Franklin Panthers: My Site News

To say that CHRIS KOUDELKA is the heart and sole of Franklin Senior Babe Ruth's team would be an understatement. Chris went 6 2/3's in the season opener against Ashland, throwing 123 pitches for the win; on the day he returned from Italy, he showed up ready to play because he landed earlier than expected; and tonight, he overcame a tough start, dug in, and pitched a gem of a game. The final line will show 7 hits, 9 walks (1 intentional) and a loss ... but what the results won't show, is the bulldog effort put forth by Chris as Franklin rallied from a 5-2 4th inning deficit, to tie the game in the 7th and lose in the 8th (on a ball-3 call that many in attendance THOUGHT should have been STRIKE-3). Koudelka finished with 168 pitches, 85 for strikes; no groceries bagged at Stop-N-Shop this weekend for Koudelka! Milford finally beat Franklin tonight, but Franklin als beat themselves with some early defensive lapses that proved to be too big a hole to dig out of.

JOHN WALSH (2-5 2-runs), inserted into the #1 spot in the batting order, opened the game with a double to RCF. Walsh, scored when JOEY PALAZINI (3-4 2RBI) reached on an infield error. Franklin took a 1-0 lead to the B-1st inning. Koudelka struggled early, but most of the problems were his own doing. 3 walks and his own error accounted for Milford's 2 runs in the B-1st inning; SCOTT DECAPUA singled home ALEX TONKONOGY making the score 2-1 Milford after 1 inning of play.

CAM COSSETTE was pitching for Milford and struck out 5 batters in the first 7 outs. AJ KING (2-4 2 SB) singled in the T-3rd, stole 2nd and 3rd and scored on Palazini's 1st hit of the game in the 3rd inning to cut the Milford lead to 3-2.

Franklin's lackluster defensive effort let Milford reestablish a 2 run lead with another pair of errors; 4 through 3 innings. The big one was a fly out to CF'er JIMMY HENCHY who uncorked a strike to home plate to what seemed like doubling up the Milford runner from 3rd; but the catcher was unable to hold the ball and Milford jumped back up 4-2.

In the B-4th, another Franklin error lead to another Milford run and MIKE TORELLI flew out to RF, scoring Tonkonogy, who moved up 90 feet with a Franklin outfield fielding error.

Franklin cut the lead to 5-4 in the T-5th when Walsh opened with a single. AJ King followed with another single, Palazini singled to score Walsh and King scored when Milford had to throw down to 1st to record a dropped 3rd strike. JIMMY HENCHY reached base with only 1 out ... BRAD PADULA sacraficed both runners along before CAM COSSETTE (7+IP) struck out the next Franklin batter. At this time, Koudelka found a 'groove' and started mowing down Milford batters; to the tune of 5 K's in the next 3 innings.

Koudelka recorded a 2-out single in the T-6th and stole 2nd as Franklin tried desperately to tie the game; Koudelka was stranded on 2nd base; which brought us to the top of the 7th inning.

Needing a run, to extend the season, CONNOR COLLINS lead off the 7th with a walk. Palazini then singled Collins up to 2nd base. Franklin had 2 on with none out. As Palazini broke for 2nd base, Henchy hit the ball straight up the middle, problem was that Tonkonogy was moving towards the bag, fielded the ball, stepped on 2nd base and threw to 1st for the double-play, with Collins moving up to 3rd as the tying run. Padula, on an 0-2 count and fouling off 2 more pitches, beat out an infield single up the middle, that Tonkonogy knocked down, but could not make a strong throw to 1st, scoring Collins and tying the game at 5. Padula would steal 2nd base and then NICK GALLO was called out on strikes on what looked like a ball down; we'll leave it at that. Meanwhile, Koudelka was in a groove and retired Milford 1-2-3 in the bottom of the 7th.

ALEX REMILLARD pinch-hit, drawing a walk, and ending the night for Cossette; JOHN ROCHE, re-entered the game as the runner and stole 2nd base with none out. Only a flare to 2nd base, snared by Tonkonogy, doubling Roche off 2nd got Milford out of the jam as IAN GRIMES relieved Cossette admirably. Grimes would strike out the next Franklin batter to bring Milford in to bat in the B-8th.

Here's where "the ball call" took place, McNanna would eventually walk changing the entire dynamics of the inning. Instead of BRENDAN POUNDS sacraficing McNanna to 2nd, he actually stole 2nd base, Pounds singled on a sacrafice attempt putting runners on 1st and 3rd with none out. Franklin chose to walk Tonkonogy setting up the force at home; SCOTT DECAPUA put a 1-0 offering into LCF and Milford walked off Fino Field, a 6-5 winner in 8 innings.

I stand by my notion that Milford may have beaten Franklin on the scoreboard, but Franklin beat Franklin tonight! Milford executed the game to perfection in the later innings; but Franklin dug themselves too big a hole to climb out of early.

Congratulations to Milford, who advances again at the hands of Franklin to take on Bellingham in the South Division Finals.

JIMMY HENCHY delivered the needed pitching output as Franklin rallied to tie the game in the 5th and win the game in the 6th. Henchy took the mound and avoided a 1st inning miscue when trying to pick BRENDAN POUNDS off 1st base, his throw avoided NICK GALLO as Pounds raced to 2nd base. Henchy got a K and a fly to RF to get out of a quick jam. In the B-1st, JOHN WALSH (3-4) had a 2-out single, but was stranded there as GARRETT HANDLEY fielded the final out from the mound.

In the 2nd, CAM COSSETTE walked and stole 2nd, taking 3rd when the throw down ended up in the outfield. Henchy struck out the next two Milford batters to avoid another deficit. Franklin jumped out 1-0 in the B-2nd when PATRICK O'REILLY singled, Gallo followed with a walk and CHRIS KOUDEKLA (2-3) singled to CF, O'Reilly scored, but a terrific relay from COLE MCNANNA to Pounds to MIKE BRANCH nailed Gallo trying to score from 1st; a well executed relay from Milford.

In Milford's 3rd, McNanna opened with a walk and took 2nd base. After a fly out, Henchy picked McNanna off 2nd base then struck out the next batter to bring Franklin back in to hit. BRAD PADULA reached on an infield error and AJ KING sacraficed Padula up to 2nd base. Handley struck out the next batter than got a routine fly to RF to end the scoring threat.

In the 4th, MIKE TRACY singled to open the frame, a fly to CF was followed by a routine 6-3 double play ball up the middle as King fielded the ball cleanly and fired to Gallo to complete the double play. O'Reilly and Gallo would both receive 2 out walks in the B-4th, but Handley stuck out the next batter as the pitchers were taking over this game.

Enter the 5th inning. Branch drew a 1-out walk followed by a BRYAN HILDEBRAND single putting runners on 1st and 2nd. McNanna singled to CF apparantly loading the bases, but the ball evaded the Franklin CF and everyone moved up an additional 90 feet; Branch scoring to tie the game. Tonkonogy flew to RF scoring Hildebrand putting Milford up 2-1. Henchy walked Pounds before getting the final out hit back to him.

