 5; 2 triples, 7 RBI and 1 run) provided most of the damage. Brian Hayes (2 for 4; 2 runs) also added to the damage.
Offensively for Ashland, Zack Johnson went 2 for 3, Nicholas went 1 for 3 and scored two runs, and Rick Smith had a double.
Friday, July 25
Results - Day 3 North Playoffs
By Jon Japha / News Sports Correspondent
Friday, July 25, 2003
WESTBOROUGH -- Both coaches were quick to admit that yesterday's Senior Babe Ruth elimination game between Westborough and Natick was sloppy.
But what took place on the field at Gibbons Middle School is nothing compared to the logistical nightmare each coach faces tonight and tomorrow, as darkness halted the contest in the eighth inning with the scored locked at 7.
Both coaches will be scrambling to ensure they can assemble squads to finish off the game today (5:30 p.m.) in Natick, while the winning team must play Sudbury later tonight.
"It's gonna be tough," Westborough coach Andy Sharifipour said. "We've got one kid hurt, some kids going to the Red Sox game, some working. And then if we happen to win, we'll lose kids for the night game."
But a scrambling finish to the game is almost the perfect cap, as this one was anything but clean.
Westborough got on the board in the top of the first, as Matt Gebo and Curtis Garry drove in three runs with doubles. The early lead gave Westborough needed confidence, as it had lost to Natick three times on the season.
"Even though we've lost to them in the past, we've been in it every time," Sharifipour said. "But we've always had miscues."
The miscues didn't stop in the fourth meeting of the season, as Westborough was unable to preserve the lead in the bottom of the inning. Greg Rothstein had the big hit for Natick with a two-run double, but errors did in Westborough, as none of Natick's three runs were charged to Westborough hurler Jordan Goldberg.
Natick didn't let up on Goldberg or the Westborough defense, again taking advantage of errors to put up two more unearned runs in the second, as Brett Allard chipped in an RBI double.
"We definitely took advantage of their defense," Natick coach Jim Tomasetti said. "We capitalized on their mistakes."
Westborough did the same to Natick, however, in the fourth inning. Natick committed five errors, as Westborough came back to grab a 7-5 lead. In the inning, Ryan Panero had a sacrifice fly and Kyle Laham an RBI single.
Westborough's Russell Heim, who had relieved Goldberg, pitched well into the sixth, but the defense did him in. Natick, two innings away from elimination, scored two unearned runs in the sixth to tie the game, and forced Sharifipour to replace Heim with Matt Read, who got out of the jam.
"I was pretty confident I would get us out of it," Read said. "The only thing I was worried about was my arm. I just kept throwing, and eventually it went."
Coincidentally, Read's arm went about the same time as the sun did, as A.J. Silver retired the final batter of the eighth and will be on the mound today.
Natick's pitching situation is more tenuous, as Justin Waters pitched the final 3 1/3 innings last night after defeating Westborough on Monday. He will start on the hill for Natick today.
"He was throwing on three days rest and he didn't allow a run," Tomasetti said. "Waters will probably just pitch until his arm falls off."
Sharifipour has a night to plot his strategy against Natick's fatigued hurler.
"Every play is going to be critical," the coach said. "We'll try to be aggressive, but at the same time, we have to cater to the fact that we are tied and it's a new day for both pitchers."
Friday, July 25
Results - Day 3 South Playoffs
By Josh Press / News Sports Correspondent
Friday, July 25, 2003
MILFORD -- Ashland's Cinderella run through the Central Massachusetts Senior Babe Ruth playoffs took another amazing turn last night.
Mark Shapiro's two-out RBI single in the 11th plated Steve Cicciarella with the game's winning run, lifting Ashland past Milford 1-0 in a continuation of a game that started Wednesday but was halted after nine innings due to darkness.
The game resumed last night, starting in the top of the 10th.
Ashland's 11th-inning rally started when Cicciarella reached on a one-out single and advanced to third on a wild pitch and groundout. That set the stage for Shapiro's heroics.
"There was a man on third, so I knew I had to come through," said Shapiro. "(The pitcher) threw it right down the middle and I didn't want to wait on it. The pitch was right there for me, so I just hit it."
Rich Nicolas earned the win in relief of starter Pat Olson (9 IP, 8 hits, 3 walks, 4 Ks,), while Mark DelVecchio took the loss in relief of Phil Negus (9 IP, 5 hits, 0 walks, 11 Ks).
The result was Ashland's second win in three tries against Milford this season. Milford was the South Division's No. 1 seed.
After losing to Ashland, Milford had to turn around and face Franklin in an elimination game last night. Milford won, 3-1, so that sets up another Ashland-Milford matchup tonight (Fino, 7 p.m.).
If Ashland wins, it will advance to the World Series to play the the North Division champ (either Sudbury, Westborough or Natick). If Milford wins, however, Ashland and Milford will meet again tomorrow to determine who earns the Series berth.
"Milford's a good ballclub and I told everyone we can't underestimate them just because we've taken two of three from them," said Ashland head coach Justin McKay. "We're happy to be playing in the South 'Final Four' right now, so I think that's earned us some respect after how we ended up last year (at 4-12). The guys have done a great job turning the ship around and they've played real well all season long."
Milford, after earning the win over Franklin in the nightcap, brings some momentum into today's matchup.
"We're obviously looking forward to playing Ashland again (tonight)," said Milford coach Justin Richards. "I think we're more then capable of beating them twice, but right now, we're just taking it a game at a time. We're going to put the loss behind us and just take it from there."
Added Milford's Anthony Coppola, who earned the pitching win against Franklin last night: "We lost (against Ashland), but as a team, we bounced right back. I was trying to concentrate and throw strikes and the defense was just great out there. It feels great to win; we pulled it together as a team and now we're ready for Ashland (tonight)."
MILFORD -- What an emotional night it was for the Milford Senior Babe Ruth team.
After the Micros played nine scoreless innings on Tuesday against Ashland in their second game of the double-elimination CMass South tournament, the two squads resumed play in the top of the 10th at Fino Field last night with the loser to face second-seeded Franklin later in the evening.
Top-seeded Milford, to many people's surprise, dropped its first postseason game 1-0 in 11 innings to No. 3 Ashland -- a team that came into the postseason at .500 with a record of 8-8.
With tough Franklin looming and the fear of exiting the playoffs prematurely, the Micros found themselves between a rock and a hard place with a dire need for someone to step up and keep their postseason alive.
Rather unexpectedly, that someone turned out to be co-captain and No. 3 starter Tony Coppola, who led his team to a 3-1 victory that eliminated the visiting Panthers and set up a rematch with the Clockers (10-8) tonight at Fino in the South final (7 p.m.).
"We lost that last game but, as a team, we bounced right back," said Coppola, who allowed just three hits, while walking five and striking out six in his complete game win. "I was trying to concentrate and throw strikes and the defense was just great out there. It feels great to win; we pulled it together as a team and now we're ready for Ashland (tonight)."
What transpired in the top of the second and sixth innings exemplified just how important Coppola and his teammates behind him were in the victory.
With the game scoreless in the second, and runners at second and third with one out, Franklin's Adam Schieber came to the plate hoping to break open the open contest early.
But Coppola, buckling down on his fastball, got Schreiber to ground to second baseman Kevin Casey, who made a long run to his left before wisely scampering to first base for the unassisted putout. Coppola then got Billy Capen to strike out looking to end the inning.
In the sixth, with Milford ahead 3-0, Coppola loaded the bases twice, but ended up giving up just one run to preserve the lead. Third baseman Brian Hayes caught two popups -- one in which he had to make a deep run into foul ground to grab - to help end the threat.
"Tony's a tough kid. And when he gets his chances, he wants to carry the team," said Milford head coach Justin Richards, whose team improved to 15-4 overall. "He bore down when he had to and made the right pitches when he had to. When those Pressure situations came about, especially in the sixth, he came through huge."
