By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
MELROSE — On Sunday afternoon, the Melrose Americans won their sixth-consecutive game as they blanked the visiting Lexington Bulldogs, 6-0, at Morelli Field.
With that victory, the Americans improved to 14-7-1 as they are in third place in the Intercity League. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs fell to 7-15.
Nick Colucci was the story of this one posting a shutout as he pitched all seven innings to go to 3-2. He gave up six hits, one walk and struck out seven.
“He was our closer but we turned him into a starter,” explained Americans manager Kevin Burgoyne. “He was immense and he has been a very reliable pitcher for us.”
On offense, Melrose had six hits with the big one being a two-run homer by Jack Beverly to left field in the bottom of the fifth inning.
Beverly, who went 2 for 4, also had a two-run single in the second.
“That was his fourth game with us,” pointed out Burgoyne. “He was playing in the futures league down in Brockton before he joined us.”
Tad Giardina had the other run batted in with a RBI double in the fourth.
On July 25, the Americans beat host ADSL, 16-2, in a six-inning mercy-rule game at Town Field in Dorchester,
“We mashed the ball that night,” said Burgoyne.
Melrose erupted for eight runs in the top of the second and had six more in the top of the sixth.
The offense had 18 hits led by Giardina who went 3 for 4 with four RBI and walked once. Owen Duggan also had a big night as he was 3 for 4 with two RBI and he also scored twice.
John Jennings was 2 for 5 with two RBI and two runs score.
Chris Kline went 2 for 5 as well with two runs knocked in while Melrose resident, Ian Libby, went 2 for 4 with two RBI and he also scored twice.
Matt Chiodo was the winning pitcher going all six innings to go to 1-0. He gave up two runs, seven hits, two walks and he fanned five.
“Matt was dominant” said Burgoyne, as Chioda’s earned-run average dropped to 2.33.
On July 24, the Americans nipped guest Mass Envelope, 3-2, at Morelli Field.
Mike Nestor was the story of this one as the hurler struck out 17, picked three runners off base and caught a line drive back to the mound, making him personally responsible for all 21 outs.
“That is something I have never seen in a game before,” recalled Burgoyne. “Mike is one of the top three pitchers in this league and he is the ace of our staff.”
Nestor improved to 4-1 as he went all seven innings. He gave up two runs, five hits, and walked two.
Down 2-0, Melrose plated three runs in the bottom of the sixth. Beverly homered and the Americans tied it on a wild pitch.
The game winner came on a bases-loaded walk by pinch hitter Matt Elwell.
Melrose had just three hits as Jennings and Eric Paradis had the two other hits along with the homer by Beverly.
Melrose hosted the Al Thomas Athletics on Thursday night in their regular season finale (results not available as of press time).
Next week, the Intercity League playoffs will start.
