Published in the April 21, 2016 edition
HORNET CATCHER John Merullo makes short work of a potential Newburyport baserunner as North Reading won its home opener, 2 to 1, over Newburyport. (Bob Turosz Photo)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NORTH READING — It has been a good start of the season for the North Reading High baseball team as they remained undefeated last Saturday morning winning at Pentucket, 11–1. Pitcher Dan Madden went to 1–0 with a complete game effort. He gave up the run on four hits. He walked three and struck out six Sachem batters.
“He pitched well,” said Hornets manager Eric Archambault. “He attacked the strike zone and got ahead of the hitters.”
The Hornet offense had 14 hits off Sachem pitchers. Anthony Eldridge was a perfect 4 for 4 with two runs batted in and two runs scored. Jeff Mejia also had a big day going 3 for 5 with a team high four RBI as all three hits were doubles. Shawn DiVecchia was 2 for 5 with one RBI and Sean Castro was 2 for 3 with two runs scored and one RBI.
In three innings, the Hornets plated three runs.
Last Thursday afternoon, the Hornets edged Newburyport, 2–1, in a pitcher’s duel. Junior Mike McCauley got the win on the hill with a complete game effort. The junior gave up six hits, six walks and he fanned three Clippers.
“He competed hard and was able to get out of jams,” pointed out Archambault.
Jared Valade drew a bases loaded walk in the bottom of the first inning for the first North Reading run. The Clippers tied it in the top of the fourth but the Hornets got the game winning run on an error in the bottom of the fifth.
North Reading had four hits led by Mejia, who went a perfect 3 for 3 with a walk reaching base all four times.
On opening day, also at home, the Hornets beat Masconomet, 6–4, on April 12. The Hornets scored all of their runs in the bottom of the sixth. The Chieftains scored once in the fifth and three more times in the sixth.
Greg Johnson was the winning pitcher going 5 1/3 innings. He gave up four runs, eight hits, one walk and he struck out four.
DiVecchia pitched a scoreless seventh to record the save.
Tyler Calos went 2 for 3 with one RBI. Mejia added a key two run double.
On Tuesday, April 21, the boys defeated Triton, 4 to 1 with Greg Johnson getting the complete game win. Their next two games are on the road, at Lynnfield on Thursday, April 21 and Amesbury on Saturday, April 23.. Both games will start at 10 a.m.
Next Tuesday, Ipswich comes to town for a 3:45 p.m. start.