Milford took the game's first lead in the third. Casey walked, moved to third on a Matt Messer single, then scored on a clutch two-out single by Phil Negus.
Milford added to the lead in the fifth. Casey singled, Messer walked then Negus was safe on an error to load the bases. Casey scored on a wild pitch to make it 2-0, then Messer came home on a Kevin Andrews RBI single for a 3-0 bulge.
For Franklin, both starting pitcher Schieber (4 1/3 innings, 3 ERs, 4 hits, 2 BBs, 3 Ks) and reliever Mike Botalsh (1 2/3, no hits, 1 K) kept their team in the game. But with Coppola on for most of the night, the Panthers found themselves not able to do much on the offensive end.
"Tonight, we just didn't get the key hits when we needed them," said Franklin head coach Larry Bartolomei, who finished his final year of coaching the team with a record of 12-6-1. "We've kind of done that all year long, but we have nothing to be ashamed of. We had a great season, and they have a strong nucleus coming back, so they should do very well next year."
Saturday, July 26
Results - Day 4 South Playoffs
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One more time
By Steve Muscatello / News Sports Correspondent
Saturday, July 26, 2003
MILFORD -- In playoff baseball, runs come at a premium. But the Ashland and Milford Senior Babe Ruth squads are taking that age-old adage to a whole new level.
The two rivals have now played two postseason games, a total of 18 innings, and have managed a whopping total of two runs.
Ashland took the first game 1-0 in an 11-inning marathon that stretched over two days. But Milford responded last night with a 1-0 victory of its own to force a deciding Game 3 in the semifinals of the Central Mass. playoffs. The top seeded Micros will again play host to Ashland tonight at Fino Field (7 p.m.), with the winner advancing to the CMass World Series.
For Milford, Mike Welsh was the man of the hour, while his counterpart, Ashland's Colin Mansfield, was equally dominant.
Welsh turned in a complete-game effort, allowing only five hits while striking out one. Mansfield, meanwhile, hurled six scoreless innings before being ejected in a controversial sixth-inning slide play at second base.
Ashland argued to overturn the call, claiming that Mansfield's slide was clean, but the umpiring crew deemed the slide illegal and ejected Ashland's ace, forcing Ashland coach Justin McKay to call on his bullpen for the decisive seventh inning.
Enter Rich Nicholas who picked up the Game 1 victory in relief.
Nicholas retired the first batter he faced before yielding a double to Anthony Coppola (2-3). After a pop-up and a passed ball, Coppola stood on third with two outs as Conor Quinn came to the plate.
Quinn, the Milford No. 9 hitter, worked the count to 3-2 before connecting for a slow dribbler up the third base line that was good for an infield single and the game-winning RBI.
It was the first run Ashland allowed in 25 innings of playoff baseball and it came only after Mansfield's ejection.
As a result, Ashland will be without the services of Mansfield, who now must serve a one-game suspension.
"I disagree with the call," said McKay. "And now we are going to have to find a way to win without Mansfield tomorrow, and that's a big blow because he's normally our right fielder when he's not pitching."
Although Mansfield's ejection drew the bulk of the attention in last night's game, it was the pitching performance of Welsh that was most impressive. Making only his second start of the summer, Welsh controlled play with an effective sinker and brilliantly located fastball.
"Mike was amazing," said Richards. "He hasn't pitched that much this year because of our pitching depth, but his attitude was great all year, and then he steps up for us in a big way."
Ashland's only legitimate threat came in the sixth when Steve Ciccierella and Steve Boardman singled and later advanced on a groundball to put runners on second and third with two outs.
Welsh, however, induced a harmless groundball to end the threat.
One inning later, as Coppola crossed the plate to seal the win, Milford swarmed the plate and celebrated the chance to play another day.
There certainly isn't any love lost between these two teams as the highly contested game turned into a duel of menacing glances and not-so subtle taunts. With tonight's winner advancing to the Central Mass. finals, expect another emotional contest.
"They don't like us and we don't like them," said McKay. "We'll come back here tomorrow and see what happens."
Saturday, July 26
Results - Day 4 North Playoffs
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Natick takes two
By Tina Ferrara / News Sports Correspondent
Saturday, July 26, 2003
SUDBURY -- Nick Leverone's pants were dirty, and the game hadn't even started.
The Natick pitcher had just come from Mahan Field, where his team had resumed Thursday's suspended game, 7-7 after nine innings, against fellow CMass Senior Babe Ruth loser's bracket contender Westborough. Needing a win to stay alive, Natick pulled through in the 11th to win, 8-7. Then, the club headed up to Feeley Field and defeated Sudbury, 6-3, to force one final playoff game for the right to go to the CMass World Series.
Leverone had been waved around at third and gunned down at the plate in the 10th in the play that sullied his uniform. "But we still won," he said.
It was David Guen's fly ball, misplayed, that scored Chris Curtis with the bases loaded for the game-winning run.
The victory gives Natick another shot at Sudbury tonight (6 p.m., Feeley Field) for the rubber game of their three playoff matchups. Sudbury triumphed on Wednesday night, 5-0, for the first time in the rivals' two-year history.
"Compared to (Wednesday's) game," said Natick's Tim Nelson, "this one was a total turn-around."
Nelson scored three runs on a hit, error and walk, and also stole four bases.
Leverone (3-1) tossed a complete game for Natick (14-6), giving up just four hits and three walks. He also scored the game's first run in the fourth inning after blasting a double to deep left-center. An error allowed him to cross the plate.
Matt Perry started the game for Sudbury (13-5-1) and threw three scoreless innings before the three-run fourth. None of the runs were earned, as Guen and Nelson reached on errors before scoring on Brett Allard's clutch double.
"We have to play stronger defense," said Sudbury's Alex Burpee, who replaced Perry in the fifth with the score 4-0.
Natick's Mark Anderson had singled and scored on Dan D'Innocenzo's hit to increase the lead.
Nelson attributed his team's success to the win over Westborough.
"That game lit a fire under us," said the recent Natick High graduate. "It was an advantage coming off of that game and playing, because we were ready to go. It usually takes us a few innings to get going, but we just came out firing."
Sudbury did fight back in the fifth on some Natick mishaps, including an error, balk, wild pitch and passed ball. Andy Pheifer and Dan Legere made it home, moving the score to 4-2.
"I kind of fell apart in that inning," said Leverone. "I couldn't find the strike zone. It wasn't working for me."
In the sixth, Nelson gave his pitcher another run after drawing a walk, stealing two bases and scoring on an error.
Sudbury chipped away in the bottom of the frame with two walks and two hits, including a double to Burpee (2-3) and an RBI single to Dan Cook.
But Natick sealed the deal in the seventh with another run. Chris Curtis, who had singled, made the score 6-3 on D'Innocenzo's infield single.
"We came in here with our backs against the wall," said Natick head coach Jim Tomasetti. "Wednesday was a very, very tough loss for us. We came back and fought."
"We knew they'd be ready," said Sudbury head Ron Perry. "They had to get the win. We know they're good and we know they're tough. But we still have (tonight). We'll be back."
Sunday, July 13
Results: Saturday, July 12
Hopkinton 4, Franklin 3
A two run double from Bo McIntrye in the fourth inning paced Hopkinton to a win over host Franklin.
A leadoff double from Tom Peacock began the fourth. Brian Collela followed with a walk before McIntrye's double.
Also Hopkinton's starting pitcher, McIntrye picked up the win for the visitors, allowing only three runs in his seven innings of work while striking out eight.
Dan Wright and Peacock added RBI for the victors.
Hopkinton improves to 7-7, while Franklin falls to 10-3-1.
Saturday, July 12
Results: Friday, July 11
Ashland 3, Milford 2
Some seventh-inning controversy gave Ashland a 3-2 win over Milford in Senior Babe Ruth action, when Richie Nicholas apparently scored on Steve Boardman's single, but missed home plate. According to an umpire, Nicholas touched the plate during the ensuing Ashland celebration.
