Published August 5, 2020
THE SENIORS got to play one more game together on Saturday. Pictured here on their home LHS turf, the nine seniors teamed up with five juniors and took one last trip to North Reading High where they celebrated with friends and family and defeated the Hornets 7-2. The nine seniors are captains Christian Maney, Clayton Marengi and John Singer, Jac Contardo, Liam Farrell, Cole Gianasca, Matt Juliano, Thomas Sciaudone and Matt Stephens. (Kristine Marengi Photo)
NORTH READING — The seniors on the Lynnfield High baseball team got the win, and hopefully a little closure, as they put on a Pioneer jersey one last time and enjoyed a Senior Day game hosted by North Reading at Carey Park on Saturday. Lynnfield left town with a wonderful memory, an even stronger bond that only the class of 2020 could understand, and yes, a 7-2 win over the Hornets.
Lynnfield’s nine seniors celebrated with friends and family before and after the game. The Pioneer 2020 nine are: captains Christian Maney, Clayton Marengi and John Singer, Jac Contardo, Liam Farrell, Cole Gianasca, Matt Juliano, Thomas Sciaudone and Matt Stephens.
Juniors joining their seniors on the field were Evan Balian, Trent Balian, Jack Bird, Blake Peters and Luke Martinho.
Marengi collected six strikeouts in three scoreless innings of work on the mound. Evan Balian came through at the plate with a double, a triple and two RBI’s.
The game was organized by the North Reading Diamond Club. They typically host an annual Alumni game but decided to turn it into a Senior game and invited Lynnfield to participate.
The game served as a fundraiser for both programs. The score certainly mattered, especially to the Pioneers, but the most important number of the day was $1,163 which is how much was made in donations from both sides. Each program received $562 for their respective scholarship funds.
It was a beautiful day at Carey Park named after legendary Hornet coach Frank Carey who helped the Diamond Club facilitate the contest by talking with longtime coaching counterpart and friend John O’Brien, the head coach of the Pioneers.
“It was a success in every way for these deserving seniors,” said Carey. “I think everyone should commend Marco Vittozzi (Diamond Club), (North Reading head coach) Eric Archambault, and coach O’Brien for their organizational skills. I can honestly say of my days on that field, it was my proudest moment.”
The Hornets also featured nine seniors. The families of both teams honored all 18 before the game.
