Published July 5, 2024
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
MELROSE — On Monday evening, the Melrose 12-year old Williamsport Little League team hammered visiting Everett, 16-1, in a three-inning, mercy-rule game at Lewis Monk Field.
With that win, Melrose improved to 1-1 in District 12 as they will take on Dorchester on July 6 at 10 a.m. at McConnell Park in Dorchester.
Melrose scored all 16 of their runs in the bottom of the first inning.
“Our bats were rolling,” said Melrose coach Pat Keefe, whose team had 14 hits.
Frankie Bates led the way as he drove in four runs on two hits as he singled scoring two runs and doubled later in the inning for his third and fourth RBI.
Cam Stratford singled twice and knocked in two runs.
Thomas Keefe, James Buono, John Obremski, Joseph Martin, and Oliver O’Leary and had RBI singles, Evan Snow drew a bases-loaded walk for an RBI,
Victor Dale, the winning pitcher, had a three run single.
On the mound, Dale allowed one hit and one run (unearned) over three innings, striking out eight and walking one.
In the first game of the tournament on June 27, also at Lewis Monk Field, Melrose was edged by guest Somerville 1-0.
The lone run came on an error in the top of the second inning.
Thomas Keefe pitched well, going five innings. He gave up one unearned run, six hits, two walks and he fanned 10.
However, the Melrose offense had just three hits.
“It was a true pitcher’s dual,” said coach Keefe. “They had a good lefty who was accurate and with a strong fastball.”
Ollie O’Leary was 2 for 2 at bat while Strafford had the other Melrose hit.
Dale pitched a scoreless sixth inning.