Both teams were unable to score in the first three innings, until they each cracked the scoreboard with runs in the fourth. Host Ashland (7-7) added another in the sixth, but Milford (11-3) managed to tie things up in the top of the seventh, leading to the drama of the final frame.
Ashland pitcher Matt Whitehead battled through 120-plus pitches, and earned the win on seven hits and one strikeout. Boardman's solid work behind the plate kept Whitehead in the game, and the Ashland defense was able to strand 11 Milford runners.
Hopkinton 11, Holliston 6
Tommy Peacock went 4 for 4 and drove in four runs to lead Hopkinton past Holliston in a Senior Babe Ruth clash called after five innings due to darkness.
Dan Wright (3-4, 2 RBI) and pitcher Brian Shiloski, who struck out three batters and also recorded a triple, were the other standouts for Hopkinton (6-7).
Jay Turner (2 RBI) and Sean Fitzpatrick (3-3) had good days at the plate for Holliston (6-6-2).
Hopkinton visits Franklin today (Franklin High School, 11:00 a.m.).
Natick 8, Framingham 2
Justin Waters struck out nine Framingham batters and scattered three hits en route to a complete game victory for Natick at Mahan Field.
With the win, Natick (10-4) clinches a berth in the Central Mass. Senior Babe Ruth playoffs.
Natick scored the winning run in the first inning when Sean Hladick, who reached base after being hit, scored on a walk, one of three in the inning.
Natick's Tim Nelson also notched two hits.
Framingham (5-6-2) was poised to rally when James Patelis tripled in the sixth, but Waters kept things in control to finish out the win.
Wednesday, July 9
Results: Tuesday, July 8
Marlborough 4, Framingham 3
Everything was clicking for Marlborough yesterday, as good offense, defense and pitching allowed them to break out of a slump and shock Framingham, 4-3, in a CMass Senior Babe Ruth contest.
Dan Rudzinsky went the distance for Marlborough, effectively scattering three runs and five hits throughout the seven innings. The offense didn't get going until the fifth and sixth innings, when Marlborough plated two runs each. Strong infield defense by Ken Bergeron, Sean Tupper and Matt Papalia earlier had kept the deficit reasonable for Marlborough (2-8).
Jay Deal got the offense going with a fifth inning-double, while multi-hit games by Eli Rosenswaite and Dan Marieni helped Marlborough build a lead over Framingham (4-5-2). Stolen bases and good bunts also helped contribute to Marlborough's two-run sixth inning.
The two teams have a rematch in Framingham tonight.
Natick 6, Bellingham 2
Natick's Mike Reynolds struck out nine and held Bellingham to only two runs in a complete game effort last night.
The Natick bats were also on fire, scoring the six runs in the first two innings and held on from there to move to 8-4 on the summer.
Greg Rothstein got everything started in the first inning with an RBI single, and Tim Nelson soon put the game away with a two-run double in the second. Kevin Fleming had a good all-around game with a single, double, RBI and a stolen base.
Mike Russell, Kevin Hamelat and Steve Prior all had hits for Bellingham.
Natick next plays Sudbury in Sudbury tonight.
Thursday, July 10
Results: Wednesday, July 9
Natick 8, Sudbury 6
A six-run first inning paced visiting Natick to an 8-6 victory over Sudbury in a Senior Babe Ruth clash last night at Feeley Field.
Kevin Fleming began the game with a leadoff single. After Sudbury starter Mike Gately recorded an out, David Guen and Tim Nelson smacked back-to-back doubles for a 2-0 Natick advantage. Nick Leverone followed with an RBI single for the game's third run. Natick added three more unearned runs to take the field with a six-run cushion.
"We've done this a few times this year, going out and getting a bunch of runs in the first inning," said Natick coach Jim Tomesetti. "It's always nice to play with a lead."
Natick scored single runs in the sixth and seventh to enter the bottom of the seventh with an 8-2 lead.
It was there that Sudbury showed some fight, scoring four runs, highlighted by RBI singles from Andy Wilson, Chris Nelson and Alex Burpee. With the tying run on second, Natick starter Tom Burrick was lifted for reliever Justin Waters. The Natick right-hander then induced a soft liner to center field to end the contest.
"When you dig that hole you can either fall apart or battle back," said Sudbury coach Ron Perry. "The kids battled back and gave themselves a shot."
Natick (9-4) hosts Framingham tomorrow (7 p.m.). First-place Sudbury, meanwhile, hosts Westborough tomorrow (7 p.m.).
Holliston 4, Ashland 0
Right-hander Jay Turner scattered 10 hits and showed tremendous resiliency as host Holliston blanked Ashland in Central Massachusetts Senior Babe Ruth League action.
Holliston (6-5-2) was outhit by Ashland (6-7) by a 10-6 margin and twice Turner had to wiggle out of bases-loaded jams. He was aided by a defense that didn't make an error and was able to come up with the big play when it was most needed.
Ashland loaded the bases in the first and seventh innings. Both times the final out came with a Holliston outfielder -- Marty Murphy in center field and Tyler Parrino in left field -- tracking down a long fly ball.
Holliston won the game with three runs in the second inning, keyed by an RBI double by Andy Cook and an RBI single by Parrino. Sean Junda had two singles and scored a run.
For Ashland, Steve Boardman singled and tripled while Ross Weisman doubled and singled.
Both teams will be in action tomorrow with Holliston at Hopkinton and Ashland hosting Milford.
Framingham 11, Marlborough 2
With Jon Gordon leading the way, and a little help from Mother Nature, host Framingham immediately avenged a CMass League defeat to Marlborough by wiping them out last night at Bowditch Field.
Gordon got the win by tossing six innings of four-hit ball, allowing just one earned run, striking out three and walking three. He also went 2 for 3 at the plate, knocking in a pair, as Framingham moved to 5-5-2.
The offensive leader on the night was Matt Hurley, who went 2 for 2 with a double, a home run and three RBI. But that home run happened due to an odd fog bank that rolled into Bowditch, as the right fielder never saw Hurley's hit, allowing him to circle the bases for an inside-the-park homer.
James Patelis went 2 for 4 with two runs scored, while Phil Goulet went 2 for 3 with two RBI and a run scored.
Marlborough's only outburst was for two runs in the fifth, as it fell to 2-10.
Framingham travels to Mahan Field tomorrow night to face host Natick.
Milford 14, Bellingham 1
Phil Negus kept his perfect record on the mound intact and the Milford offense provided plenty of support in a Senior Babe Ruth win over host Bellingham.
Negus allowed one unearned run to keep his season ERA at 0.00, improving to 3-0 as he struck out 11 and walked four. He also helped his own cause by going 2 for 4 with a double and three RBI.
That was part of a 10-hit attack for Milford (11-2), which also drew 10 walks on the day. Kevin Andrews was 2 for 5 with a double and three RBI, Kevin Casey was 1 for 2 with three walks, three runs and three RBI and Chris Vine was 1 for 1 with a double, two walks, a hit by pitch, three runs and three RBI.
Bellingham, which managed just two hits, fell to 1-11 with the loss.
Milford plays at Ashland tomorrow (5:30 p.m.).
Westborough 5, Hudson 3
Curtis Garry went the distance on the mound and drove in a pair of runs to lead Westborough over visiting Hudson in Senior Babe Ruth action.
Garry scattered seven hits and struck out five as he improved to 2-1 on the summer. He also smacked a two-run double, while Russell Heim also drove in two with a double as Westborough improved to 4-7.
Marcus Vazquez went the distance for Hudson, which fell to 4-9.
Westborough plays at Sudbury tomorrow.