Franklin quickly tied the game in the B-5th as King singled with 1 out. King stole 2nd base and move to 3rd on Walsh's 2nd hit of the game. JOEY PALAZINI singled gome King and only a 4-6-3 double play kept the game tied at 2; another defensive gem turned in by Milford.

Henchy got into a jam in the 6th with an error and hit batter, both with 2 outs, but Henchy retired the final batter on a pop to Walsh at 2nd base.

The late-arriving CHRIS ROCHE pinch-hit to open the B-6th and singled. Roche moved to 2nd when an attempted pick-off evaded DeCapua at 1st. O'Reilly (1-1 2 walks) walked again and then both Roche and O'Reilly moved up 90 feet on a passed ball. CHRIS KOUDELKA singled in Roche, moving to 2nd on the throw home. After getting the 2nd out, King (2-3 sac) singled home O'Reilly and then John Walsh delivered the crushing blow, a 2-run double plating Koudelka and King. All Henchy needed was to get 3 outs ...

Nothing comes easy for Franklin. Milford's leadoff hitter in the 7th 2-bounced the ball back to Henchy, who threw wide to 1st. No problem, Franklin was up 4 and just needed outs. Tonkonogy followed with a 4-pitch walk ... PROBLEM brewing!  After a fly-out to CF, Henchy induced a grounder up the middle, King to Walsh at 2nd to force Tonkonogy. Chirs Roche fielded the final out at 3rd, threw wide to Gallo at 1st, who had plenty of time to reach bag and tag the bag!

Franklin evens the series at 1 game apiece, heading to Fino Field on Wednesday for a 7:00 PM showdown to see who advances to the South Division Finals.

When you load the bases in the T-1st against the opponents ace pitcher and fail to score, that would be considered a serious blown opportunity; and that's exactly what happened. Consecutive 1-out singles by AJ KING, JOHN WALSH and CONNOR COLLINS; but none in the gaps to allow multiple base advancement, then, Milford starting pitcher MIKE TRACY buckled down and struck out the next two Franklin batters. PATRICK O'REILLY took the hill for Franklin in Game-1 and escaped his own trouble in the B-1st retiring MIKE TAROLLI with 2 on and 2 out.

In the 2nd, O'Reilly lead off with a single, NICK GALLO followed with a walk and both runners advanced on a passed ball as Franklin was back in business. CHRIS KOUDELKA (2-3) stroked a basehit scoring O'Reilly. CHRIS ROCHE followed with a sac fly to RF to plate Gallo as Franklin was up 2-0. O'Reilly put 2 Milford batters on with 2 outs in the 2nd, retiring the last batter with a fly to RF.

Collins opened the 3rd with a walk, took 2nd on a wild pitch and moved to 3rd on a ground out, but another Franklin scoring opportunity was lost.

Both O'Reilly and Tracy hit their groove in the middle innings which brought us to the B-5th with Franklin on top 2-0. ALEX TONKONOGY laced a 1-out single followed by a BRENDAN POUNDS single and Milford was in business. MATT HASTINGS reached 1st on a fielders choice when King tagged Tonkonongy on his way to 3rd. SCOTT DECAPUA and Tarolli then delivered RBI singles to tie the game at 2. CAM COSSETTE then put Milford up 3-2 when his groundball could not be handled cleanly. Another walk reloaded the bases and the Milford faithful were into the game. O'Reilly got out of the jam with a fly to right. But the damage was done.

JOEY PALAZINI opened the 6th with a walk; taking 2nd on a passed ball. O'Reilly moved Palazini to 3rd on a ground out where Gallo delivered a fly to CF to even the game at 3.

CAM KELLEY replaced O'Reilly on the hill, who walked COLE MCNANNA on a 3-2 pitch. Cole stole 2nd and took 3rd as the throw went into CF. Tonkonogy singled to score McNanna, off Koudelka who replaced Kelley mid at-bat. Pounds walked and Hasting singled to reload the bases; none out. A passed ball allowed all runners to advance 90 feet; Cossette singled scoring another Milford run then Tracy drew a bases loaded walk to account for the 7th run.

Franklin went very quietly in the 7th, wasting a great pitching effort from O'Reilly. Milford's CHRIS TRAFECANTE was injured tripping over Franklin's Nick Gallo on a ground-out, his return to the lineup for Games 2 and 3 is questionable.

Franklin will host Milford on Tuesday at Fletcher-3, 5:45 start. JIMMY HENCHY on the mound as Franklin tries to even the series.

After running the table at 5-0 last week, the only win recorded by Franklin in the seasons final week, was a forfeit win at the hands of Hopkinton.

The week started with a rematch against Medfield, who mercied Franklin 14-4 in the first meeting as Franklin had some serious defensive lapses. Nothing changed in the 2nd meeting as Medfield scored 2-2-2-4-1 in the 5 ininngs and Franklin commited 5 errors in the 1st 3 innings; this game was in run-off mode after the 2nd inning. PATRICK O'REILLY deserved better than the defense he was provided, 3 of the 4 runs scored were unearned. Franklin recorded 3 hits for the game, 1 each from JIMMY GIBSON, CONNOR COLLINS and BRAD PADULA.

Wednesday's game against Hopkinton was rained out as storms struck the MetroWest area right around 4:00 PM. With an already depleted roster and no commitment for a weekend roster, Hopkinton had to forfeit the make-up game which could not be scheduled.

This lead into Thursday's playoff preview with Milford. JOHN WALSH took the mound and made it through 2 innings unscathed, before plunking the Milford batter-runner with his throw to 1st base. This allowed 1 run to score and moved the batter, ALEX TONKONOGY to 2nd base. Two runs would score on a single by SCOTT DECAPUA.

Franklin cut into the 3-0 lead in the bottom of the 4th when John Walsh singled and stole 2nd. JOEY PALAZINI (2-3) tripled to LCF scoring Walsh. JIMMY HENCHY followed with a sac fly to deep CF as Palazini walked home to make the score 3-2.

CHRIS KOUDELKA took the mound to get in an inning, who allowed a single to IAN GRIMES scoring CHRIS TRAFECANTE. Koudelka would leave runners on 2nd and 3rd to close the inning.

Palazini, in his final regular season Senior Ruth game, took the mound for the 2nd time this season in the 6th and after walking the lead-off batter, Franklin appeared to have the runner caught up between 3rd and home, but we failed to execute the rundown to perfection and the runner scored.

BRAD PADULA, also in his final regular season Senior Ruth game, took the mound for the 7th. This was Brad's 1st pitching effort in "quite awhile"; Padula retired the 1st 2 Milford batters, then was rocked for a triple by pinch-hitter BRYAN HILDEBRAND. COLE MCNANNA then singled home Hildebrand to account for the 6-2 final.

For Milford, GARRETT HANDLEY pitched a complete game 5-hitter striking out 4.

