McCarthy pitches nine-inning complete game
Published May 13, 2021
LYNNFIELD — Junior Tim McCarthy got the ball and never let go on Saturday afternoon at Lynnfield High School, scattering four hits and striking out five in nine innings as North Reading left town with an exciting 2-1 extra inning victory to even their record at 1-1 on the young season.
The Hornets forced extra’s in the top of the 7th when senior Joe Giacalone stole third with two outs and scampered home after the throw down sailed into left field. That came just moments after Matt Ryan (2-for-4) was thrown out at the plate trying to score from second on Giacalone’s base hit into center field, giving all momentum to the Pioneers until the speedy “Joe-Joe,” who swiped three bags on the day, stole it back for NR.
While McCarthy mowed down the Pioneers in the 7th, 8th and 9th, North Reading got the go-ahead run they were looking for in the top of the 9th on an error at third base after a well hit ball by senior Michael Vittozzi. The errant throw with two outs couldn’t be scooped by the first baseman, scoring Ryan who previously ripped a one-out double to left and stole third base.
In addition to Ryan, the Hornets also got multiple hits from senior Frank Cassarino and junior Ryan McCullough.
Lynnfield scored their first run on a sac fly in the 3rd. It was one of the few baserunners allowed by McCarthy all day as the lanky righty did great job of mixing pitches to keep the Pioneers off balance and staying composed throughout a tense rivalry game.
The Hornets and Pioneers split the regular season series 1-1 in 2019 but the Pioneers ended North Reading’s season 4-2 in the D3 North quarterfinals 4-2.
That playoff game on June 10, 2019 was the last game North Reading played when they opened up their 2021 season on May 6 with a 5-1 loss on the road against Pentucket.
The Hornets will look for their second win today when they travel to Amesbury for a 4:15 p.m. game. The home opener will be on Saturday when North Reading hosts Ipswich at 10 a.m.
