Published in the May 11, 2017 edition
Junior catcher Derek Reilly tags out a Rockport base runner at the plate. (John Friberg photo)
By STEVE MARTELLUCCI
NORTH READING – On Tuesday afternoon, the North Reading High baseball team lost at home to Masconomet, 11-6. With that defeat, the Hornets record dipped to 6-5 overall and 3-2 in the Cape Ann League Large division.
“We played well up until the fifth inning,” pointed out Hornets manager Eric Archambault. “They then scored two in the fifth and broke it open with eight in the sixth.”
Joe Wallace was the losing pitcher in relief going one inning as he gave up six runs (five earned) to fall to 0-1 on the hill.
North Reading, who led, 6-1, at one point, had five hits led by John Day who was 1 for 1 with a walk and he was hit by a pitch. He also knocked in one run. Mike McCauley went 1 for 3 with an RBI while Matt DeBenedetto had an RBI on a fielder’s choice.
The news was much better last Thursday as they won at Hamilton-Wenham, 5-3.
Pitcher Dan Madden improved to 3-1 going 5 2/3 innings. He gave up three runs (two earned), nin hits, two walks and he struck out two. Wallace pitched the final 1 1/3 innings to record his first save of the year.
“This was our best all-around win of the year,” said Archambault.
The offense had seven hits of Generals pitching. Alex D’Ambrosio was 2 for 4 with one RBI while Ryan Connor went 2 for 3. Bob Donohue had a team-high three RBI with a two-run double and a fielder’s choice.
The North Reading High baseball team snapped its two-game losing streak with an, 8-2, win at Ipswich. Ryan Connor was the winning pitcher going to 3-0. The sophomore went 4 1/3 innings allowing one run.
“His pitch count got high,” explained Hornets manager Eric Archambault, about why he lasted less than five innings.
Joe Wallace came in relief and pitched well allowing one run and two hits in 2 2/3 innings to close out the Tigers.
North Reading plated four runs in the top of the first inning and never looked back.
“After our last two games, it was nice to see us get off to that kind of start,” said Archambault.
Marco Vittozzi had a two-run single with two outs in the first.
Bob Donohue led the Hornet offense going 3 for 4.
Last Saturday, the Hornets were blanked by Georgetown, 3-0, at Fraser Field in Lynn in the Pete Frates Tournament.
“That was a tough loss for us,” said Archambault. “We only had four hits all game.”
Matt DeBenedetto was the team’s lone multiple hitter going 2 for 3.
The Royals scored once in the bottom of the third inning and two more in the bottom of the fifth.
Dan Madden was the losing pitcher as he fell to 2-1 on the hill. He went all six innings allowing only on earned run, six hits, one walk and he struck out three.
“He kept us in the game,” said Archambault.
At home last Thursday, North Reading lost, 4-1, to Manchester-Essex.
“That was a very frustrating game for us,” said Archambault. “We stranded the bases loaded twice and couldn’t get the big hit all game long,”
The Hornets stranded 10 runners on base.
North Reading’s offense had eight hits overall led by Jeff Mejia who was a perfect 3 for 3 at the dish. Pat Davis went 2 for 3 with a walk and scored the only run in the seventh on an RBI single by DeBenedetto.
Mike McCauley was the losing pitcher going six innings. He gave up only one earned run, three hits and three walks. He fanned four as his record dipped to 0-2.
On Thursday, the Hornets host Essex Teach at 4 pm. They then host Newburyport on Saturday morning at 10 on Senior Day. Before the game the seven Hornet seniors will be honored.
Next Tuesday afternoon at 3:45, the Hornets visit Pentucket.
