Published in the May 26, 2016 edition
WE’RE NO. 1! The Baseball Hornets claimed sole possession of the Cape Ann League Large Division Championship title with a 5 to 2 victory over the Triton Vikings improving their record to 15 – 1. (Deanna Castro Photo)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NORTH READING — Last Saturday morning, the North Reading High baseball team rolled over guest Northeast Metro Tech, 13–4, to complete the season sweep over the non–league Black Knights. With that win, the Hornets also improved to 16–1 overall.
The offense had 13 hits led by Shawn DiVecchia who went 2 for 3 with a two run homer and five runs batted in. Anthony D’Ambrosio and Pat Driscoll both went 2 for 4 at the dish. D’Ambrosio knocked in two runs while Driscoll knocked in one.
Sean Castro was a perfect 2 for 2 with a walk and scored three times.
The Hornets scored four runs in the second inning and three more in the sixth for their big innings.
SPRING SHOWER. Senior Pitcher Gregory Johnson douses Coach Archambault with a victory shower following the Hornets’ 5 to 2 win over the Triton Vikings that allowed them to clinch the Cape Ann League Large Championship. (Deanna Castro Photo)
Dan Madden was the winning pitcher to improved to 5–0. He went four innings allowing four runs (none earned), five hits, one walk and he struck out two.
Capture league title
Last Thursday, the Hornets won at Triton, 5–2, to capture the Cape Ann League Large division title going 14–1 in league play.
“That was awesome for us,” said Hornets second–year manager Eric Archambault, whose team swept the Vikings this year. “Winning the league title was one of our main goals.”
Mike McCauley was the winning pitcher going to 6–0. He went all seven innings allowing two runs, five hits and three walks. He fanned five Vikings batters.
The North Reading offense had six hits led by Mike Driscoll who was 2 for 4 with two RBI. Jarred Valade also had an RBI double.
On May 17, the Hornets defeated guest Pentucket, 11–8, on Senior Day.
Anthony Eldridge led the offense going 3 for 3 with three RBI. Jeff Mejia was 3 for 4 with two runs scored while Valade was 2 for 4 with one RBI. Mike Fiaili also added a two-run double.
North Reading had 12 hits off Sachem pitching.
“The offense was clicking,” said Archambault.
Madden was the winning pitcher in relief going 3 2/3 inning not allowing a run.
Before the game, the Hornets nine seniors were honored.
The Hornets will wrap up the regular season on Friday and Saturday in the Nipper Clancy Tournament at Fraser Field in Lynn. On Friday, they face Lynn English at 4 p.m. They will then play either Lynn Classical or St. Mary’s in the title or consolation game on Saturday (time to be determined).
Next Tuesday, the team will find out who they will play in the first round of the Division 3 state tournament.
