By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

NORTH READING — On Monday night, the North Reading A’s tied the visiting North Shore Freedom 1-1 at North Reading High. With that result, the A’s record went to 3-13-1 as they are in 11th place in the North Shore Baseball League with seven points.

“It was a good pitcher’s duel,” said A’s player-manager Joe Dardeno, as the four pitchers (two for each team) were effective.

Justin Snyder went the first five innings for the locals giving up one run (unearned), one hit, two walks and he struck out nine.

“He is our ace this year,” stated Dardeno.

Sean McCarthy pitched the final two innings not allowing a run.

The Freedom (6-7-2) scored on an error in the first inning.

The A’s tied it in the bottom of the seventh when Dardeno had an RBI double to left to score Luke Berube, who singled to start the inning. However, the visitors were able to prevent the game-winning run from scoring as the game ended in the tie.

North Reading had six hits in the game as they stopped their three-game losing streak.

On July 16, the A’s lost at Swampscott 9-2 at Swampscott Middle School.

“They have the best hitting team in the league and we had too many errors,” said Dardeno. “Our pitchers did well because only three of the runs they scored were earned.”

The A’s defense struggled committing five errors that led to six unearned runs for the Sox.

Both A’s runs came in the top of the seventh as Jagger Iovinelli had an RBI on a fielder’s choice. The other run came on an error.

North Reading had five hits led by Dylan Stevens and North Reading resident, Mike Vittozzi, who were both 2 for 3. Brendan Eaton had the other hit.

On July 15, the A’s fell to the visiting North Shore Phillies 11-3.

“We walked too many people and they were able to score nine runs in the third inning to break the game open,” recalled Dardeno.

The A’s had seven hits led by Dardeno who was 2 for 2 with two runs batted in. Mike Bailey was the team’s other multiple hitter going 2 for 3 with an RBI and a run scored.

On July 13, the A’s lost to the host Rowley NorEasters 10-0 at Eiras Park. It is the third time this summer that the A’s have been shut out.

North Reading’s next game will be a doubleheader on Sunday (July 25) at home as they welcome the Manchester Marlins. The doubleheader will start at 2:30 p.m.

On July 28, the A’s host the Peabody Champions at 6 p.m.

Along with Dardeno and Vittozzi, the two other A’s who live in North Reading are Matt DiVecchia and Frank Cassarino. DiVecchia had a key sacrifice bunt in the tie against the Freedom just before Dardeno’s double.