Published in the July 6, 2017 edition
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
The North Reading 12-year old Williamsport Tournament Little League All-Stars defeated host Wakefield, 4-0, on Sunday to go to 1-1 in District 13 play. Pitcher Justin Bailey was the story of this game as he went four innings to get the win. He gave up two hits, no walks and he struck out eight.
“He was spot on,” said Hornets manager Rich Doucette. “He threw a lot of first-pitch strikes and controlled the game well.”
At bat, he helped his own cause with a solo homer to left-center field.
Nick Doucette preserved the shutout with two scoreless innings in the fifth and sixth. He gave up two hits, no walks and fanned four.
North Reading’s offense had nine hits led by Andrew Daley who went 2 for 3 with one run batted in.
The two other Hornet runs scored on Wakefield errors.
They plated one run in the second frame while the other three runs scored in the third.
Last Friday night in the opener, the Hornets fell to guest Reading, 7-4, at Benevento Park.
“They have a strong-hitting team one through nine,” said Doucette. “Their pitcher was also tough.”
North Reading was only able to muster three hits with the big one being a three-run homer by Bailey to right field that tied the game at three in the fourth inning.
However, Reading scored four times in the fifth to take the lead for good.
Rubino and Doucette had the Hornets other hits.
Rubino was the losing pitcher going 4 1/3 innings. He gave up five runs, seven hits, one walk and he struck out six. Bailey pitched the rest of the game and he allowed two runs.
North Reading’s next game in Thursday afternoon at 5:45 as they visit Stoneham. They then visit Wilmington at Rotary Park this Saturday morning at 10.
Next Monday, they finish pool play as they welcome Woburn to Benevento Park. That game will start at 5:45 pm.
Only the top two, of the six overall teams, will advance.