Tuesday, July 8
Results: Monday, July 7
Franklin 2, Holliston 0
Joe Macchi's versatility paid dividends for the Franklin Panthers last night at Franklin High School.
Macchi punched an RBI double at the plate and stifled a potential Holliston rally on the mound as Franklin defeated the visitors 2-0 in Senior Babe Ruth action.
"It feels good," said Macchi, "especially when I helped the team win."
Before Macchi's heroics, both starters clashed in a pitchers' duel.
Franklin starter Adam Schieber pitched 5 1/3 scoreless innings, yielding only one hit and striking out seven. He got strong relief from Macchi, who was perfect in 1 2/3 innings. On the opposing side, Holliston's Jesse Newman carried a no-hitter into the fifth, when the Franklin offense awoke.
With one out, Todd Bartolmei singled, delivering the first hit on the night for the Panthers. Chris Riccio entered the game as a pinch runner and promptly stole second and third.
Newman then walked Kyle Dow, putting runners on the corners. With Dow taking his lead, the left-hander made a low snap throw to first, escaping the grasp of Matt Pendleton. Riccio easily scampered home, while Dow hustled to third.
"It was as much my fault as (Pendleton's)," said Newman. "I should have thrown it a little higher. It shows you that the ball can bounce different ways."
However, Newman recovered and struck out pinch-hitter Derek Getchell, bringing Macchi to the plate. On a 2-2 pitch, Macchi delivered his clutch two-bagger, giving Franklin a 2-0 advantage.
"Newman's curve wasn't working great," said Macchi, "so I knew the fastball was coming and I took it the other way."
Although the rough inning cost Holliston the game, Newman pitched well, allowing only two hits and striking out seven a day after throwing in the All-Star game.
"He pitched great," said Holliston head coach Bob Warburton. "He had a no-hitter going and you can't pitch much better than that."
After Franklin gained the lead, Holliston's offense looked to rebound. In the sixth, Schieber -- an inning after striking out the side -- ran into trouble. With one out, he issued back-to-back walks and balked for the second time in the game, putting both runners in scoring position.
With the Holliston No. 3 and 4 hitters due up, Macchi came on in relief. Jay Turner was the first batter and struck a line drive to left. The shot was caught and was too shallow to score Steve Silverstein from third.
"Turner hit the ball so hard we couldn't get the run in," said Warburton, whose squad dropped to 5-5-2. "It just so happened he hit it straight into left. If that ball was 15 feet to the right or left, then that's two runs. Those things tend to happen."
The next hitter, David Bethoney, squibbed a harmless grounder back to the tall right-hander, who ran toward first and underhanded it for the out. Macchi returned to the mound in the seventh, retiring the side in order for the save.
"That showed a lot of guts on Joe's part," said Franklin assistant coach Steve Florest. "He bore down and got the job done."
For Franklin, the win followed a common theme.
"Offensively, we haven't hit the ball well all-year long," said Florest, whose team improved to 9-2-1. "We've been scrapping for a run or two and the pitching and defense have been carrying us all year."
Similarly, the lack of offense has frustrated Warburton for most of the season.
"The offense is the part of the game we need to work on the most. Our defense and pitching are playing well and have been there all year," said the rookie coach. "But if you don't score runs, you can't win."
Natick 4, Westborough 2
Matt O'Reilly went six strong innings for the win and delivered the key hit at the plate as Natick downed visiting Westborough 4-2 in Senior Babe Ruth action.
O'Reilly improved to 3-2 on the year as he struck out eight and allowed just three hits in six innings. Anthony Tomasetti worked a scoreless seventh for his first save of the year.
O'Reilly keyed a three-run rally in the second with a double that drove in a pair. Tomasetti collected the only other Natick hit on the day and scored two runs.
A.J. Silver doubled for Westborough and also started on the hill before giving way to Mike McDevitt in the second.
Natick hosts Bellingham tonight (7 p.m.).
Framingham 1, Hudson 0
Patrick Connolly and Joe Palange were able to match each other for most of the game, but in the end, it was Framingham's Connolly who was one better in a fantastic pitchers' duel in a Senior Babe Ruth win over Hudson.
After reaching on a double and advancing to third on a wild pitch, Framingham's Mark Hewett was sent home on an RBI single by Matt Hurley for the only run of the game. Catcher Chris Laughran also had a big day both offensively and defensively, going 2 for 3 with two singles and throwing out two runners on the bases.
Hudson remained winless on the season at 0-5-5, while the win was the first of the season for Framingham, which improved to 1-8-0.
Framingham next plays Marlborough tonight at Assabet.
Sudbury 8, Marlborough 0
Dan Cook pitched six scoreless innings and struck out 11 to power Sudbury to a shutout over Marlborough in Senior Babe Ruth action.
Cook only allowed one hit and improved to a perfect 4-0 on the season. Steve Wilson had the big blow of the day on offense, smacking a three-run double in the second inning which set the tone for the rest of the game.
Sudbury improved to 9-1-1 on the season and next hosts Natick tomorrow night.
Ashland 4, Bellingham 1
Matt Whitehead entered a Pressure-packed situation but had no trouble retiring the first three batters he saw with the bases loaded to preserve Ashland's win over Bellingham in Senior Babe Ruth action.
Coming into the ninth, Ashland led 4-0, and after Bellingham's first three hitters loaded the bases, Whitehead was brought in. He then induced a sacrifice fly from the first batter, struck out the next batter and got the third to ground out. Starter Pat Olson got the win, allowing no runs in the first six innings.
Richie Nicholas (1-3, RBI) and Richard Smith (1-1, walk, sac bunt) led the way on offense for Ashland (6-6), which plays at Holliston tomorrow. Bellingham falls to 1-9.
Milford 4, Hopkinton 1
Chris Vine's two-run single in the second inning broke a scoreless tie and Milford never looked back after that, going on to win 4-1.
Those two runs turned out to be all they needed, although they did plate two more runs in the inning. Starter Mark DelVecchio held Hopkinton to one run in a complete game effort. Hopkinton fell to 5-7, while Milford improved to 10-2.
Milford next travels to Bellingham tomorrow night.
Sunday, July 6
2003 All-stars
NORTH ALLSTARS:
Framingham - Ryan Gagne, Marc Hewitt, Matt Saari
Hudson - James Mullane, Joe Palange, Marcus Vazquez
Marlboro - Chris Bradley, Jay Deal, Dav Pacific
Natick - Dave Guen, Matt O'Reilly, Justin Waters
Sudbury - Alex Burpee, Dan Legere, Matt Perry
Westboro - Tom Blackney, Matt Gebo, Ryan Panaro
This year's all-star game was played at Fino Field in Milford. The two teams, consisting of three players from each team, faced off at 7 PM and played an eight inning game. The final score was North 6, South 5. The North Allstars took a 3-0 lead in the first two innings, and had to hold off the South Allstars to take the game.
This year's MVPs were: North - David Guen, Natick - South - Kevin Casey, Milford.
SOUTH ALLSTARS:
Ashland - Colin Mansfield, Richie Nicholas, Ross Weisman
Bellingham - Ryan Reolis, Dan Rolls, Mike Russell
Franklin - Todd Bartomei, Chris Livingstone, Brian Risica
Holliston - David Bethoney, Jesse Newman, Jay Turner
Hopkinton - Tom McIntyre, Ryan Shiloski, Zak Weisberg
Milford - Kevin Andrew, Kevin Casey, Mark DelVecchio
Thursday, July 3
Results: Wednesday, July 2, 2003
Hudson 2, Milford 1
Marcus Vazquez turned in a strong game on the hill and Hudson scratched out a pair of runs to squeak out a huge 2-1 win over visiting Milford in Senior Babe Ruth action.
Vazquez struck out six as he improved to 1-0 with the complete-game effort. He allowed just two hits and walked four, with the lone run scoring against him on a passed ball in the first inning.
