By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
WILMINGTON — First place in the South division was on the line on July 29 as the North Reading Northeast League baseball team (ages 15-18) visited Wilmington. Three days before this game, the Hornets belted the Wildcats 15-1 in their first meeting of the summer.
However, Wilmington was able to avenge that loss as they nipped the Hornets by a final score of 2-1.
Ryan Baker was the tough-luck losing pitcher going six innings allowing two runs, five hits, four walks and striking out five.
“He pitched very well,” said North Reading head coach Marco Vittozzi. “We just couldn’t get the bats going.”
The Hornets had only five hits led by Jared MacDonald who went 2 for 3 and had the lone run batted in coming in the top of the first inning.
Wilmington scored both of their runs in the bottom of the fourth inning.
The Hornets fell to 8-5 with that defeat as their four-game winning streak was snapped.
The night before, the Hornets shut out guest Woburn 5-0 at North Reading High School as they swept the season series from the Tanners.
Matt Ryan (1-0) was the winning pitcher as he went all five innings (it was a five-inning game due to the rain). He gave up only one hit, one walk and he fanned four.
“He pitched a great game,” said Vittozzi. “We needed someone to step up with all of the game we have played recently and he did.”
North Reading plated four runs in the bottom of the third and one more in the fifth.
Mike Vittozzi had the big blow with a two-run double in the fourth. Frank Castrano added an RBI on a sacrifice fly.
With games left to be played this week the division is still up for grabs.
The South champ will face the North champ, Westford, on Sunday Aug. 8 in the title game (time and location unknown as of press time).
