By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

MELROSE — On July 12, the Melrose Americans lost to the visiting Lexington Blue Sox, 9-4, at Morelli Field in Intercity League play. With the loss, the Americans record dropped to 8-7 while the Blue Sox improved to 7-7.

The Americans entered this week in third place in the six-team league.

“We came out flat and you can’t do that in this league,” said Americans head coach Kevin Burgoyne. “They got off to a good start and it was too little too late for us when we finally scored.”

Lexington scored two runs in the second and five more in the top of the third In the third they had back-top-back homers to break the game open. 

Melrose scored two runs in the fifth and sixth innings as Cory Bright and Nick Giangregorio each had two-run doubles.

The Blue Sox added two more runs in the top of the seventh. 

Melrose starting pitcher, Nick Colucci, pitched two plus innings giving up five hits and six runs for the loss. His record fell to 1-2. 

The Americans had eight hits overall led by Jack Beverly and Mike Nestor who both went 2 for 3. Both players also scored once and Nestor had one steal as well. 

On July 11, the Americans beat the host Lexington Bulldogs, 11-7, at Lexington High School.

Melrose had 12 hits led by Ian Libby who was 3 for 4 with four RBI. Dave Hunter was 2 for 4 with one runs scored while Beverly was the team’s other multiple hitter going 2 for 5. 

“Ian is one of the top hitters in our league,” stated Burgoyne, about the Melrose resident. “He had a very good night.” 

Aidan Barry knocked in two while Nestor, Bright and Ted Giardina all added one RBI. 

“We hit the ball a lot and put guys in motion to get the extra base several times,” said Burgoyne.

Chris Mitchell was the winning pitcher going to 1-2 on the hill. He went 4 1/3 innings allowing six runs, nine hits, one walk and he fanned two. Bobby Tramomdozzi pitched the rest of the game giving up one run. 

The Sunday home game against the Andre Chiefs was rained out (make up date unknown at press time).

Melrose will now play four games in four days. On July 23, they host the Bulldogs at 4 p.m. They then visit Lexington High the next night to take on the Blue Sox at 8 p.m.

On Tuesday night, also at 8 p.m., the Americans visit Malden at Maplewood Park. On the 26th, they host Andre at 7:30 p.m.