Published in the July 20, 2018 edition
NORWOOD — The Melrose Little League 11-year-old All-Stars are headed to States!
Melrose was crowned Massachusetts 3rd Sectional Champions with a convincing 12-7 victory over Newton Southeast on Sunday, July 15 at Kelley Field in Norwood. The 2018 11-year-old tournament began two weeks ago with over 200 teams competing across the state.
Melrose is now part of the state Final Four and will play in the state semi-finals on Saturday, July 21, 4 p.m. at Roy Googins Field in Braintree for a chance to play in the state title game on Sunday, July 22 at 2 p.m.
In the Section 3 finals, Melrose was looking to avenge an earlier loss in pool play to a talented Newton team. Melrose came out firing on all cylinders, scoring six runs in the first two innings to set the tone.
THE MLL 11-year-old All-Stars are headed for the Massachusetts Final Four in Braintree on Saturday, July 21. Melrose beat Newton Southeast at Kelley Field in Norwood on Sunday to be crowned Section 3 champs. Pictured in the front row from left to right is Calvin Zimmerman, Dylan Harrington, Michael Thomas, Brandon Ward, Quinn Mathews and Brendan Doyle. In the second row from left is Colin Walsh, Tom Butler, Quinn Fogarty, Jaiden Aquino, Sammy Cognata, Daniel Ferris, and Nicholas Hitchman. Missing from photo: Dylan Terranova. The team is coached by Cory Thomas, Dan Harrington, Chris Walsh and Dan Ferris. (Courtesy Photo)
Calvin Zimmerman (hit, double), Dylan Harrington (two walks, two runs), Nicholas Hitchman (two hits, two runs) all got on base in the first two innings setting the table twice for slugger Daniel Ferris. Ferris laced a single to score two runs in the 1st inning and then crushed a double in the 2nd inning to knock in two more runs. Ferris went 4-for-5 in the Sectional Finals, driving in five runs thanks to three singles and a double.
Tom Butler (two hits), Sammy Cognata (hit), Quinn Fogarty (hit), Brendan Doyle (hit), Quinn Mathews (two walks, run) and Michael Thomas (walk, HBP, run) all contributed offensively as Melrose scored their most runs in a game during their four games in Norwood at Sectionals. Melrose’s speedster Brandon Ward also brought his skilled, aggressive play to Newton all afternoon, behind two hits, two walks and three runs scored.
Melrose was led defensively by starting pitcher Quinn Mathews against Newton on Sunday. Mathews faced some adversity in the first inning, where Newton scored five times. But the Melrose coaches had faith in Mathews and their defense and the team settled down defensively and Mathews took control with a masterful performance, working into the 5th inning, keeping Newton off-balance while Melrose built their lead.
Catchers Jaiden Aquino and Dylan Harrington, working on a hot day, split catching duties and were a stout combination behind the plate, keeping the speedy Newton runners at bay. Melrose also received strong defensive play up the middle from shortstop Michael Thomas and centerfielder Nicholas Hitchman, who both turned in several stellar plays in the field for outs. Thomas would relieve Mathews on the mound for the final four outs of the ball game. The last out was a slow roller to third baseman Brendan Doyle, who alertly stepped on the base for a force out that set off a wonderful celebration on the field for Melrose, clinching the 3rd Sectional title and sending Melrose to States!
In earlier action, Melrose defeated South Boston 9-5 on Thursday, July 12 to open pool play in Norwood behind the pitching of Michael Thomas and Quinn Mathews. Calvin Zimmerman, Dylan Harrington, Jaiden Aquino, Brandon Ward, Thomas and Mathews all contributed offensively to pace the team.
On Friday, July 13, Melrose took a tough 4-3 loss in the first game against Newton. Melrose played strong and got excellent pitching from Tom Butler. Newton made a few more plays than Melrose to take the victory, despite offensive production from Melrose hitters Harrington, Ferris, Aquino, Hitchman, Butler and Ward.
In a must-win game on Saturday, July 14, Melrose received a tremendous start by righty Brendan Doyle against Needham National. The winner of Melrose-Needham would advance to the Sectional Finals to face Newton and this game had a tense feel throughout because of the stakes. Tied at four after the 1st inning, Melrose would settle down and take control behind Doyle’s solid pitching performance to earn a 7-5 victory. Mathews came in to close out the game and preserve the victory for Melrose. Offensive leaders for Melrose against Needham were Zimmerman (triple, run), Harrington (hit, run), Aquino (hit, run), Fogarty (RBI), Ferris (hit, run), Thomas (HBP, run), Doyle (two hits, two RBIs), Mathews (hit, run), and Nicholas Hitchman, who belted a two-RBI inside-the-park home run to spark Melrose.
Melrose received tremendous support from family and friends that made the long trek down to Norwood for four straight days. The games felt like home games thanks to the large cheering section rooting these talented ball players on.
