Published in the April 28, 2016 edition
JUNIOR DAN MADDEN delivers a winning pitch in his decisive debut on the mound securing an 11-1 win over the Pentucket Sachems. Dan’s stats for the day: 7IP, 1ER, 4H, 3BB, 6K. (Deanna Castro Photo)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NORTH READING — Last Saturday morning, the North Reading High baseball team won at Amesbury, 13–8, to improve to 6–0 overall and in the Cape Ann League.
The Hornets scored five runs in the top of the first inning but the Indians answered with a grand slam homer to cut the lead to one in the bottom of the first. The game was then knotted at seven after the second inning as the Hornets outscored the Indians, 6-1, the rest of the way.
“It was a crazy game,” acknowledged Hornets manager Eric Archambault.
The North Reading offense pounded out 13 hits led by Jeff Mejia who was a perfect 4 for 4 with two runs batted in. John Merullo was 3 for 4 with two RBI while Shawn DiVecchia was 3 for 5 with three RBI.
Despite a shaky performance, pitcher Dan Madden improved to 2–0. He went three innings allowing seven runs (four earned).
“Our offense showed up,” stated Archambault.
Win at Lynnfield
On April 21, the Hornets won at Lynnfield, 8–2. Mike McCauley improved to 2–0, going six innings. He gave up one run, four hits, five walks and he fanned four Pioneer batters.
“He competed all game and got the big outs when he needed too,” said Archambault.
North Reading’s offense had eight hits led by Sean Castro who went 2 for 3 with one RBI. Mike Driscoll reached base three times with two walks and an RBI single. Tyler Calos added a two run double.
Johnson lights out, 4–1
On April 19, the Hornets defeated Triton, 4–1, at home. Greg Johnson improved to 2–0 on the hill with a complete game effort. The righty gave up one run, four hits, one walk and he struck out five.
“He was lights out,” stated Archambault. “He only threw 88 pitches.”
The offense had 10 hits off Vikings pitching. Castro led the way going a perfect 2 for 2 with a walk and one RBI. Mejia and Merullo were both 2 for 4 at the dish with one RBI each. Driscoll was also 2 for 4.
On Thursday afternoon, the Hornets visit Manchester–Essex at 3:45 pm. Saturday morning at 10, the Hornets welcome Georgetown. Next Tuesday night at 6:30, North Reading visits Rockport.