Franklin finishes the season at 12-7 with some terrible defensive games that they MUST put behind them. Franklin will travel to Milford (15-3) to open the South Division Playoffs on Monday; field TBA. If Franklin cannot clean-up their defensive woes, we have no chance of playing with, never mind beating Milford.

Behind some timely hitting, decent baserunning and pitching efforts on the mound; Franklin was able to erase some shoddy defensive innings and sweep Natick 11-4 and 3-0 at Mahan Field.

CHRIS KOUDELKA took the mound as Franklin was the home team in Game-1 where back-to-back 2-out singles by MIKE ABBRUESZE and DEREK BUTLER gave Natick a quick 1-0 lead. Franklin responded with 2 in the 1st as CHRIS ROCHE walked and stole 2nd; JIMMY GIBSON (2-4 3RBI) singled to score Roche. Gibson stole and moved to 3rd on a wild pitch. ALEX REMILLARD (2-4 2RBI) plated Gibson with a single of his own and Franklin was looking to open this game up early. Franklin would load the bases with a JIMMY HENCHY single and a PATRICK O'REILLY walk, but score no more as Butler got out of the jam.

Natick tied the game in the 2nd as JOHN DAVENPORT walked and scored without a ball leaving the infield. Natick jumped out 4-2 in the 3rd as JACK TURNER singled to score Abbruesze with Butler coming home when the throw from RF sailed to the backstop. At this point, something needed to be said. Too many sloppy plays in the field, too many chances blown and too many outs needed by Franklin pitchers; and we were only down 4-2! Gibson atoned for an earlier miscue when he reached on a Natick error. Remillard followed with a blast to deep CF for a double, easily scoring Gibson who was off on the pitch.

In the 4th, Koudelka got into a groove and retired Natick in order in the 4th, 5th and 6th innings. In Franklin's 4th, 6 consecutive batters reached base and scored, putting Franklin up 9-4. NICK GALLO walked, PATRICK O'REILLY reached on an error, JOHN ROCHE had an RBI single, Koudelka was HBP, BEN FINN followed with an RBI single. Chris Roche reached via an error allowing Gibson and CONNOR COLLINS to single home runs.

Franklin added 2 more in the B-6th; Koudelka lead off with a single, BRAD PADULA sacraficed the runner over. Chris Roche singled to score Koudelka, Gibson then roped a double scoring Roche for the 11-4 final.

In the 2nd game of the double-header, Franklin took a 2-0 lead in the 2nd inning. Patrick O'Reilly singled, an errant pick off moved O'Reilly to 2nd, but the coach waved O'Reilly over to 3rd, got greedy and O'Reilly paid the price. A nice throw from Abbruesze nailed O'Reilly going to 3rd. John Roche had a 2-out single, Ben Finn singled home Roche and Brad Padula singled home Finn for the 2-0 lead. Finn took the mound in game-2 and had trouble throwing strikes. Finn had 2 Natick runners on in all 3 innings; being replaced after walking the first 2 Natick batters in the B-3rd inning. Connor Collins came in from LF and slammed the door shut.

Franklin added a run in the T-6th when Koudelka lead off with a single, moved to 2nd on John Roche's groundout. Natick attempted to pick Koudelka off 2nd and threw the ball into CF moving Koudelka to 3rd, as the throw came in, the ball skipped away from the Natick 3rd-baseman and Chris hopped up and hustled home making the score 3-0.

Some leather was finally thrown around the infield as JACK SAMESKI solidified the 2nd base position (with normal 2b-man Koudelka in LF, JOHN WALSH away and Remillard on the bench) having a hand in 6 defensive outs in his 5 innings at 2nd base.

With the sweep, Franklin improves to 11-5 and has a firm grip on 3rd place ahead of Medway. Franklin travels to Hopkinton (3-13) on Monday. With the losses, Natick falls to 2-13 and travels to Framingham (9-6-1) on Monday.

JIMMY HENCHY had his "A" game on, striking out 13 batters en route to a 6-1 Franklin win over Medway. Henchy got off to a slow start allowing 2 runners in each of the 1st two innings, but did not allow a run. Franklin had a leadoff single and steal of 2nd by CHRIS ROCHE and proceeded to pop out and ground out their way through 2 innings.

Jump ahead to the 3rd inning; Henchy recorded 12 of the next 15 outs via the Strike-out! Henchy retired Medway in order in both the 3rd and 4th innings while Franklin pushed a single run across in the B-3rd. JIMMY GIBSON reached on an error and stole 2nd. JOHN ROCHE singled with Gibson taking 3rd. Roche would take 2nd without drawing a throw putting runners on 2nd and 3rd with none out. BEN FINN was hit by pitch on an 0-2 count to load the bases. CHRIS ROCHE lifted a bleeder to LCF that looked like it might fall in, or might not. LF CHRIS GALLIHER made a diving catch; both Roche and Gibson tagged and moved up. Medway appealed both runners leaving early as Galliher's catch was close to falling in. The umpires adjudged both runners to have tagged and move up properly, and Franklin was ahead 1-0.  JEREMY KAPLAN record 2 more outs to escape only down 1 run. Franklin went 1-2-3 in the 4th as we move to the 5th with Franklin holding a 1-0 lead.

A leadoff walk to Kaplan had the potential tying run on base for Medway, Henchy recorded 3 straight K's in the inning, 6 K's in a row at this point with 2 looking to close the 5th.

PATRICK O'REILLY lead off the B-5th with a single, BRAD PADULA ran for O'Reilly and immediately stole 2nd. Gibson reached on another infield error  and JOHN ROCHE followed with a hit by pitch to load the bases. After recording an out, CHRIS ROCHE was also hit by a pitch, scoring Padula. AJ KING then ripped a double scoring both Gibson and John Roche and Franklin was up 4-0. ALEX REMILLARD grounded to 1st, scoring CHRIS ROCHE, while CONNOR COLLINS singled plating King and Franklin was up 6-0.

KEVIN CULCASI opened the Medway 6th with a single, STEVE SHULMAN walked to put runners on 1st and 2nd. Following a strike out, Henchy walked JORDAN KROZY while ANDREW HENRY singled to score Culcasi, cutting Franklin's lead to 6-1. Henchy buckled down and struck out the next two Medway batters to get out of the inning.

In Franklin's 6th, Jimmy Gibson (1-3) singled, stole both 2nd and 3rd, then was tagged out at home trying to score on a passed ball.

Henchy took the mound for the 7th with a 5 run lead. After a leadoff single from Galliher, Henchy again buckled down and enduced a pop to short to go along with 2 K's and Franklin defeated Medway 6-1.

With the win, Franklin improves to 9-5 and jumps ahead of Medway into 3rd place. Franklin travels to Natick (2-11) on Friday for a doubleheader while Medway falls to 8-6 and drops to 4th place in the South Division. Medway travels to Milford (12-2) on Friday.

With Bellingham's win over Hopkinton, Franklin has clinched a spot in the South Divisional Playoffs! Congratulations boys!

