Published in the June 8, 2017 edition

Senior Mike McCauley attempts to lay down a bunt during Saturday’s playoff game against Saugus. (John Friberg photo)

Senior Mike McCauley attempts to lay down a bunt during Saturday’s playoff game against Saugus. (John Friberg photo)

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

Last Saturday afternoon, the North Reading High baseball team was upset by visiting Saugus, 7-4, at Carey Park in the preliminary round of the Division 3 North state tournament. With that defeat, the 14th-seeded Hornets ended the year at 10-11. The 19th-seeded Sachems, meanwhile, lost their next game at Lynnfield, 8-0, on Sunday to end the 2017 campaign at 9-13.

“We had six errors which was the most we had all year,” pointed out Hornets manager Eric Archambault. “We battled with then but they are a good-hitting team and they play in a very good league (Northeastern Conference).”

The Hornets scored two runs in the first and sixth innings while the Sachems plated two runs in the third and fourth innings. They then scored three runs in the top of the fifth.

North Reading’s offense had five hits led by Marco Vittozzi who went 2 for 3 with one run batted in as he was the team’s lone multiple hitter. Alex D’Ambrosio had an RBI single while the two other runs came on an error and a wild pitch.

Dan Madden was the losing pitcher ended the year at 5-3. He went four innings allowing four runs, five hits two walks and he struck out two. Only two of the runs were earned.

Ryan Connor went the final three frames allowing three runs but none were earned. He only gave up one hit. He fanned two and walked two.