AVA MAROTTA hit a leadoff homer and went 3-for-3 during Lynnfield’s 18-0 win over Boston English in the preliminary round of the Div. 4 state tournament on Sunday at LHS. (File Photo)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
LYNNFIELD — It was a successful playoff opener for the Lynnfield High softball team on Sunday as they blanked guest Boston English, 18-0, in a five-inning mercy-rule game in the preliminary round of the Division 4 state tournament.
With that victory, the 30th-seeded Pioneers improved to 7-14 while the 36th-seeded Eagles ended the year at 12-8.
“It is hit or miss when you play the Boston schools,” said Pioneers head coach Peter Marinelli. “Some of them are really good while others are not.”
After scoring four times in the 1st inning and once in the 2nd, the Pioneers erupted for 13 runs in the bottom of the 3rd.
The Lynnfield offense had 22 hits as Ava Marotta led off the bottom of the 1st with a home run to left-center field. Marotta went a perfect 3 for 3 at the dish.
Morgan Hubbard led the team going 4 for 4 with three runs batted in. Kayla George went 3 for 4 with three RBI.
Catie Kampersal and Celia Carbone were both 2 for 3. Kampersal knocked in two runs while Carbone had one RBI.
Maddie Condon, Ava Gamache and Abi Travers were both 2 for 4. Condon had three RBI while Gamache had two.
“We hit the ball really well,” said Marinelli. “Playing in the Cape Ann League really helps us in games like this as we play a lot of Division 3 teams in our league.”
Sophia Brown picked up her first playoff win of her career in the circle. She pitched four innings allowing two hits, no walks and she struck out seven.
Lauren Amico ended the game pitching the top of the 5th and preserving the shutout. She struck out one.
The Pioneers traveled to Wahconah Regional in Dalton on Monday to meet the No. 3 Warriors in the first round. Wahconah won it 11-0 and will host No. 14 Millbury in the Sweet 16. A full story will appear next week.