Hudson (4-7) tied it in the bottom of the first as Vazquez got caught in a pickle between first and second, allowing James Mullane (2-2, run) to come home on a delayed steal.
Hudson scored the game-winner in the third when Nigel Johnson singled with two outs, stole second and third and scored on an errant pickoff throw to third.
Milford (9-2), which lost for the first time in four games, received a strong pitching performance of its own, as Mike Welsh was the hard-luck loser despite six strong innings, striking out four while allowing four hits and two walks.
Vazquez pitched out of two big jams late. In the fourth, Kevin Andrews singled and stole second to lead off, but Vazquez stranded him there. In the sixth, Vazquez fought through a second-and-third jam with one out.
Hudson hosts Framingham on Monday, while Milford hosts Hopkinton that same night.
Sudbury 1, Holliston 1
A pitching duel ended in a draw as Holliston's clash with visiting Sudbury was called after nine innings due to darkness in Senior Babe Ruth action.
Holliston's Jesse Newman struck out nine in eight innings, while Sudbury's Mike Gately fanned five in seven innings before giving way to Matt Perry, who added four more strikeouts in two innings of relief.
Sean Junda led the offense for Holliston (5-4-2), going 2 for 3 with a double and a run. He scored that in the third when he walked, was sacrificed to second and came in on Jay Turner's RBI double.
Sudbury (8-1-1) answered in the sixth as Andrew Wilson singled, stole second and went to third on an error, then scored on a groundball.
Holliston plays at Franklin on Monday, while Sudbury takes on Marlborough on Monday.
Framingham 5, Ashland 4
Marc Hewett belted a two-out single in the bottom of the seventh inning to drive home Matt Saari as Framingham came back to beat Ashland.
Ashland (5-5) scored two runs in the top of the last inning to take a 4-3 lead, but Framingham's timely hitting made the deficit disappear.
Matt Hurley started the game for Framingham (3-4-2), but was relieved by Will Ortiz in the fourth, who struck out four and recorded the win.
Hopkinton 6, Marlborough 4
With four players enjoying multi-hit games and Ryan Schloski pitching a complete game, visiting Hopkinton pulled out the CMass League win over host Marlborough at Stevens Field to pull to 5-6 on the summer.
Tommy Peacock led the attack with a single, double, an RBI and two runs scored. Zach Weisberg and Artie Posch each had two singles, an RBI and a run scored, while Pat Day had two hits and an RBI.
Schloski moved to 2-1 by allowing six hits and just one earned run, striking out six and walking one.
Hopkinton heads to Milford on Monday.
Franklin 3, Westborough 2
Franklin committed five errors and managed just two hits, but still came away with the win at Westborough, thanks largely to pitcher Derek Getchell.
Getchell improved to 4-0 as he went the distance, allowing two runs (0 earned) on two hits and two walks with five strikeouts.
Tyler Pasquarosa and Jake Dellorco each went 1 for 3 for the only two hits for Franklin (8-2-1), with Pasquarosa picking up an RBI.
Jeff Reynolds doubled for one of the two hits off Getchell as Westborough fell to 4-7.
Franklin hosts Holliston on Monday.
Wednesday, July 2
Results: Tuesday, July 1
Hudson 3, Marlborough 0
Joe Palange was dominant on the mound, striking out eight batters and giving up only one hit, to lead Hudson past Marlborough in Senior Babe Ruth action.
Hudson scored all three runs in the first inning after Nigel Johnson, James Mullane and Marcus Vasquez walked successively to load the bases. Corey McDonald then had a two-run single to put Hudson up 2-0. Hudson scored their third run on a passed ball.
The only two Marlborough players to record hits were Dan Rudzinsky (triple) and Jay Deal who had a base hit in the seventh inning.
Rudzinsky who struggled early on the mound, calmed down late to strike out seven batters.
Hudson hosts Milford today (Sauter Field, 6 p.m.).
Results: Worlds Series Game 3 (Final)
Milford takes Ruth Series
By Dave McAuley / News Sports Correspondent
Monday, August 4, 2003
SUDBURY -- In the deciding game of the best-of-three CMass Senior Babe Ruth World Series, Milford's Mark DelVecchio and Phil Negus reminded Sudbury of the duo's overwhelming dominance.
DelVecchio hurled a complete game, allowing only three hits and striking out five. Meanwhile, Negus drove in the eventual game-winning run with one of his three doubles, as the Micros defeated Sudbury 2-1 at Feeley Field to win the championship by the same count.
The potent 1-2 punch posted a combined 13-1 record atop the Micros' starting rotation this summer and earned both victories in the best-of-three series. Negus also batted .364 against Sudbury in helping his team capture the crown.
"The team worked hard to win this and they deserve the championship," said Milford head coach Justin Richards, whose team finished at 19-5. "I couldn't be happier for Mark; he has been the big guy for our pitching. He has pitched after every one of our losses and won the following game. He has that type of mentality.
"Negus is our No. 2 guy in the rotation and he was also our best hitter of the year. Nothing changed for either of them in the final game."
Trailing 1-0 in the top of the fifth, Milford took advantage of Sudbury starter Dan Cook, who showed signs of fatigue after walking three in the first inning and facing 17 batters through the fourth. Conor Quinn (4-8, 2 runs in the series) led off with a double, moved to third on Kevin Casey's bunt and scored on Matt Messer's RBI single through a drawn-in infield, tying the game at 1.
Negus (3-4) then laced an RBI double to right center, scoring Messer for what proved to be the game-winning run.
"I was trying to keep my swing level," said Negus, who notched a 5-0 record for the Micros this season. "With the wood bats, it is tough to get going, but I was able to hit the ball on the sweet spot and get three hits."
With the lead in hand, DelVecchio silenced Sudbury's bats, with his only jam occurring in the seventh. After two quick outs, Alex Burpee reached on an infield single and swiped second and third. However, Dan Legere -- who entered Game 3 with four RBI in the series -- struck out looking.
"It feels great to win the game and the championship," said DelVecchio, who finishes the year at 8-1. "I've wanted to pitch in a game like that all year. My teammates are great; we battled through the entire season together. It worked out in the end and it's very exciting."
Meanwhile, Negus' double proved to be the end for Cook, who came back on three days rest after his Game 2 victory and threw 4 1/3 innings, allowing five hits, two earned runs and three walks to finish the summer at 8-1.
Reliever Burpee entered the game and stopped the bleeding for Sudbury, pitching 2 2/3 scoreless innings, yielding only three hits and striking out four.
"Cook has pitched great this year," said Sudbury head coach Ron Perry, whose team finishes the summer with a 15-7-1 mark. "We knew he was tired, but we decided to throw him in. We figured that Milford should have to beat our best.
"Burpee came in and did well. You figure that only giving up two runs in a game should give you a win."
Sudbury's lone run came in the fourth, when Ben Tatkow reached on an infield single, stole second, moved to third on a sacrifice and scored on a wild pitch. However, after Milford responded with their two-run fifth, DelVecchio regained control of his curveball and never looked back.
"After that wild pitch, I was pretty angry," said the right-hander. "The offense got the two runs and that's all we needed. We were pretty fired up after that."
He was also aided by two line-drive double plays in the third and fifth, which both occurred with one out and a runner on second. "Those double plays were huge," said DelVecchio, who's headed to Bentley College in the fall. "We played great all-around baseball tonight."
The twin killings proved crucial in a tight series, in which both Milford and Sudbury tallied nine runs, with Sudbury's 4-2 win in Game 2 proving to be the largest differential.
"You couldn't have asked for a better series," said Richards. "The two best teams were playing and it went the distance to Game 3. There was great pitching, defense and clutch hitting in close games."
With the series over, Milford celebrated by collecting their championship jackets and posing for pictures. Meanwhile, the fog rolling across the field seemed to mirror the disposition of a sullen and dejected Sudbury squad, which received finalists' jackets.
