JUNIOR CAPT. Ava Viola and the MHS softball team have a busy week coming up and are looking to get in the win column. (photo by Raj Das, edphotos.com)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
WATERTOWN—On Monday afternoon, the Melrose High softball team lost at Watertown, 15-8, on the road at the Hosmer School.
Melrose, a young team of no seniors, continues to work for their first win of the season. Defense continues to be the issue with Melrose as they committed six errors that led to five unearned runs.
Watertown won their first game of the season is now 1-6 overall and 1-5 in the Middlesex League. They scored three times in the first inning, three more in the third, five times in the fifth and four more in the bottom of the sixth.
“They had some strong hitters in the middle of their lineup,” said Melrose assistant coach Frank Sorrenti. “We also had another tough game on defense.”
Melrose freshman Emi Judge started her second game in a row as pitcher. She gave up just two walks and she struck out five. Watertown bats, however, were on fire. “Emi is not overpowering but she threw strikes,” said Sorrenti. “The girls just have to make plays behind her.”
However, Melrose’s eight runs were a season high and Melrose offense had 11 hits. Melrose’s Ava Viola led the way going 3 for 4 with a homer and two runs batted in.
Melrose junior Maggie Turner had a three-run homer in the top of the fifth to tie the game up at that point as she finished 2 for 4. Anna Scalfani was the team’s third multiple hitter going 3 for 4 with one RBI and a run scored. Paige Crovo, Ella Bonacorsi and Kate Stratford had the three other hits. Bonacorsi’s hit was an RBI triple.
“I was happy with the way our offense performed,” said Sorrenti.
On Apr. 17, during April Vacation Week, Melrose was blanked by guest Wilmington at Pine Banks. The game went six innings due to the mercy rule.
“They had a good eighth-grade pitcher that changed speeds,” explained Sorrenti.
Melrose offense had only five hits in this game led by Viola who was 2 for 3 and leads the team in average. Crovo, Scalfani and Stratford had the three other hits.
The Wildcats broke the game open in the top of the sixth plating nine runs as they led, 8-0, heading into the inning.
Melrose defense had six errors in this game as well that led to six Wildcats unearned runs.
Judge pitched all six innings giving up four walks and fanning three.
As they reach the mid point of their season Melrose has a ramped up schedule. At press time, Melrose was slated to host Lexington and travel to Arlington on Wednesday and Thursday this week.
On April 30, Melrose will host Woburn at Pine Banks with that game starting at 4:15 pm. They then visit Wakefield on May 2nd with that game also starting at 4:15 pm.
