Published in the May 17, 2018 edition

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE — Just days after beating the Melrose Red Raider baseball team at home, the Wakefield Warriors fell 10-3 in a Freedom League rematch on Wednesday, May 15 at Morelli Field in Melrose.

The Warriors struggled on the mound, utilizing four pitchers over seven innings, and saw most of the damage in the first three innings, falling to an 8-0 deficit.

Melrose pitcher Harry Kelley went the distance for the Red Raiders (8-7) for the win, giving up six hits and fanning three, but the Warriors spoiled his shutout in the sixth inning when Ryan Donald and Gabe Sanders crossed the plate.

Warrior pitcher Chris Alden fanned four Raiders in his 2 ½ innings on the mound, coming into the game in the third after pitching duties from starter Patrick Roache and Chris Coombs.

CHRIS COOMBS had a couple of hits in yesterday’s loss in Melrose. (Item file photo)

Wakefield came up empty in runs in the first and stranded Tommy Mottl and Chris Coombs, who both hit singles to right field in the second. Melrose took a 2-0 lead in the second after Liam Crovo knocked in Mike Fennell and a passed ball scored Mike Koytikh.

Melrose’s Kelley retired the side in the third and Red Raider bats were ruthless in the bottom of the inning, with Charlie Stanton and Liam Crovo knocking in two runs each. Melrose made it a 7-0 game when Mike Fennell scored two and Mike Koytikh knocked in Will Dolaher. Wakefield pitcher Chris Alden stopped the bleeding by fanning two to end the inning.

Wakefield’s Jake Nardone was robbed of a hit up the middle when Melrose shortstop Joe Stanton made a diving catch behind second base. Wakefield bats came alive in the sixth inning when Ryan Donald took first after being hit by Kelley. Gabe Sanders advanced Donald on a single, and Tyler Pugsley loaded the bases with a single to left.

Warrior Mike McKean knocked in Donald to end the shutout and Cal Tryder grounded out, but scored Gabe Sanders in the process. Wakefield was down 9-2 going into the sixth.

Wakefield’s Jordan Fauci took the mound and gave up one run and fanned Melrose’s Rob Mele to end the sixth inning.

Down 10-2, the Warriors bats stayed alive in the seventh when Chris Coombs hit a single to right. He was driven in by Eric Hickey but the end of the inning made the final score, 10-3, Red Raiders.

The Warriors look to get back on the winning track when they host Stoneham this afternoon at 3:45 p.m. at Walsh Field.