PATRICK O'REILLY put together another strong Franklin pitching performance and the Franklin bats continued to stay hot as Franklin defeated Sudbury 8-4 at Feely Field Tuesday evening. As the home team playing in Sudbury, O'Reilly was in immediate trouble as PATRICK LONGO (1-2) doubled to open the game. Sudbury pitcher OWEN BAUTZE (3-4) singled home Longo giving Sudbury the quick 1-0 lead.

Franklin answered with 2 in the B-1st as AJ KING reached following the rare Catcher's Interference, King stole 2nd. JOHN WALSH followed with a walk, and both runners moved up on a wild pitch. CONNOR COLLINS grounded to short, scoring King while Walsh scored on another ball to the backstop.

In the 2nd, Sudbury tied the game on walks to MATT HALL and BRENDAN KELLY to open the inning. TIMMY ANTONELLIS reached on a Franklin fielding error, which also scored Hall. Franklin retook the lead in the B-2nd when JOEY PALAZINI (2-2) opened with a walk. JOHN ROCHE also walked setting up BRAD PADULA's 2-out single scoring Palazini.

O'Reilly got Sudbury 1-2-3 in the 3rd with a few deep fly outs, while Bautze almost duplicated O'Reilly's effort getting a double play to end the Franklin 3rd.

Sudbury tied the game in the T-4th in a weird inning. Bautze double to open the inning, SHANE SEFTON sacraficed Bautze to 3rd setting up 'the play'. Hall bounced sharply to King at 1st, who ran towards Bautze as he headed home. Bautze got into a rundown and appeared to slide around the tag of Franklin catcher John Roche; but the umpire never singled safe. Roche reached back and tagged Bautze, and the umpire signaled 'out'. Antonellis eventually doubled home Hall to tie the game at 4.

JIMMY HENCHY opened Franklin's 4th with a double, Palazini sacraficed Henchy to 3rd and actually beat the Sudbury defender to 1st base. On the 'first-and-third' play, Palazini took 2nd and Henchy walked home when the throw to 2nd evaded the Sudbury fielder. O'Reilly then laid down another sac bunt, and O'Reilly beat that bunt attempt out also. CHRIS KOUDELKA forced O'Reilly at 2nd, but Palazini scored on the play and Franklin was up 5-3.

Sudbury chipped away in the T-5th with a 2-out rally. O'Reilly got the first two batters on 2 pitches; Longo walked, DANNY NOBILE (1-1) singled and then Bautze singled scoring Longo. Franklin answered with 3 in the B-5th as King opened with a walk, Walsh doubled home King, Henchy followed with a 1-out walk. Palazini and O'Reilly then delivered back-to-back singles scoring Walsh and Henchy and Franklin was up 8-4 after 5.

O'Reilly went back out for the 6th and got Sudbury 1-2-3 with 2 called 3rd strikes. Sudbury's MICHAEL WALSH equaled O'Reilly getting Franklin 1-2-3 in the bottom of the 6th inning; setting up the 7th inning.

O'Reilly plunked TREVOR BRADLEY-DADE with a 3-2 pitch, that was the end of the night for O'Reilly. Friday's hero, CHRIS KOUDELAK came in to relieve O'Reilly. ADAM GIGLIOTTI reached on a fielding miscue. After a fly out by KIERAN PATHAK; who made at least 4 FABULOUS catches in CF for Sudbury, Koudelka plunked Longo bringing the tying run to the plate. Koudelka then got the next two Sudbury batters on a K and a grounder back to the mound.

Franklin improves to 8-5, setting up a huge game against Medway (8-5) on Wednesday at Fletcher-3 in Franklin; 5:45 PM start. Franklin won the first South Division match-up 17-1 when the Franklin bats exploded. Expect Medway to come looking for revenge. Sudbury falls to 6-9, but still holds a 2 game lead over Westboro for the 4th spot in the North Division. Sudbury hosts Medfield (7-5-1) on Friday.

Franklin jumped out to a 9-3 lead after 4 1/2 innings, then held off a furious Ashland comeback with the tying run stranded at 2nd base.

AJ KING (3-4) opened the 1st inning with a 1-out single, followed up by a steal of 2nd, but Ashland starter ZACH BLECHER was able to strand the Franklin runner. CAM KELLEY took the mound for Franklin in the B-1st and gave up a 1-out double to NICK CUNNINGHAM (2-3). Cunningham would score when DEREK MASIONIS single skipped over the LF's glove, as Cunningham, who originall stopped rounding 3rd, skipped home to put Ashland up 1-0 after an inning.

In the 2nd, JIMMY HENCHY (2-4) singled to open the inning, JOHN WALSH followed with a loud flyout to LF. JOEY PALAZINI (2-4) then doubled putting Franklin runners on 2nd and 3rd. Following a pop to the pitcher, BRAD PADULA walked. A failed pickoff of Padula allowed Henchy to score and tie the game. CHRIS KOUDELKA (2-3) singled home Palazini. Padula would score on a passed ball, putting Franklin up 3-1. CHRIS ROCHE (1-4) and King both singled home Koudelka and Roche as Franklin jumped out to a 5-1 lead.

With the lead, Kelley mowed down Ashland in the 2nd with 2 K's; bringing the suddenly hot Franklin bats back in to do some more hitting.

In Franklin's 3rd, CONNOR COLLINS (1-4), JOHN WALSH (2-4) and JOHN ROCHE (1-3) all singled as Roche drove in Walsh. Koudelka followed with another single and RBI plating Roche as Franklin was up 8-1 heading into the bottom of the 3rd. Ashland struck for 2 runs in the bottom of the 3rd on a Franklin infield error as the ball was thrown out of play on JOHN CIAMPAGLIA's (1-4) infield grounder. Kelley recorded his 5th K to end the 3rd inning.

Franklin and Ashland exchanged quick innings in the 4th as Ashland mounted a 2-out rally, but a flyout to Padula in right and Kelley escaped the jam.

Henchy opened the 5th with a single, Henchy would move to 2nd on an Ashland error, take 3rd on Walsh's single and score on a passed ball. Franklin appeared to be closing out the game with a 9-3 lead and runners on 2nd and 3rd with only 1 out. But Ashland relief pitcher STEVEN SCHERER retired the next 2 batters and Franklin's efforts to put the game away were thwarted. Kelley walked the 1st 2 Ashland batters to open the 5th, ending the night for Cam. Collins came in from RF getting the first batter he faced. Masionis singled home BRENDAN THURBER and then JEREMY BHANDARI singled home Cunningham cutting Franklin's lead to 9-5. PATRICK KIRWAN grounded into what should have been an inning ending double play, but the throw from 2nd avoided Walsh at 1st allowing Masionis to score and cut the lead to 9-6.

King recorded his 3rd hit of the game with 1 out in the 6th, then PATRICK O'REILLY layed down a beautiful sacrafice bunt ... and reached 1st base on the hit. But again, Scherer retired the next 2 Franklin batters, the last out, a slicing liner down the RF line brought in by a diving IAN FISTER.

