Published May 20, 2021

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

NORTH READING — The North Reading softball team won its second game in a row on Monday afternoon as they hammered host Triton 15-2 in Byfield. With that win, the Hornets improved to 4-1.

“It was only 1-0 after the third inning and then we were able to open the flood gates late,” pointed out Hornets assistant manager Paul Greene.

North Reading scored twice in the top of the fourth inning, three in the fifth and eight in the sixth as the game lasted six innings before the mercy-rule came into play.

Shea Hanson pitched all six innings to improve to 4-1 in the circle. She gave up two runs, seven hits, and no walks. The senior co-captain struck out six Viking batters.

The Hornet offense had 15 hits. Mia Vittozzi was 2 for 2 with two walks and two runs batted in. Sarah Gerber, meanwhile, was 3 for 4 with a walk while Caitlin Reilly was also 3 for 4 with two RBI.

Adriana Vittozzi was the fourth multiple hitter going 3 for 4 with a walk and one RBI.

The Hornets drew 11 walks and three players were hit by pitches.

“Their pitching was shaky,” said Greene.

Last Friday afternoon, the Hornets won at Ipswich by a final of 14-3.

“I was pleased with our hitting,” stated Greene, as the team had a season-high 21 hits.

Alyssa Cassarino led the way going 4 for 5 as the dish with two RBI. Julia Howse was 2 for 2 with a walk and three RBI. Reilly was 2 for 3 with three RBI while Gerber was 2 for 3 with three RBI.

Mia Vittozzi was a perfect 2 for 2 with two RBI while her cousin, Adrianna, went 2 for 4 with a walk.

Hansen pitched the first three and final two innings. She fanned six, walked none and gave up just one hit and no runs. Mia Vittozzi pitched the middle two innings but the three Tigers runs that scored off her were unearned.

North Reading scored four times in the first, twice in the second and six in the third to break the game open.

On May 12, the Hornets were shut out by guest Amesbury 4-0. The Indians are undefeated heading into this week and were the Cape Ann League Kinney division champs in 2019.

“They have a very good pitcher (Alana Delisle) that held us to only four hits,” explained Greene. “They beat us a couple of years ago and are one of the top Division 3 teams around.”

Delisle struck out nine in her five innings while Olivia DeLong pitched the final two for the Indians to preserve the shutout.

Amesbury scored twice in the top of the first and twice in the third handing Hanson her first loss of the spring. Hanson went all seven innings allowing three earned runs. She gave up eight hits, one walk and she struck out four.

No Hornet had more than one hit.

This Friday (May 21), North Reading will visit Hamilton-Wenham at 4:15 pm. Head coach Michelle Morales’ squad will then welcome Triton on May 24 with that game starting at 5 p.m.