THE MELROSE 12-year-old All-Stars had a memorable run in the Williamsport District Tournament, making it to the championship game where they came up just short, 2-1 to Everett. Pictured, Melrose celebrates Lincoln Schuyler’s home run in the 4th inning. From left to right is Calvin Hoag, Charlie Recinito, Lincoln Schuyler, Bryce Phillips, Declan Flaherty, Conor Barrington, Brendan Burke and Reid Sterling. (Courtesy Photo)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
DORCHESTER — It was a heartbreaking end for the Melrose 12-year old Williamsport Tournament All-Stars as they lost, 2-1, to Everett in the District 12 championship game at McConnell Park in Dorchester last Thursday evening.
With that defeat, Melrose finished the tournament at 3-1 while Everett advanced to the Section 3 leg of the tournament.
Lincoln Schuyler gave the locals a 1-0 lead with a homer to left-center field in the top of the fourth inning.
Everett responded plating two runs in the bottom of the fourth as two players scored on a wild patch and an error.
“It was a great pitcher’s duel,” said Melrose head coach Jay Recinito.
The tough-luck Melrose pitcher was Calvin Hoag, who went 1-1 on the hill in the tournament. He pitched all five innings giving up just two runs, two hits, two walks and he struck out 14.
“He was amazing,” stated Recinito. “There was only one regular put out of the 15 outs recorded.”
The problem was the Melrose offense had only three hits. Along with the Schuyler home run, Rocco Motroni doubled in the sixth and Declan Flaherty singled in the second for the two other hits.
“We couldn’t get enough base runners,” said Recinito.
It was a memorable tournament for the team and Recinito enjoyed it.
“It was a great opportunity to coach them,” he said. “I have watched them grow up since they were five-years old when they started playing.”
