By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

Published in the July 19, 2018 edition

NORTH READING — Last summer, the North Reading Northeast Baseball League team (ages 15-18) reached the finals before losing to Lowell in the third game of the best-of-three series, 2-1. With that loss, they finished 12-6-1 overall.

Five players from that squad aged out, but 20th-year manager, Marco Vittozzi, did return 12 veterans when the season started on June 18.

After 11 games, things have been going well as they are in first place in the South division at 7-3-1.

“Having the veterans back has been very helpful,” said Vittozzi. “They varsity players have been good leaders for us.”

REPRESENTING North Reading in the Northeast Baseball League mid-summer classic All Star game were, from left: Dan Lignos, Alex D’Ambrosio, Matthew Capozzoli, Matt Solecki and Coach Marco Vittozzi. (Courtesy Photo)

The team features 11 North Reading High varsity players and six juniors varsity players. There are also two players who just finished their freshman year at North Reading High.

“Most of these kids have been playing since March and they are still playing hard,” said Vittozzi.

First baseman, Matt Capozzoli, leads the team in batting average and runs batted in after 11 games as he is hitting over .350. He is followed by Matt Solecki (center field), Alex D’Ambrosio (shortstop), and Ryan Connor (third base- pitcher) who are all hitting over .500.

The pitching has been very balanced as six different hurlers have recorded wins. Jimmy Currier has a team-high two wins while Cole Doke, Joe Frammartino, Jack Keller, Ryan Venezino and Connor all have one win on the hill.

“Our pitching has been very balanced,” said Vittozzi.

On July 18, North Reading wrapped up the regular season at Westford (results not available at press time).

If the standings hold, the team is slated to face Tewksbury in the first round of the playoffs that will start on July 24 at North Reading High at 5:45 p.m. Game two is in Tewksbury the next night and, if necessary, the third game will be back in North Reading on Thursday at 5:45 p.m.