"At the beginning of the year, I didn't know how far we could go," said Perry. "However, I thought we could get here if we played hard and as a team. I'm very proud of my players."
On the other side, Negus could only smile as he watched his teammates don their jackets. "It is an ecstatic feeling," said the 15-year-old. "This is my first year on the team and to have this feeling is great."
Saturday, August 2
Rain Delays Final
Senior Ruth World Series: A delay for Milford, Sudbury
By Dave McAuley / News Sports Correspondent
Saturday, August 2, 2003
Both teams were primed for the biggest game of the summer, but now they will have to wait.
Last night's Game 3 of the Senior Babe Ruth World Series between Milford and Sudbury was postponed due to inclement weather and is rescheduled for tomorrow night at Feeley Field (7 p.m.).
With the series tied at 1, tomorrow night's game will decide the championship winner in the best-of-3 series.
"(Milford and Sudbury) are the two best teams of the year," said Milford head coach Justin Richards. "Whoever executes the best will come out on top."
Thus far, the two teams have clashed in tight contests, with Milford winning 5-4 in Game 1 and Sudbury avoiding elimination in the second game, prevailing 4-2.
For the Milford Micros, Conor Quinn has been the standout on offense, batting 3 for 6 (.500) and scoring one run. Phil Negus pitched well in the first game, hurling a complete game and striking out seven for the victory.
On the other side, Sudbury catcher Dan Legere is 4 for 6 (.667) with four RBI. Dan Cook tossed seven innings in Game 2, allowing only two runs and striking out five for the complete-game victory. He has also contributed offensively, batting 3 for 4 (.750), with two RBI.
Thursday, July 31
Results: Worlds Series Game 2
Sudbury squares Senior Babe Ruth series
By Dave McAuley / News Sports Correspondent
Thursday, July 31, 2003
MILFORD -- The Sudbury Senior Babe Ruth squad still has a pulse.
Facing elimination, Dan Cook took advantage of a steady defense and hurled a complete game, while Dan Legere drove in two runs, as the visitors defeated the Milford Micros 4-2 at Fino Field last night in the second game of the CMass World Series.
The Series is now tied at 1 and, because Sudbury won a coin flip before Game 1, the deciding game of the best-of-three series is scheduled for tomorrow night at Feeley Field (7 p.m.).
Although he did not have his best stuff last night, Cook yielded only two runs, scattering seven hits, while striking out five to move to 8-0 on the summer. The Sudbury defense, after committing five errors in Game 1 Monday night, rebounded and helped the tall right-hander force Game 3.
"The defense made it. I've thrown about 230 pitches in the past eight days, not including (last night), so my arm was pretty dead," said Cook, who helped Sudbury improve to 15-6-1. "Most of my pitches weren't working. Milford hit the ball hard, but the defense made the plays."
With the pitching and defense holding the Micros' offense at bay, Sudbury jumped out to a lead in the third. With runners on second and third, Legere (2-3) smacked a seeing-eye single into left field, giving the visitors a 2-0 edge.
"Legere's hit was big," said Sudbury head coach Ron Perry. "One thing we did in Game 1 was fall behind. To get ahead gave us some confidence in the game."
After Milford cut the lead in half on Phil Negus' RBI groundout in the home half of the inning, Sudbury responded in the fifth. Chris Nelson (1 for 3, 2 runs) reached on an infield single and advanced to third on Brendan Mahoney's hit-and-run single through the right side. Nelson scored on Ben Tatkow's sacrifice fly for a 3-1 lead, the eventual game-winning run.
The base-to-base philosophy was a prevalent theme for the Sudbury offense. In addition to the sacrifice fly, the visitors executed three additional sacrifice bunts, including a successful suicide squeeze in the seventh to push across Sudbury's final run.
"Moving the runners along was important because we knew this would be a tight game," said Perry. "We were trying to get runners into scoring position and the squeeze bunt was important to get the extra run."
From there, Cook took hold of the game. The biggest jam of the night came in the sixth. Negus led off with a gapper to left-center, but he was thrown out at third trying to leg out a triple, with center fielder Tatkow hitting cutoff man Andrew Wilson, who fired to Alex Burpee to complete the 8-6-5 putout.
"Everybody came up big (last night)," said Legere. "Coach Perry came up and got in our face after Game 1. All year we hadn't been making errors, so we knew the five errors in the first game was not the way we played. It was big for us to come back and step up the defense."
The putout loomed larger when Kevin Andrews -- the second batter of the frame -- walked, advanced to third on Bobby Capuzziello's single and scored on a wild pitch to give Milford its second and final run of the night.
"The play at third was big," said Legere. "The throw wasn't perfect, but it shut them down. It was a momentum killer."
Cook escaped further damage, however, by striking out Hayes to end the inning. Milford stranded six runners on the night.
For the Micros, the defeat meant facing Sudbury on the road after squandering their chance to win the title at home.
"Our biggest problem was being too confident," said Milford head coach Justin Richards, whose team dropped to 18-5. "We know Sudbury is one of the best teams in the league. We wanted to finish out at home, but we didn't get pumped up in the beginning. They jumped out on us early."
For Richards' charges, the key to victory tomorrow will be to change their attitude.
"We need to learn from the mistakes we made (last night)," said Richards, "and show up on Friday pumped up and ready to play."
Meanwhile, Sudbury hopes to carry the momentum from last night's victory into the home-field advantage.
"We definitely feel we can win," said Cook.
Tuesday, July 29
Results: Worlds Series Game 1
Milford Ruth staves off Sudbury
By Dave McAuley / News Sports Correspondent
Tuesday, July 29, 2003
SUDBURY -- The Milford Micros are now one victory away from fulfilling their goal.
Phil Negus hurled seven solid innings and the Milford offense capitalized on five errors as the Micros defeated host Sudbury 5-4 last night in the first game of the CMass Senior Babe Ruth World Series.
Game 2 will be played tomorrow at Fino Field (7 p.m.), where the Micros can capture the title in the best-of-three series.
A coin flip before last night's game determined that Game 3, if necessary, will be played back at Feeley Field in Sudbury.
"We're all really happy right now," said Milford head coach Justin Richards. "We were familiar with (Sudbury starter Mike Gately) and felt very confident with our pitching staff."
Pitching on four days rest, Negus (5-0) did not have his best stuff but was still effective. The right-hander struck out seven, allowing seven hits and four earned runs to help improve Milford's record to 18-4.
"I thought it was a real team effort (last night)," said Negus. "I wasn't as good as I wanted to be, but the team rallied behind me and made the plays that mattered."
Leading 1-0 entering the fourth, Milford worked the count and took advantage of Sudbury's defensive lapses. Two errors and a stolen base put runners in scoring position with one out. Brian Hayes (2-2, run, 2 RBI) then smacked a two-run single, upping the Micros' lead to 3-0.
After a single and walk loaded the bases, reliever Alex Burpee entered and issued two bases-loaded walks, forcing in the final two runs of the four-run outburst.
"They made a couple errors," said Richards. "We've talked about it all year: jumping out on a team. (For Sudbury), coming back from five runs -- especially with wooden bats -- is hard to do."
However, Burpee settled down in the late innings, pitching three scoreless frames to silence the Micros' offense for the remainder of the night. Overall, he pitched 3 2/3 innings, allowing three hits and striking out one.
"(I wanted) someone to come in and keep Milford at bay," said Sudbury head coach Ron Perry, whose team dropped to 14-6-1. "Unfortunately, a couple runs scored (in the fourth), but it is tough coming in with the bases loaded. He's pitched great for us all year. You can put (Burpee) in that situation and he isn't rattled. He's poised and an experienced leader."
Despite a five-run hole, the Sudbury offense never relented. With two outs in the fifth, Dan Cook hit a two-run single, but was thrown out at second when he attempted to stretch it into a double.
