CHRISTIAN LAVA went 3-for-5 with 3 RBI and 2 runs scored in NR’s 12-6 win over Ipswich on Tuesday. The Hornets (5-2) have a huge matchup against Lynnfield (4-2) on Saturday morning, 10 a.m. at LHS. (Eric Evans File Photo)

 

 

After press time:
North Reading falls to Lynnfield 4-2 (April 25)
North Reading defeats Manchester-Essex 7-6 (April 24)

 

By DAN ZIMMERMAN

IPSWICH — While the North Reading baseball team continues to seek that formula when all three facets of their baseball game meld together flawlessly, the Hornets can rest easy in large part because of their mastery at the plate.

In Tuesday’s visit to Ipswich, for instance, North Reading was able to overcome pitching and defensive shortcomings by belting out 14 hits to fuel a 12-6 win, their fourth straight.

Perhaps most impressive of all is the run totals which have dipped into double figures in four of the Hornets’ five wins so far this season.

“We were swinging the bat pretty well and the kids were running the bases well,” said North Reading coach Eric Archambault, who improved to 5-2 overall. “We definitely made some solid contact today against a pair of good pitchers and it was awesome to see.”

Last week, North Reading traveled to Norwich, Connecticut to take part in team-

bonding diversions followed by a clash with the Bedford Buccaneers. Inclement weather, which has put a damper on much of the early season, led to a cancellation of the game but the team enjoyed team building activities, as planned.

Returning to the business of baseball, North Reading set the tone early in

Ipswich, batting around the order plus three and claiming a 7-0 lead in the opening frame. Leading off, Jason Curran was hit by a pitch and was quickly across on an RBI-double from Christian Lava. Catcher Matt Mancinelli worked Tiger starter Nate Baise for a walk followed by Antonio Ricca, who drilled a single to left, scoring both baserunners. Ryan Labb was also hit by a pitch and soon scored, along with Ricca, when Max Forrsitall carved out a single. Liam Blanchette and Lava added RBI-basehits before the Tigers were able to stem the tide.

In a more sedate second inning, Nick Torra drove in Labb to make it 8-0.

Facing Hornet starter Labb, Ipswich made noise in the bottom of the second, halving the deficit to 8-4 on two hits, two walks, and to the chagrin of Archambault, two fielding errors that extended the inning.

“We definitely have to get better defensively,” said the coach. “We have to make the routine plays. When our pitchers pitch to contact, we have to step up and make those plays. We’re still making too many errors as a group.”

Ipswich scored in the third, to close to within three but the Hornets returned the favor in the fourth when Torra drove in Labb, who scored three runs on the day.

Dylan Matthews was solid in relief of Labb, who was nearing his pitch count, allowing just one run on two hits in four innings on the hill.

The Hornets added late insurance with a pair in the seventh, including Lava’s

third RBI of the afternoon.

“My approach was definitely better today than any of the other games,” said

Lava, who batted 3-of-5, scored a pair, and knocked in what later proved to be

the game-winner. “I saw the ball well, hit up the middle or line-drives to left. Ethan

Quan and Jason Curran have consistently been getting on base ahead of me and I do my best to drive them in.”

“I think we’re far more capable than what you’ve seen so far,” said Archambault.

“We’re still making mistakes but that comes with a young team. What I love most about this group is their ability to learn. When we teach it, they learn it, and they don’t often make the same mistake twice.”

The Hornets were slated to host Manchester-Essex Wednesday afternoon

(results in after press time) and will travel to face archrival Lynnfield on Saturday morning at 10 a.m.