Collins record 2 outs, wrapped around a Scherer single. Thurber walked and Cunningham singled to load the bases as Ashland looked to catch Franklin. Jimmy Henchy came in from the OF to try and close the door. Ciampaglia greeted Henchy with a single, scoring Scherer cutting the lead to 9-7 and then Thurber scored on a wild pitch cutting the lead to 9-8.

In the 7th, Palazini reached on a single and was run for by JIMMY GIBSON; but again, Scherer got Franklin to end the inning as Ashland looked to complete the comeback. Henchy retired Bhandari on strikes to start the bottom of the 7th in a 9 pitch at bat. Patrick Kirwan was also retired by the K. MICHAEL LITCHENSTEIN then uncorked a massive shot to deep CF that two-hopped the fence. Henchy closed the door with a high popout to Koudelka at 2nd base.

Franklin improves to 7-5 and travels to Feeley Field in Sudbury where they will play Sudbury (6-7) as the home team. Ashland (7-6) travels to 0-12 Holliston on Wednesday.

A pitching gem thrown by CHRIS KOUDELKA Friday night under the lights in Holliston as Koudelka no-hit the Holliston Senior Babe Ruth squad striking out 11 batters; including all 3 outs in the 1st inning with called 3rd strikes. Koudelka's curveball was working, setting up his fastball which was down and consistently over the plate. Koudelka did walk 6 batters in the evening.

CHRIS ROCHE opened the game with a lenghty at-bat fouling off numerous pitches from starter LIAM MCCALLUM, before dropping a liner into RF for a double. CONNOR COLLINS (2-4 2-RBI) plated Roche with a 2-out single and Franklin was ahead for good. Koudelka made quick work in the B-1st.

ALEX REMILLARD opened the 2nd with a single and stole 2nd base, BRAD PADULA followed with a 1-out walk and JOHN ROCHE laid down a perfect sacrafice bunt moving the runners over. McCallum retired the final Franklin batter to get out of the jam.  Koudelka retired Holliston in the 3nd facing 4 batters, striking out 1.

Chris Roche opened the 3rd with a single, taking off on a 1-1 pitch to AJ KING, Roche scored easily as King doubled to LCF. King then stole 3rd as he wasn't being held at 2nd. Collins soon followed with his 2nd hit and 2nd RBI plating King. JIMMY HENCHY reached on a fielders choice and moved to 3rd when Remillard next at bat resulted in the ball being thrown out of play. JIMMY GIBSON singled up the middle, easily scoring Henchy, but Remillard was gunned down at the plate, 8-2, as CORDONI threw a strike to DECASTRO.

Holliston's best chance came in the B-3rd, 2 on and 2 outs, after several close calls on pickoff moves to 1st, Koudelka finally got Cordoni leaning the wrong way as King applied the tag.

Franklin plated 3 more runs in the T-4th as Padula singled and stole 2nd base. Koudelka singled home Padula, BEN FINN singled to move Koudelka to 3rd where he scored on King's FC. King stole 2nd base and scored when PATRICK O'REILLY's grounder was misplayed out of bounds. Franklin up 7-0 through 3 1/2.

The balance of the game was Koudelka, who retired 12 of the next 14 Holliston batters; ending the No-Hitter fittingly, with a called 3rd strike out.

Franklin improves to 6-5 and travels to Ashland (7-5) on Monday. Franklin defeated Ashland 4-3 back on Opening Day, while Holliston falls to 0-12 and hosts Sudbury (5-7) on Monday.

Saturday, Franklin will be represented in the CMSBR All-Star game by CHRIS KOUDELKA, PATRICK O'REILLY and JOHN WALSH. The game will be played at Natick's Mahan Field at 7:00 PM.

An overthrow on a 20 foot throw from the outfield into second base, allowed KEVIN BLACKNEY to walk home and score the 8th and deciding run as Westboro defeated Franklin 8-7 at Franklin HS Monday evening.

The game was in question as heavy downpours hit Franklin around 4:20 PM and the playability of FHS' field was going to come into question. It didn't as the field looked beautiful; for the 1st time following monsoon-like conditions for 5-10 minutes.

BEN FINN took the mound for Franklin an escaped a bases-loaded 2-out jam with a fly to CAM KELLEY in left field. In Franklin's 1st, CHRIS ROCHE lead off with a single, stole 2nd base and moved to 3rd on CHRIS KOUDELKA's sacrafice. JOHN WALSH grounded out to short in the next at bat, plating Roche from 3rd base and Franklin was off and running in this game.

Finn had a hand in all 3 outs in the 2nd inning, following a leadoff single, Finn snared a liner up the middle, then easily threw to 1st to double off Westboro's starting pitcher BRETT ROBINSON. JOEY PALAZINI reached on an error and took 2nd on the throw to open the 2nd for Franklin. ALEX REMILLARD sacraficed Palazini to 3rd base; but ended up stranded at 3rd as the inning closed.

Westboro put 1 on with 1 out in the 3rd, but never advanced to 2nd base. In Franklin's 3rd, JUSTIN BATES opened with a walk, Kelley sacraficed Bates to 2nd base and Chris Roche moved him to 3rd on an infield ground out. A walk to Koudelka was followed with another ground ball out and Franklin left 2 more runners on base.

The T-4th was the end of the evening for Finn who walked 2 batters on 8 pitches. JACK SAMESKI took the mound for his 1st CMSBR appearance and fielded the expected sacrafice. A walk was followed by a 2-run single from SCOTT ERICKSON and Westboro was on top 2-1. GREG ALVES grounded out to short scoring MARK VANCINI making it 3-1 Westboro and TYLER SLICKEN followed with an RBI single of his own making the score 4-1. Franklin went 1-2-3 in the B-4th and the game was getting away.

Kelley came in from LF to start the 5th allowing only a 2-out walk to bring Franklin back in to hit. JOHN ROCHE and AJ KING opened the B-5th with walks. BRAD PADULA reached on an error, scoring Roche. Pinch hitter NICK GALLO singled to score King and cut the Scorpions lead to 4-3. Chris Roche walked to reload the bases. Koudelka tied the game reaching on a 6-4 fielders choice. JIMMY HENCHY singled home Gallo while Palazini drew a bases-loaded walk to score Koudelka, putting Franklin ahead 6-4.

Then ... it happened. With 2 outs, Alves singled to put runners on 1st and 3rd. Franklin called to CF to bring in Henchy to try and slam the door. Slicken tied the game with a basehit to LF that skipped over the LF's glove, allowing Slicken to take 2nd.  Blackney walked setting the stage for BRENDAN BLACK. Black dropped a Henchy 2-0 offering into the OF scoring Slicken. Blackney moving over to 3rd. The routine return throw from the OF to the IF was botched, and Blackney literally walked home with the 8th Westboro run. A 6-4 lead turned into an 8-6 deficit.

Blackney, who relieved Robinson in the 5th, returned for the 6th and allowed Padula to reach 2nd base on a steal with 2 outs, retiring the next Franklin batter via the strikeout.

In the T-7th, a leadoff single by JOHNNY MCGUIRE called for the sacrafice from Robinson. Three balls in the infield and Franklin was coming to bat in the B-7th, looking for 2 runs to tie the game; and the top of the order to do it.

