By MARIA O’DONNELL
MELROSE — After losing their last two games, the Melrose Americans faced off against the Andre Chiefs on July 7 at Morelli Field and secured a 9-4 win. Despite an early 3-0 deficit in the first, the Americans quickly gained the lead and began scoring in bunches.
Leadoff batter Bobby Losanno broke the ice for the Americans after earning an infield single in the bottom of the first. Pat Costigan kept the momentum going with a towering drive that earned him a double and sent Losanno home, bringing the score to 3-1.
Next up was power hitter John Jennings, who brought home Costigan with an outfield single. Later in the inning, Cory Bright sent another run home with an infield single, tying the game at 3-3. Multiple walked batters loaded the bases for Josh Bohn who plated two runners with another outfield single, giving the Americans a 5-3 lead.
Americans Manager Kevin Burgoyne expressed the importance of getting on base, as exemplified by two of his players:
“Liam Crovo, Melrose’s own, got on base a couple of more times and getting on base is very important because then you end up hitting and scoring. Pat Costigan had a couple more hits. He’s been hitting the ball very well.”
The Americans struck again in the bottom of the second as Jennings crushed a solo homerun over the left field fence. This was Jenning’s first of the night but not his last, as he went on to hit another solo home run in the bottom of the sixth.
“John Jennings of course hit a couple of home runs which certainly helped and we got the bats going,” said Burgoyne. “We haven’t been hitting much lately but tonight we got it going. Hopefully we can keep it going.”
The Americans scored two more runs in the bottom of the third, with a deep double by Keegan O’Connor that sent teammate Cory Bright home. Then, a bloop by Losanno sent O’Connor home, solidifying the win.
Despite letting up three runs in the first inning, Americans pitcher Colin Jaena had an impressive showing on the mound. He only let up one more run after the first inning and pounded the strike zone for weak contact, granting his infielders the opportunity to make double plays.
Said Burgoyne, “Our starting pitcher, Collin Jaena, pitched very well. He kept us in the game and gave us a chance to win.”
The Americans employed their bullpen for the final two innings, as both Mike Andrews and Ronnie Luke earned three outs for Melrose.
“The bullpen came in and finished it off. It was a team win all the way. Everybody contributed,” said Burgoyne.
It was a strong win for the Americans, who had yet to play the Chiefs this year. They will look for another win on Sunday, July 18 against the Middlesex Expos at Morelli field.
