Published in the June 29, 2016 edition

By DAN TOMASELLO

LYNNFIELD — The Lynnfield Little League All-Star team is back on the field and is looking to make some noise in the District 16 tournament this summer.

The All-Stars concluded last year’s tournament with a 2-2 record. With a strong core taking the field this summer, the All-Stars have high hopes for the tournament.

“If we play well, we can compete with any team in the district,” said Manager Anthony Martinho. “We have power, speed and two pitchers at the top of the rotation, Luke Martinho and Pat D’Amico, who played on last year’s Williamsport team. We will hit, run and pitch just fine. We need to keep our defensive mistakes to a minimum. They are a great group of kids who will not give up.”

Anthony Martinho said his son Luke will be playing a major role on the All-Star team this summer.

“Luke is one of our co-aces and is an excellent defensive center fielder with great speed and power,” said Anthony Martinho.

D’Amico will be bringing the heat on the mound as well as playing shortstop.

“(D’Amico) is the other co-ace and is an excellent defensive shortstop,” said Anthony Martinho.

Tom Pascuccio is the third returning player from last year’s squad.

“Tom is a very good defensive catcher, especially blocking balls in the dirt with power,” said Anthony Martinho.

Tyler Scoppettuolo will be playing third base this summer.

“Tyler is an immensely powerful third baseman who can drive the ball out of the park,” said Anthony Martinho. “He will pitch as well.”

Aiden Burke will be splitting time between center field and shortstop.

“Aiden is our leadoff hitter who wreaks havoc on the base paths,” said Anthony Martinho. “He is extremely versatile and is a plus defender at every position on the diamond.”

Anthony Martinho said Chris Wythe is a “versatile player who will play mostly first base” and “will pitch as well.”

The remaining players on the All-Star team are Nick Bourtris, Chris Kozakis, Mick Marotta, Chase Carney, Tim Pivero, Chris Sazo and Brenden Henehan.

Anthony Martinho said the All-Stars’ strengths this summer are “pitching and hitting.” He said the All Stars need to work on staying “focused and defensive awareness.”

Defeats Wyoma

The All-Stars earned a come-from-behind 10-9 victory over Wyoma June 26.

The locals were trailing 7-1 to Wyoma after the All-Stars made four mistakes in the first two innings. The All-Stars chipped away at Wyoma’s lead and were down by one run in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Pascuccio led off the bottom of the sixth with a walk. Burke had a bunt. Carney was walked. Boustris hit a hard grounder to second base, which enabled Burke to score the game winning run.

Luke Martinho started on the mound and was throwing hard strikes. D’Amico came in relief and threw the ball well.

“Pat got out of a jam in the top of the sixth with two on and one out,” said Anthony Martinho. “He was tired, but that was pure heart keeping us in the game.”

Luke Martinho was 4-4 with two doubles, an RBI and scored two runs. Scoppettuolo was 2-4 and had a long three-run home run. Wythe was 2-4 with a double and two RBIs. Carney had a sacrifice fly for an RBI. Burke had a hit and made a nice defensive play at shortstop. Henehan had a hit. Sazo scored two runs and had a walk.

Upcoming games

The All-Stars face an undetermined opponent at MacArthur Park in Peabody on Friday, July 1, beginning at 5:45 p.m.