Chris Roche reached on an error, took 2nd on a passed ball. Koudelka drew a 8 pitch walk staying alive several times with foul balls. JOHN WALSH sacraficed the runners up to 2nd and 3rd with 1 out. Roche scored on a passed ball with Koudelka, the tying run, taking 3rd. Henchy grounded hard to 3rd where Koudelka could not take the chance. Palalzini drew a 4 pitch walk to put the winning run on base. Franklin's hopes were dashed when the next hitter grounded out to 3rd base for the final out. Westboro held on for an 8-7 win.

With the loss, Franklin drops to 5-5 and travels to Holliston (0-7) on Friday for a game under the lights at Adams Middle School; 7:00 PM. With the win, Westboro improves to 4-5 and grabs that elusive 4th place in the North Division. Westboro hosts Medway (6-3) on Thursday before facing the league's Division Leaders of Bellingham (9-1) on Friday and Framingham (6-2-1) on Saturday; prior to the CMSBR All-Star game slated for 7:00 PM in Natick.

Simply put, YOU CANNOT CONTINUE TO MAKE 9+ ERRORS A GAME, and expect to be in a ballgame.

Despite 9 errors and numerous additional mental errors, with the score at 8-4 entering the bottom of the 5th; the wheels came off.

Error after error after mental error ... enough said.

Tremendous effort by JOHN WALSH, taking over on the hill in the B-3rd, pitched his heart out; and the entire Franklin team let him down. Starting pitcher CAM KELLEY faired no better with the defense behind him as the defense coughed up the 2-0 lead they acquired in the T-1st, giving up 4 runs on 2 hits, 4 walks and 3 errors. 2 of those walks were useless as they came 'after the storm of errors'.

Walsh finished 2-3 with a 2-run triple and a disputed caught stealing of 3rd.

AJ KING 3-3, 2 runs scored and a steal.

BRAD PADULA, an ominous 0-3, reaching via an error and fielder's choice, but scoring 2 runs and swiping a bag.

The news doesn't get any better as Bellingham rolled into and out of Franklin with a hard fought 9-5 win, that didn't seem to be as close as the score indicated. Bellingham broke open a 3-3 tie in the top of the 6th plating 6 runs. Franklin answered with 2 of their own and had the bases loaded, but DAVID SAMPSON and an 8:10 end to the 6th inning spelt defeat for Franklin.

The game opened wonderfully for Franklin as JIMMY HENCHY took the mound and retired the side on K's. Not to be outdone, COLLINS UTTERMAN did almost the same for Bellingham getting Franklin in order with 1 K.

KEVIN Guiliano opened the 2nd with a single to center, but was forced at 2nd when Utterman's pop fell between 1st and home, with Henchy firing to CHRIS ROCHE at 2nd for the force. Utterman stole 2nd, moved to 3rd on a passed ball and scored when CODI BOUCHER flied to CONNOR COLLINS in LF. Franklin responded putting runners on 1st and 2nd with 1 out on singles by Collins and JOE PALAZINI, but Utterman retired the next 2 Franklin batters to escape unscathed.

In the T-3rd, Henchy retired the 1st two Bellingham batters. Back-to-back-to-back walks eventually brought CORY BOUCHER home on a PB/WP. Franklin broke through with a lone run in the B-3rd. BRAD PADULA opened with a 4-pitch walk, stole 2nd and scored on JOHN WALSH's basehit. Utterman again escaped with a strike-em-out / throw-em-out getting the Franklin runner trying to take 3rd base; STEVE FORZIATE to Guiliano.

As Henchy left the mound in the 3rd, he indicated that his arm was sore so Connor Collins took over. Guiliano welcomed Collins into the game with a triple to deep LCF. Utterman reached 2nd on another Franklin infield error, allowing Utterman to up Bellingham's lead to 3-1. Collins escaped further damage recording 2 outs at 3rd to AJ KING on a steal and sacrafice.

Henchy singled to open the B-4th and was replaced on the bases by JIMMY GIBSON. Palazini singled and both moved up on a passed ball. 2nd and 3rd with nobody out. Two strike-outs later and Franklin was blowing another opportunity. Padula singled home Gibson and then CHRIS ROCHE lined one up the middle; right into Utterman's glove. Franklin trailed 3-2 after 4.

Another error and walk had two Bellingham runners on with only 1 out, Collins induced a fly to LF and a K to escape more damage. King opened the B-5th with a walk and took 2nd when an errant throw from home to 1st gave King enough time and space to move up. John Walsh followed with another walk setting up the obvious bunt situation. After 2 failed attempts, Collins grounded out 4-3, moving both runners up anyway. Jimmy Gibson grounded out 4-3 also, but scored King to tie the game at 3.

Then the wheels fell off! A hit batter and another Franklin error setup Bellingham in their obvious bunt situation. Collins fielded the bunt attempt and fired to King at 3rd for the out. Another hit batter loaded the bases and NICK MEZZADRI  broke the tie with a basehit. Another Franklin infield error allowed 2 more runners to score opening the lead to 6-3. Back to back singles from JOE MANGINE and CONNOR BIRCH and Bellingham was up 9-3. ALEX REMILLARD relived Collins for the final out, but the Franklin defense, or lack there of, let Collins down.

In the B-6th, Remillard, CAM KELLEY and Chris Roche all walked to load the bases with 1 away. Another strike out brought John Walsh to the plate with 2 away. Walsh singled in Remillard and Kelley followed on a pb/wp. Collins drew a walk to reload the bases. Bellingham coaches saw enough, brought in DAVID SAMPSON who got Gibson to fly to RF to end the threat.

After a quick consultation with the umpires, noting the time and lead; the 7th inning was abandoned.

Franklin falls to 5-3 and travels to Medfield (3-3-1) on Friday, 5:45 at Schilling Field at Medfield HS. Bellingham (7-1) sits atop the South Division and travels to Natick's (1-4) Mahan Field on Friday.

News on two fronts this evening.

First, tonight's scheduled game between Natick and Franklin will be rescheduled as a double-header in Natick on July 13th. Franklin will probably be the home team in the 1st game and the away team in the nightcap.

Secondly, Hopkinton is having trouble getting players to attend their games. Therefore, they have forfeited the previous game that we were going to attempt to reschedule.

Sporting a .135 batting average coming into the Medway game, and piling up strike outs at an alarming rate, Franklin racked up 15 hits and 17 runs in a 17-1 win at Medway High School. With the win, Franklin improved to 3-2 while Medway dropped to 1-4.

AJ KING, right off the Xaverian D-1 State Championship opened the game reaching on an infield error. Having trouble scoring, BRAD PADULA dropped down a sac bunt, which turned into a single, PATRICK O'REILLY worked a 3-2 walk to load the bases with nobody out. CONNOR COLLINS and JOHN WALSH both delivered RBI singles to put Franklin up 2-0 while JIMMY GIBSON doubled to right scoring NICK GALLO to end the T-1st inning; Franklin up 5-0.

