Published in the July 18, 2017 edition.
MALDEN — The Wakefield Merchants lost their fourth straight last night against what many consider to be the best team in the Intercity League. The Andre Chiefs continue to torch the ICL, as they picked up their fifth straight win against the Merchants last night at Maplewood Park in Malden.
Justin Kerhulas received the unenviable task of trying to tame Andre’s powerful offense. He went 3.1 innings, giving up five hits and five earned runs while striking out three.
Spencer Meyer was called on in relief for the second straight night, as he gave up two hits and one earned run in 1.2 innings. Wakefield’s defense was shaky, as the Merchants allowed three unearned runs while Meyer was on the mound.
Greg Johnson pitched a clean 6th inning for the Merchants.
The Chiefs’ Josh Desai picked up his third win of the season as he shut down a scuffling Wakefield offense. The Merchants had been the highest scoring team in the ICL during the first half of the season, but haven’t scored more than two runs in their last three games.
Mark Webber had two hits including a triple, and two RBIs to lead the way for the Merchants.
Louis Tarantino and Scott Searles were the only other Merchants to pick up a hit.
Pete Copa’s grand slam was the highlight for the Chiefs. Mike Burgoyne and Nate Witkowski also picked up two RBIs for Andre. The Chiefs are technically in second place in the ICL to the Watertown Reds who have played four more games than the Chiefs.
Wakefield is now tied for fourth in the ICL with the Reading Bulldogs.
The Merchants will have a day off to prepare for the Arlington Trojans who will visit Wakefield on Wednesday night, 6 p.m. at Walsh Field in what should be another close game. The Trojans won the first matchup, 7-6, on June 9, and the Merchants won the next game, 1-0, on June 21.