In the sixth, Dan Legere (2-3, 2 RBI) lined a two-run double, but was also thrown out to end the inning when he tried legging out a triple.
"They were aggressive base-running plays," said Perry. "They were trying for the extra base and I don't have a problem with them being aggressive. (Milford) made great plays."
With a one-run lead, Negus settled down in the seventh, retiring the side in order to close out the hosts.
"It's always great to have a five-run lead," said the 15-year-old. "It gives you confidence and you have a cushion. I gave up some runs, but we were still ahead. It's nice to have that cushion."
After the victory, Negus -- in his first season with the Micros -- savored the playoff atmosphere.
"It's always a pleasure to play in the playoffs," he said, "and the opportunity to win the next game and the title is awesome."
Friday, July 23 Results
Westborough 3, Ashland 2
Kevin Kinnard drove in the game-winning run with an RBI single in the bottom of the sixth inning as Westborough rallied for a 3-2 victory over visiting Ashland in a CMass Senior Babe Ruth matchup.
Westborough starter Tim Hulbert tossed a four-hitter for the win with eight strikeouts and three walks. Hulbert allowed just four baserunners over the final six innings and finished with 90 pitches.
Jarod Castell tripled and singled, Russell Heim and Jordan Goldberg both doubled and singled, and Kevin Kinnard had two singles for Westborough, which finishes the season with an overall record of 8-9.
Ashland jumped to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first. Andrew Babb led off the game with a single, stole second and third, and scored the first run on Matt Whitehead's single. Whitehead then stole second and third, and came home on Mike Kamin's fielder's choice.
Castell started Westborough's rally by leading off the sixth with a triple. He scored on Heim's double. Goldberg tied it at 2 with an RBI single and then scored the winning run on Kinnard's hit.
Fourth-seeded Ashland (5-13) plays at top-seeded Franklin Monday (6 p.m.) in the opening round of the CMass South Division playoffs.
Allstars Have a Ball
North 6, South 1
All-Star Game
By Ben Rohrbach / News Sports Correspondent
Photo: John J. Crookes
ASHLAND -- You couldn't even read the scorecard if you tried: an 18-man lineup facing a 16-man roster, a leadoff hitter batting just twice in an eight-inning game. The last hitter in one lineup didn't even grab a bat until the fifth inning.
"I didn't keep the scorebook," said Sudbury manager Ron Perry. "I roamed around too much. I was lucky."
The occasion? The CMass Senior Babe Ruth All-Star game. Although the South Division owns three of the top four teams in the league, the North flexed its muscles, dominating the game, 6-1.
"In all-star games, you don't know how the teams are going to come together," said Perry, who along with Framingham skipper Steve Dressler, managed the North to victory. "But we seemed to gel together well, and that gave us a little bit of an edge."
All-star games are meant to be fun, and unless you forgot bug spray, it was a relaxed atmosphere in the forested area behind Ashland High School.
"We came here to have fun," said Marlborough's Dan Rudzinsky. "I gave Eli (Rosenwaite) and Robby (Shannon) a ride here. We got to meet new people. It's just fun to be here."
When having fun, it helps when you crank a three-run double and pitch a scoreless inning, as Rudzinsky did. In the third inning, after Sudbury's Matt Perry reached on an error and Dover-Sherborn's Rob Kutner and Jamie Thorndike each singled, Rudzinsky blasted a shot to right-center field, driving in all three baserunners and giving the North All-Stars a 3-0 lead.
"I got a pitch over the middle, and I hit it," said Rudzinsky, who also pitched a scoreless sixth. "It's good to be able to come up in that situation. I usually bat fourth (for Marlborough), so I'm used to getting RBI. I'm just glad to be here."
Framingham's Phil Goulet also enjoyed the game, considering he went 2-for-3 from the plate and capped a two-run North fourth inning with an RBI infield single. Westborough's Russ Heim walked to lead off the fourth, followed by a double by Sudbury's Dan Legere (2 doubles, 2 runs), one of three hits for the leadoff hitter. A sacrifice fly by Dover-Sherborn's Mike Miklavic drove in Heim, and Goulet followed with a single to plate Legere.
"It's fun," said Goulet. "You get to meet new kids. It's an honor to be in an all-star game. I've played a lot of games in the league, but I've never gotten to play in the all-star game."
The South scored its only run in the seventh, when Millis' Justin Morrell led off with a double to left. Following a groundout, Bellingham's Mark Claffey singled, moving Morrell to third. With Franklin's Joe Macchi at the plate, Claffey took off for second. When the throw skipped through the infield, Morrell scampered home for South's lone tally.
The North all-stars answered with a wild run of its own in the bottom of the seventh. Legere singled to start the inning and moved to second on a passed ball. Franklin's Jason Drapeau induced a fly out to shallow center and struck out Goulet. Drapeau then struck out Westborough's Jordan Goldberg, but the ball snuck past the catcher. Goldberg took off, beating the throw to first. Meanwhile, Legere came all the way around from second, drawing a late throw to the plate. In the end, Goldberg ended up on second and North led comfortably, 6-1.
Fitting end to a wild game, right? So is the fun over for Goulet, Rudzinsky, and the rest of the all-stars looking to shore up one of eight spots in the playoffs in the next couple weeks?
"We've got a game Monday," said a serious Goulet of today's game at Westborough. "I'm pitching. It's a league game, so it's important."
Rudzinsky concurred.
"This is a little warm-up for tomorrow," said Rudzinsky with Perry within hearing distance. "We play Sudbury. It's a big game. They're in first place, so we've gotta be up for it."
Thursday, July 22 Results
Franklin 10, Holliston 0
Dennis Hogan was 4-for-5 with a double and an RBI and Kevin Davis was 3-for-4 with four RBI as visiting Franklin blanked Holliston in Central Mass Senior Babe Ruth action, 10-0.
Franklin ends the regular season at 14-4 and is the champion of the South Division by virtue of Milford's 13-2 win over Bellingham last night. Holliston closes out the year at 4-14.
Joe Salvucci (4-1) earned the pitching win with two innings of relief. He struck out five of the six batters he faced.
Joe Macchi was 2-for-5 for the winners while Dan Friedman doubled for Holliston.
Milford 13, Bellingham 2
Mike Welsh tossed a four-hitter and Jim Kowalik went 4-for-4 with a double and four RBI as Milford cruised past host Bellingham in a CMass Senior Babe Ruth South Division matchup.
In a rematch, second-seeded Bellingham (14-4) hosts No. 3 Milford (11-6-1) Monday night (8 p.m.) in the opening round of the South playoffs.
Welsh allowed just two unearned runs with two strikeouts and three walks.
Leadoff Peter Ferrelli went 3-for-5 with a run scored, Brian Hayes went 2-for-5 with two runs scored, a double and an RBI, and Chris Vine and Cole Filosa each belted two doubles in a 15-hit attack for Milford.
Phil DiMarco and Kyle Gasper scored the runs for Bellingham in the third inning.
Sudbury 10, D-S 3
Alex Burpee had three hits and two RBI to pace a 14-hit attack as Sudbury romped past host Dover-Sherborn in a North Division matchup.
Andy Skelton had two hits and two RBI, and Mike Cordo and Mike Gannon each had two hits and a run scored for regular-season champion Sudbury (14-3), which opens the playoffs at home Monday against the fourth-seeded North team.
Starting pitcher Andrew Derr had two hits for third-seeded D-S (8-1-1), which plays at No. 2 Framingham Monday in the opening round of the playoffs.
Sudbury starter Greg White worked six innings for the win, giving up six hits and three runs, all unearned, with six strikeouts.
Hopkinton 5, Millis 2
Brian Doyle earned a complete-game win on the mound and Pete Sullivan had a two-run single that keyed a five-run sixth inning as visiting Hopkinton defeated Millis in the season finale for both teams.
Hopkinton ends the season at 5-13 while Millis closes out the 2004 campaign at 3-15.