O'Reilly took the mound with the surprising cushion and hit KEVIN CULCASI with an 0-2 curveball. ANDREW HENRY scored Culcasi with an infield groundball. Henry would be cut down at 3rd to end the inning on a Padula to BEN FINN to Gibson 9-3-5 play at 3rd base.

CHRIS KOUDELKA opened the 2nd with a HBP, stole 2nd and scored on a passed ball to up Franklin's lead to 6-1. O'Reilly got Medway 1-2-3 in both the 2nd and 3rd innings without a ball leaving the infield. Henry retired Franklin 1-2-3 in the T-3rd, the only inning Franklin was kept off the board.

In the T-4th, Franklin added to their 6-1 lead as Gibson (3-3) singled, Finn walked, Koudelka (2-2) singled and then King unloaded the bases with a 3-run triple down the LF line. Padula followed with another blast to LCF scoring King, Padula was retired trying to stretch the double into a triple; Gibson's double in the 1st was Franklin's 1st extra-base hit of the 5 game season.

Medway mounted a small offense in the B-4th as back-to-back singles by Henry and TYLER KROZY had 2 on and only 1 out, a fielders choice and a foul out to catcher JOHN ROCHE ended the 4th; Franklin up 10-1.

JACK SAMESKI opened the T-5th with a single to right, ALEX REMILLARD, Gallo and Gibson all followed with singles to make the score 11-1. Finn reached on an infield error making the score 12-1, then Koudelka dropped in a 2-run single making the score 13-1. JOHN ROCHE and PAT O'REILLY both had RBI singles followed by CONNOR COLLINS' sac fly to CF, making the score 17-1.

O'Reilly got Medway 1-2-3 after allowing a leadoff single. For the evening, O'Reilly threw only 55 pitches, 43 for strikes. An AMAZING 78.2 strike percentage!

Frankling improves to 3-2 and travels to 2-0-1 Framingham Wednesday night, 7:00 PM at Bowditch. Medway (1-4) hosts Natick (0-2), also on Wednesday at Medway HS.

That Franklin only trailed 3-1 after 4 1/2 innings was amazing. Visiting Holliston left 12 runners on base through 5 innings and was only a hit away from blowing this game wide open, but Franklin was able to take advantage of their base-running opportunities to rally for a 4-3 win, their 2nd 4-3 comeback win of the season.

Holliston opened the 1st with 2 walks, a hit batter, a fielders choice and an RBI single from NICK MARSHALL plating starting pitcher STEVE HENNESSY to give Holliston the early 1-0 lead; Holliston left the bases loaded in the 1st inning.

In the 2nd inning, Franklin starting pitcher BEN FINN got the 1st 2 Holliston batters, but back-to-back singles had Holliston looking to add to their lead with their 2-3-4 hitters coming to the plate. JIMMY GIBSON make an inning-saving catch of a foul ball heading toward the Franklin dugout to avoid further trouble, 2 more left on base for Holliston.

Franklin tied the game in the B-2nd inning, CHRIS ROCHE reached on an error and moved to 2nd on a passed ball. Following a walk to CONNOR COLLINS, JOHN ROCHE (no relation) singled home Chris Roche to tie the game. Hennessy retired the next 3 Franklin batters to get out of the inning.

Finn walked the leadoff batter in the T-3rd and was replaced with CAM KELLEY. A stolen base and a single had runners on 1st and 3rd where Hennessy took home on the throw down to 2nd base. Holliston back on top 2-1. Another hit batter and Holliston was clogging the basepaths again, Kelley was able to get out of the jam retiring the next 2 Holliston hitters; 2 more runners left on base for Holliston.

Franklin managed to get runners on 2nd and 3rd with 2 down in the B-3rd, but a Chris Roche fly to CF was brought in by MIKE SANCOMB.

A walk and an error in the T-4th accounted for 2 more Holliston men stranded; that's 9 through 4 innings. Franklin went just as quietly in their 4th inning as John Roche singled, stole 2nd and was also stranded.

In the T-5th, Kelley was replaced with BRENDAN COLLINS (yes, related) after a leadoff walk. Another error and 2 more walks put Holliston back on top 2-1; but 3 more Holliston runners were left on base. Collins struck out 2 after relieving Kelley.

Franklin tied the game in the bottom of the 5th, Brendan Collins opened the inning with a walk, as did BRAD PADULA and JOHN WALSH. Franklin has the bases loaded with nobody out. JIMMY HENCHY bounced the 1st pitch back up the middle, Hennessy fielded the ball reaching over his head, 1st thinking about going to 2nd for the double play possibility, turned and fired home to get Collins at the plate on a force. Hennessy struck out the next Franklin batter and it looked like Holliston was about to get out of their jam. Chris Roche took Hennessy's 1st pitch back up the middle, scoring Padula and John Walsh to tie the game.

PATRICK O'REILLY relieved Brendan Collins to open the 6th and had a nice 10 pitch inning, with a walk, Holliston's LOB total reached 13 runners. ALEX REMILLARD pinch-hit in the b-6th with 2 outs and singled. Remillard immediately stole 2nd to get into scoring position as O'Reilly came to bat looking to deliver Rem. Holliston pitcher MIKE GALEAZ retired O'Reilly and the teams went to the 7th tied at 3.

Nick Marshall reached on an error to open the 7th, then LIAM DELANEY dropped down a beauty of a sacrafice as O'Reilly's only option was to go to 1st base. O'Reilly retired the next 2 Holliston batters on a groundout and a strikeout. Franklin coming to bat with a chance to win the game.

Padula dropped down a bunt and beat the throw to 1st. Padula stole 2nd base on the 1st pitch looking to get in position to score the winning run. John Walsh was supposed to bunt Padula over to 3rd, but managed to bound one up the middle with Padula taking 3rd. In the obvious 1st and 3rd situation, Walsh waltzed into 2nd uncontested and then Henchy delivered what looked like the possible game-ending fly to RF. Only problem was Hennessy delivered a laser to home plate from RF as Padula stayed at 3rd base. He would easily have been out. JOEY PALAZINI then took the 2nd pitch from Galeaz back up the middle and Padula trotted home with the winning run.

Franklin (2-0) travels to Milford (2-0) on Tuesday for a game at Fino Field at 7:00 PM while Holliston (0-2) hosts Hopkinton (0-2) on Wednesday.

Jimmy Henchy took the mound for Franklin, battling Mike Tracy for Milford and the pitchers were dominant early. Henchy retired the first 6 batters while Tracy fanned 9 of 26 batters he faced.

In Milford's 3rd inning, MIKE TAROLLI singled and scored when BRYAN HILDEBRAND blasted a ball over JOE PALAZINI's head in RF. ALEX TONKONOGY scored Hildebrand which was followed up with a 2-run single by CHRIS TRAFECANTE. Milford took a 4-0 lead to the 4th inning.

