One win from tourney after triumphs over Burlington, Stoneham
DEREK SCIMEMI has been just as strong at the plate as on the mound for the Red Raider baseball team who are on the cusp of qualifying for playoffs after a win over Burlington on Monday. (Donna Larsson photo)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE — By this time next week, the Melrose High School Red Raider baseball team should be headed to a familiar place: Playoffs. After two consecutive wins over Stoneham and Burlington this week, Melrose (9-4) improved their chances of returning to post season and need just one win in six games to qualify for the MIAA Div. 2 North playoffs. At press time they sit in second place in the Middlesex Freedom League at 4-2 behind a surprisingly tough Wakefield squad.
“I think we’re coming together at the right time,” says Melrose head coach Bill Hirschfeld. “Our bats are coming around. I’m happy with our offense and defensively we’re not giving up a lot of runs.” It’s been pitching, however, that has kept Melrose ahead of many of their competitors. “Pitching has been our backbone this season,” he notes. “The Middlesex League is tough top to bottom, and the last few games we’ve only given up 2 and 3 runs. I think it’s made a difference.”
Indeed, Melrose saw victory on Wednesday, May 6 over Stoneham, limiting the Spartans to three runs in a 4-3 victory behind the efforts of Dylan Gaita and Derek Scimemi on the mound, with the latter getting the victory in relief. Senior captain Jack Hickey made it a game with a three-run homer before Stoneham tied things at 3-3 in the sixth. Melrose’s seventh inning proved key thanks to a tie-breaking single by Andrew Maguire, who scored Scimemi for the winning run.
On Monday, Melrose earned another league win on the road beating Burlington in extra innings, the second win against them this year, thanks to a four run eighth inning which resulted in a 6-2 victory and their ninth win of the season. Derek Scimemi went the distance for Melrose giving up just six hits and notching four strikeouts. Melrose took an early lead of 2-0 before the Red Devils tied it in the sixth inning. At 2-2, Melrose went into the eighth inning and saw hits from Alex DerVartanian, Justin McCarthy and Alec Tauro who helped drive in runs before a few Melrose batters were hit at the plate which drove in the final runs in the extra inning victory, 6-2.
“Our wins have been from a group effort which is nice,” says Hirschfeld. “We have guys anywhere in the lineup hitting when we need it. If our three and four spot batters are having a slow day, our 6-7-8 batters step up. We’re striking a nice balance.”
Melrose will face a very competitive Wakefield team on Wednesday May 13 (post deadline) before facing Watertown on Thursday (also post deadline), who are a team they beat once this season. On Friday Melrose will host Malden in Mayor Cup action. Should Melrose find victory with any of them, or the three teams they face next week, it means another trip to playoffs and a very enjoyable spring.
Remaining Schedule
Wed. 5/13 vs. Wakefield (Morelli Field) 3:45 p.m.
Thurs. 5/14 vs. Watertown (Morelli Field) 3:45 p.m.
Fri. 5/15 vs. Malden (Morelli Field) Mayor’s Cup 3:45 p.m.
Mon. 5/18 @ Wilmington 3:45 p.m.
Wed. 5/20 @ No. Quincy 3:45 p.m.
Fri. 5/22 vs. Winchester (Morelli Field) 3:45 p.m.