Doyle allowed seven hits while striking out four and walking three.
Hopkinton had only two hits in the five-run sixth. A few walks, bunts and some heads up base running by Dan Merzel and Matt Royal helped make those hits count.
For Millis, Chris Santos was 2-for-3 with a walk and Kevin Gledhill and Al Rafter had doubles.
Monday, July 19 Results
Franklin, Milford
Macchi back in groove: Franklin ace shines in his mound return
By Dave McAuley / News Sports Correspondent
FRANKLIN -- Joe Macchi's arm felt weak.
After toeing the rubber for the Panthers during a grueling high school baseball campaign, Macchi struggled to a 2-2 start this summer for the Franklin Senior Babe Ruth squad.
"I pitched a lot in high school and I wasn't feeling great at the start of the (Ruth) season," said the right-hander. "So I took the past week off to rest my arm."
The Milford Micros wish the break had lasted longer.
Returning from his respite, Macchi allowed only two hits over six innings, while the Franklin offense -- anchored by Phil Towne and Roger Thistle -- took advantage of five Milford errors en route to an 8-1 victory over the Micros in a possible playoff preview last night at Remington Field.
"I felt a lot fresher," Macchi said of his performance. "I was just trying to hit my spots. Plus, it's always great to have the offense jump out quickly."
In improving to 3-2 on the season, Macchi notched one strikeout and effectively mixed a blazing fastball, sharp slider, and deceiving changeup. He also relied on pinpoint control, walking only four.
"Joe got ahead of hitters," said Franklin head coach Steve Florest, whose squad improved to 12-4. "He threw strikes and was fresh coming off the rest, just like we hoped."
Of course, Macchi was also thankful for Franklin's offensive barrage. Leading 1-0 in the second, the Panthers put the game away thanks to a pair of Milford miscues.
After both Pete Beksha and Derek Getchell reached on errors and advanced into scoring position on Joe Salvucci's sacrifice bunt, Beksha scored on Billy Capen's infield grounder, beating the throw to the plate for the 2-0 lead.
Later, with two outs, Towne blasted a two-run double, providing Macchi with a 4-0 edge.
"Our offense has sometimes struggled to drive runs in," said Florest, whose squad hosts Hopkinton tomorrow (6 p.m.). "But we got guys on and made Milford pay for its mistakes."
Before tacking on their final run via two errors in the fifth, the Panthers registered three in the fourth. After a walk, single, and error loaded the bases, No. 9 hitter Thistle shot a 2-1 fastball into left-center for a bases-clearing double and a 7-0 lead.
"I was looking for the ball inside and found the gap," said Thistle. "Our offense will hurt anyone if they give us extra outs."
The Panthers power surge was plenty for Macchi and too much for Milford starter Greg Long (3-3), who relinquished four runs (one earned) over two innings of work. Three Micros relievers were also victimized by two more unearned runs.
"Macchi did a good job of mixing speeds and keeping us off balance," said Milford head coach Justin Richards. "We hit the ball well, but they made the plays. ... The bottom line is we have to be sharper in the field, at the plate, and on the mound. We know we can compete. We just have to come together and eliminate our mistakes."
Milford (9-6-1) will have extra incentive to start improving in tomorrow's game against Millis (Milford Town Park, 6 p.m.), as second-place Franklin and the third-place Micros will most likely meet in the first round of the playoffs, beginning Monday.
"We have to finish strong," said Florest. "Milford has a very good team and just had an off day. We have to step up over the next couple weeks."
Framingham 3, Natick 1
Double trouble: Goulet, Gordon combine on three-hitter against Natick
By Rick Rendell / News Sports Correspondent
NATICK -- Framingham Senior Babe Ruth coach Steve Dressler gave his pitchers another rave review after last night's game. For good reason.
Framingham's hurlers Phil Goulet and Joe Gordon combined on a three-hitter as Framingham defeated rival Natick, 3-1, in a CMass League matchup. Natick's lone run was the first earned one that Framingham's pitchers have allowed in the last six games, a streak which includes three shutouts.
"My whole pitching staff has been outstanding all year," said Dressler. "My three starters all have ERA's of 1.20 or better."
Goulet started last night's game and worked three innings. He allowed two hits and one earned run with two strikeouts and two walks. Gordon worked four scoreless innings in relief, fanning six and walking two. All three Natick hits were singles.
Jeff Tardiff, the third starter on Framingham's staff who pitched 10 shutout innings against league-leading Sudbury last week, was the hitting star in last night's game, going 3-for-3 with a double and two RBI.
Playoff-bound Framingham (11-5) had already clinched second place in the league behind Sudbury. Framingham hosts Marlborough at Carey Field tomorrow night (7 p.m) as it prepares for the postseason. This will be a payback game for Framingham, which lost to Marlborough in the season opener.
"My goal going into tonight's game was to give both Goulet and Gordon work," said Dressler. "I plan to use Tardiff tomorrow night. We need to get everyone ready for the playoffs."
Natick's hurlers pitched well enough to win with starter Anthony Tomasetti settling down after a shaky first inning for a solid effort on the mound. Tomasetti worked 5 2/3-innings, allowing eight hits and three earned runs while striking out seven and walking just one. Tomasetti lost a pitching duel to Gordon earlier in the season when Framingham pushed across two unearned runs in a 2-0 win.
"He's had some tough losses all year," said Natick's coach and Tomasetti's older brother, Jim Tomasetti.
Mark Anderson struck out all four batters he faced after coming in for Tomasetti in the sixth.
Framingham scored twice in the top of the first. With one out, shortstop Matt Gedman (2-for-3) singled to left. After Goulet reached on a forceout, Nick Guarino and Tardiff belted back-to-back RBI doubles.
"(Tomasetti) is a tough pitcher," said Dressler. "The quicker you jump on him the better. His velocity picked up after that."
"You don't want to be chasing a team like Framingham," said Jim Tomasetti. "The last thing we want to do is chase them after the first inning."
Natick cut Framingham's lead to 2-1 in the bottom of the third. Chris Curtis was hit by a pitch with one out to start the rally. After moving to second on Anderson's sacrifice bunt, Curtis came home on leadoff hitter Kevin Fleming's single which just eluded the dive of Framingham second baseman Alex Johnson.
Natick had a chance to do more damage in the inning when Dan Turner followed with a walk and Dan Ciocca singled to load the bases. But Goulet got out of the jam by getting the next batter on a flyout to right.
"We just can't come up with the big hit," said Jim Tomasetti. "We've needed big hits all year but it has been our Achilles heel."
Framingham padded its lead with an insurance run in the sixth. Gedman led off with a double and stole third. Tomasetti fanned the next two batters. But Tardiff rapped a hard infield hit off Tomasetti to plate Gedman.
"That was a huge run," said Dressler. "There's a big difference going from 2-1 to 3-1."
Gordon closed out the seventh, 1-2-3 with two K's.
Natick (7-9), still hoping to land the fourth and final playoff berth in the league, travels to Marlborough Thursday night (Stevens Field, 6 p.m.) in its regular season finale.
"I fully expect us to win," said Jim Tomasetti. "I'm confident our kids will come through. We're a team of warriors that I'll take to battle any time."
Ashland 7, Hopkinton 0
Matt Whitehead gave up a hit in the first inning, another in the seventh and nothing in between, tossing a complete-game shutout in a 7-0 victory against Hopkinton. Whitehead, who added two hits at the plate, struck out two and did not walk a batter for his first win of the year. His catcher Steve Boardman led the offensive attack for Ashland (4-12), with two singles, three RBI and two runs scored. Pat Olson added a pair of singles, an RBI and a run, while Mike Karam had a double and two RBI. Ashland hosts Holliston tomorrow.
Sudbury 8, Millis 0
Sudbury jumped out to an early lead with five runs in the first inning, and relied on Mi | |
