Published in the May 19, 2016 edition
OUT AT THE PLATE. The Hornets lost a scoring opportunity when Cassidy Gaeta was cut down at the plate on a really close play in the second inning of Saturday’s game at Reading. (Bob Turosz Photo)
By BOB TUROSZ
NORTH READING – The NRHS varsity softball team went 3-1 last week to improve to 12-3, (12-0 in the Cape Ann League) with their win over Masconomet at home on Monday. With plenty of games still to play in the season, the team has already clinched a berth in the MIAA state tournament.
Hornets 7, Masco 1
North Reading made maximum use of eight hits and took advantage of three Masconomet errors to win their 12th game of the season. Starter Julia Perrone went the distance for the Hornets, striking out 11. Lily Malloy, Cassidy Gaeta and Abby Paine had RBIs for North Reading.
Reading 10, North Reading 1
This was a game of two offenses – the Reading Rockets offense that could not be stopped and the North Reading offense that couldn’t get untracked. The result was an uncharacteristic lopsided loss for the North Reading girls, who traveled south of the border for this non-league game.
Reading bats were relentless, scoring 6 runs in the second inning, 3 in the fourth and one in the fifth.
North Reading had a chance to get on the scoreboard first in the second inning. Cassidy Gaeta drew a base on balls and with one out, took second base on a fielder’s choice. Gaeta tried to score on a single ripped to left field by senior Sarah Sabella, but she was cut down at the plate on a close play.
After falling behind, 6-0 in the second, the Hornets tried to narrow the gap in the top of the third, scoring one run. Taylor Connor singled to left and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Abby Paine. Connor advanced to third on a fielder’s choice and subsequently scored. Overall, the Hornets managed only 4 hits after tearing up the Cape Ann League with their bats for most of April and early May. Starting pitcher Julia Perrone threw 91 pitches in the first 3.1 innings and took the loss. Cassandra Pascucci came on to finish the game, throwing 42 pitches.
Hornets 13, Generals 0
It was a completely different story on Friday, when the Hornets destroyed the Hamilton-Wenham Generals, 13-0. North Reading hammered out 14 hits, with RBIs going to Tara Driver (4) Lily Malloy, Cassidy Gaeta, (3) Abby Paine, Courtney Luker and Julia Perrone. Tara Driver and Abby Paine had triples and doubles were contributed by Carly Swartz, Lily Malloy and Taylor Connor. Freshman Cassandra Pascucci went the distance, earning the win with 124 pitches.
Hornets pillage Vikings, 13-0
Julia Perrone got the win in Wednesday’s 13-0 trouncing of the Rockport Vikings in five innings. North Reading jumped out in front, 4-0, and never looked back, adding 6 runs in the fourth and three more in the fifth and final frame.
RBIs were credited to Tara Driver, (4), Lily Malloy, Cassidy Gaeta, (2), Taylor Connor, Abby Paine, Guiliana Peppe, Cassandra Pascucci and Jess Ferrazzani, (2).