Franklin was able to load the bases with none out on a walk by BRAD PADULA, a single by PATRICK O'REILLY and a hit batter to Henchy. CONNOR COLLINS delivered a fly to right that scored Padula, but Tracy got out of the inning relatively unscathed.

At this point, the coaching staff was fed up with all the missed signs and opportunities; what was a decent 4-1 game, turned into an 11-2 laugher ... at our expense.

Franklin (2-1) hosts Hopkinton (2-1) Friday, 5:45 PM at Franklin High School while Milford (3-0) hosts Bellingham (2-0) in another South Division show-down on Saturday.

Not being able to find a 9th player, the Hopkinton Senior Babe Ruth team informed Franklin that they would not be able to play last night.

At the moment, the teams will attempt to reschedule the game, if no date can be mutually worked out, Franklin will receive the forfeit win.

Franklin (2-1) travels to Bellingham (2-0) on Sunday, 7:30 PM while Hopkinton (2-1) hosts Milford (3-0) on Monday, 5:45 PM.

Sunday nights game between Franklin at Bellingham, played at Richardson Field, was a contest of walks and whiffs. The short, quick story; Franklin whiffed 13 times in 7 innings; while Bellingham received 5 1st inning walks putting up a quick 2-0 lead that Franklin could never recover from.

Franklin opened the affair with a pair of walks as CHRIS ROCHE and BRAD PADULA had the Franklin faithful looking to take an early lead. Bellingham pitcher TYLER SMITH whiffed the next 2 batters and a fly to CF ended the T-1st inning. CHRIS KOUDELKA took the mound for Franklin, retired the 1st batter, then walked 5 of the next 6 batters putting Bellingham on top 2-0. CHAD CONNOR smacked a deep fly ot left that PATRICK O'REILLY caught at the base of the fence; it could have been worse for Franklin. CAM KELLEY came in mid at-bat to the 8th Bellingham hitter; and got the called 3rd strike to end the inning.

A 2-out walk by ALEX REMILLARD went by the wayside and Kelley returned for the B-2nd inning. A hit batter and a sacrafice had Bellingham looking for more; Kelley struck out one batter and enduced a groundout to short to escape, only down 2-0 after 2.

Padula got the 1st hit of the game, a 2-out single; then O'Reilly ripped a liner down the RF line that would easily have scored the running Padula, but CHAD CONNER was positioned perfectly and retired O'Reilly. Smith opened Bellingham's 3rd with another walk, a steal of 2nd and then a sacrafice, and Bellingham was in business again. CONNOR BIRCH singled home Smith. TYLER SUTHERLAND followed with a rope over JOE PALAZINI's head in RF; but a Palazini to NICK GALLO to JOHN WALSH got Birch going to 3rd base.

In the 4th, and for the balance of the game, Franklin's at bats were horrible. Two strikeouts and a grounder to the pitcher was the Franklin 4th inning. Two strikeouts and a pop to 2nd base was the 5th inning. In the 6th, Franklin broke the shutout with a Chris Roche 1-out single, a Padula walk and then O'Reilly grounded to 2nd as Roche scored; O'Reilly reached on the Bellingham error. KEVIN MARTINIS retired all 3 outs via the strike out. In the Franklin 7th, KEVIN GUILIANO retired the 1st two Franklin batters via the K, JUSTIN BATES drew a pinch-hit walk, advanced to 2nd on a wild pitch, moved over to 3rd when the Bellingham 1stbaseman could not handle the throw from deep 3rd and scored on another passed ball.

JOHN WALSH pitched the 6th for Franklin allowing an unearned run as Franklin committed 2 errors in the frame.

CAM KELLEY pitched a solid 4 1/3 innings in relief for Franklin.

The good news, the team batting average can ONLY get better.

The bad news, the team batting average dropped from .153 to .134.

 Franklin (2-2) travels to Medway (1-3) on Monday, a 5:45 PM start at Medway HS while Bellingham (3-0) prepares for Sudbury (2-1) Wednesday evening at Richardson.

Chris Koudelka was in and out of trouble all night, but everytime a pitching change was thought about, Koudelka buckled down and escaped serious damage tossing 123 pitches over 6 2/3 innings as Franklin rallied from a 3-0 deficit to defeat visiting Ashland 4-3.

Franklin took the field and quickly recorded 2 outs before allowing an Ashland batter to reach via error; Koudelka retired the Ashland batter on 3 pitches, the last a called 3rd strike and Franklin was coming on to hit. Ashland pitcher Nick Cunningham had something else on his mind retiring the first 8 Franklin batters; 5 via the K and not a single ball out of the infield.

 In Ashland's 2nd, Koudelka had control problems walking 4 of 5 batters allowing Ashland to take a 1-0 lead into the B-2nd. Cunningham responded with his 2nd 1-2-3 inning in 2 innings.

 Ashland tacked on 2 more run in the T-3rd with 2 outs as Scherer plated Masionis on a ball that evaded Franklin's 3rd baseman and Kirwan hustled home on a passed ball putting Ashland up 3-0.

The Panthers responded with 2 in the B-3rd as Koudelka was the first Panther to reach base with a 2-out walk. Catcher John Roche reached when Ashland could not retire Roche on a ground ball. Pinch-hitter AJ King drew a 4-pitch walk to load the bases and John Walsh followed with a 2-run sinlge cutting the Ashland lead to 3-2.

Koudelka recorded his first 1-2-3 inning in the 5th while Cunningham had his 3rd 1-2-3 inning in the Franklin 4th; as Franklin could not solve Cunningham and his effective change of speeds and the teams exchanged 0's on the scoreboard.

In Franklin's 5th, Nick Gallo opened the inning drawing a walk, Cunningham struck out the next 2 Franklin batters, but King delivered an 0-2 pitch with Gallo running into RF as Gallo hustled home to tie the game at 3.

Ashland's leadoff hitter Patrick Kirwan singled to open the T-6th,  but a called 3rd strike, a fielders choice and a pop to 2nd got Koudelka out of the jam and in to take their shots at the plate.

Patrick O'Reilly singled to open the B-6th, James Walsh pinch-ran for O'Reilly as Jimmy Henchy sacraficed Walsh over to 2nd base. Henchy's hustle allowed Jimmy to beat the throw to 1st and Franklin had 2 on with none out in the B-6th. Cunningham retired the next 2 batters setting the stage for a tight finish. Chris Roche received a 4-pitch walk to load the bases bringing Gallo to bat. Gallo delivered the game-winning RBI when he was hit with an inside pitch; scoring James Walsh.

Koudleka took the mound attempting to finish the game; having thrown 105 pitches through 6 innings. After retiring the first 2 Ashland batters, Koudelka walked Brendan Thurber, who immediately stole 2nd base, then walked Kevin Hester on a 3-2 pitch. That was the end of the night for Koudelka. Patrick O'Reilly came in for a 2 pitch save enducing a foul pop out to Gallo at 1st base ending the game.

A valiant effort from Ashland's Nick Cunningham, allowing only 4 hits while striking out 10.

 Franklin hosts 0-1 Holliston on Monday at Franklin High School.