KRISTEN GALVIN and the Hornet softball hitters have put up 55 runs in their current four-game winning streak. Galvin had a career-high 8 RBI including a grand slam in NR’s win over Ipswich on Friday. (Eric Evans File Photo)

 

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

NORTH READING — On April 28, the North Reading High softball team clocked guest Ipswich, 22-4, in a five-inning mercy-rule game. It was the fourth-straight win for the Hornets who improved to 8-2 overall and 7-0 in the Cape Ann League.

“They are a rebuilding team with a new coach this season,” explained Hornets head coach Nicole Zimmerman.

The Hornets scored five runs in the first inning and then broke the game wide open with 15 runs in the bottom of the second. They then plated their final two runs in the bottom of the third inning.

The Hornets finished the day with a season-high 23 hits. Mia Vittozzi led the way going a perfect 4 for 4 with three runs batted in and she also scored three times.

Caitlin Reilly and Kristen Galvin were both 3 for 3 at the dish. Galvin had a career-high eight RBI with the big blow being a grand-slam home run in the second. She also homered again and drew a walk to reach base all four times.

Reilly knocked in two runs.

Keely Hannon was 3 for 3 as well with one RBI.

Alyssa Cassarino and Mia Lava were both 2 for 4 with two RBI. Jocelyn Ostrowski and Alyse Mutti were both 2 for 3 to round out the multiple hitters. Ostrowski also knocked in one.

Cassarino was the winning pitcher going to 4-0 as she pitched the first three innings. She gave up one run, two hits, no walks and struck out seven.

Emilia Yeakeo pitched the rest of the game making her career debut.

On April 26, it was another mercy-rule win as the Hornets shut out guest Lynnfield by a final of 13-0 that also went five innings.

Cassarino was the winning pitcher in this one as well going three innings. She gave up three hits, no walks and fanned two Pioneer batters. Hannon finished up in relief.

North Reading scored twice in the first, three times in the second, five times in the third and three more times in the bottom of the fourth.

“Everybody contributed,” said Zimmerman. “Our bats have really been on.”

The Hornets had 18 hits led by Reilly and Cassarino who were both 3 for 3. Cassarino knocked in two runs. Vittozzi was 3 for 4 with one RBI while Hannon was 2 for 3 with two RBI.

Bella Duffy was a perfect 2 for 2 with two RBI as the team had five multiple hitters.

On May 4, the Hornets face a good test as they visit Amesbury at 4:30 p.m. They then play a non-league game at Tewksbury on May 9 at 6 p.m.

On May 10, the Hornets return to CAL play as they host Hamilton-Wenham at 4:30 p.m.