Published July 22, 2020
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
LOWELL — In a high-scoring affair, the Lynnfield Northeast Baseball League team defeated host Lowell, 9-7, on a hot, humid night at Alumni Field. With that victory, the Pioneers improved to 3-2-1.
“Both teams were swinging the bat well,” said Lynnfield coach Anthony Martinho. “It was a very long game.”
Lynnfield led 2-0 early but Lowell plated three runs in the bottom of the 2nd inning to take the lead. Both teams scored twice in the 4th and Lowell scored one in the fifth.
Lynnfield tied it with two runs in the sixth and took the lead for good with three runs in the top of the seventh.
Lowell scored once in the bottom of the seventh but relief pitcher Pat D’Amico was able to record the final out and pick up his first save of the season.
Jack Bird, who got the first two outs in the seventh, was the winning pitcher.
Lynnfield pounded out a season-high 13 hits in the game led by D’Amico who was a perfect 4-for-4 with two RBI’s including a long homer to left-center field.
Jake Mallett had a big night as well at the dish going 3-for-4 with two RBI’s. Blake Peters and Joe Gizmunt both went 2-for-4. Peters knocked in two runs while Gizmunt had one RBI.
On July 16, the Pioneers blanked visiting North Reading 4-0. Luke Martinho pitched the first two innings while Ben Mullin pitched the next three to get the win. Peters pitched the final two frames to preserve the shutout and pick up his first save of the summer.
“Ben has been pitching a lot,” said Martinho. “He has been pitching as a starter and reliever.”
Mullin (1-0) has given up just two runs in 10 innings of work. Against North Reading, he didn’t allow a hit.
Lynnfield scored twice in the bottom of the fourth inning and twice more in the sixth.
In the fourth, a triple to right field by D’Amico scored Martinho who singled to reach base. Gizmunt’s sacrifice fly made it 2-0.
In the 6th, Alex Gentile and Martinho both singled. D’Amico (2-for-3) then delivered an RBI single to make it 3-0. Gizmunt then had his second RBI on a ground out for the final run.
“Pat has been coming up big at bat,” said Martinho.
On July 14, the news was not as good as the Pioneers were blanked 6-0 by host Westford at Westford Academy.
“It was a clunker,” admitted Martinho. “Westford has a good team with a very solid defense.”
Westford took control early by scoring four times in the bottom of the first inning. They then tacked on two more runs in the bottom of the fourth.
Lynnfield had just three hits.
Lynnfield’s next game will take place on Thursday night at 6 p.m. as they welcome Newton at Lynnfield High School. They then play their next two games at home as well. On July 26, the Pioneers face Billerica and then take on Dracut on July 28. Both of those games will also start at 6 p.m.
