9th inning win over Wakefield helps cause
Published in the May 20, 2016 edition
THE MELROSE Lady Raider softball team is one win away from playoffs after back to back wins over Wilmington and Wakefield. Pictured is senior captain and hurler Alyssa Gorman. (Donna Larsson photo)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE — The Melrose Lady Raider softball team’s goal of qualifying for playoffs was made easier with an exciting extra-inning win over Wakefield Tuesday night at Veterans’ Field in Wakefield. Melrose secured victory in 9 innings for a 5-3 victory, sweeping the Warriors this season for the first time in 5 years. At press time the Lady Raider need just one win to secure a post season with five games on the horizon.
Melrose held a 3-2 lead in the eighth inning before Wakefield tied it up, forcing a 9th inning with the lights turned on at Veteran’s Field. Melrose bats did the job with a slew of Red Raider singles from Alyssa Gorman, Victoria Crovo, Saoirse Connolly and Ali Bornstein. After a series of errors by the Wakefield pitcher Melrose took a 5-3 lead going into the bottom of the 9th. And thanks to dynamite defensive work by Melrose outfielder Peri MacDonald, they were able to turn the lead into a win. After a hit to the outfield MacDonald threw a Warrior out at home into the mitt of Melrose’s Sam Farrell behind the plate, ending the game in Melrose’s favor. This thrilling extra inning victory followed a critical league win over Wilmington on May 11, thanks in part to the pitching of senior captain Alyssa Gorman. No doubt Melrose is happy to be on a nice winning streak at a critical stretch of the season.
Melrose looks clinch a playoff spot when they face Stoneham back-to-back this week, including Friday night under the lights of Pine Banks for Senior Night. By next week a tourney run could be in the books. Stay tuned.
Remaining games
Wed. 5/18 4 p.m. @ Watertown
Thu. 5/19 3:45 p.m. @ Stoneham
Fri. 5/20 6 p.m. vs. Stoneham – Senior Night
Mon. 5/23 3:45 p.m. @ Austin Prep
Tue. 5/24 5:30 p.m. @ Malden High School
