Published in the July 16, 2015 edition

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

NORTH READING — On Monday night, the North Reading A’s baseball team nipped host Swampscott, 5-4, at Swampscott Middle School. With that win, the A’s improved to 5-14-1. They are now in seventh place in the North Shore Baseball League (the top eight teams qualify for the playoffs) with the victory.

Bob Berry was the winning pitcher as he went all seven innings to improve to 1-1. He gave up four runs (three earned), eight hits, four walks and struck out four.

“He tossed a gem,” stated A’s player-manager Joe Dardeno. “He got stronger as the game went along.”

John Sirois had the game-winning hit with an RBI single in the top of the seventh to break a 4-4 tie.

John Lyman, the team’s oldest player at 42, led the offense going a perfect 2 for 2 with a walk and one RBI.

“He stepped up big for us,” stated Dardeno.

Rich Giannatassio also played solid defense at second base according to Dardeno.

On Sunday afternoon at Fraser Field in Lynn, the A’s were nipped, 4-3, by the Manchester Marlins. All of the league games were played at Fraser Field that day as the league raised money for the family of North Shore Phillies manager Jeff Blydell, who is battling brain cancer.

“We were able to raise a lot of money for his family,” pointed out Dardeno, as the players in the league donated along with raising funds with the concessions at the park.

In the game, Anthony Capuano led the A’s attack going 3 for 3 with one RBI. Giannatassio was 2 for 3 with one RBI.

Anthony Lupi was the losing pitcher going four innings to fall to 2-1. He gave up four runs and six hits. Andrew Lessar pitched two scoreless frames in relief.

Last Friday night, the A’s picked up their first home win of the season as they beat the Lynn Brickyards Legends, 9-3, at North Reading High School.

“We hit the ball well,” recalled Dardeno, whose squad had 12 hits.

Dardeno was 2 for 3 with two RBI and a sacrifice fly. Giannatassio and Sirois were also 2 for 3. Sirois also knocked in one run.

Justin McQuarrie went 2 for 4 with an RBI and one steal.

Adam Halley went to 1-1 on the hill going 4 ½ innings. He gave up two runs, five hits, three walks and he fanned one.

On July 8, the A’s lost to the visiting Bistany Bombers, 5-3. The A’s offense was led by Tyler Mezquita who went 2 for 3 with two RBI. Mike Banda added an RBI and also scored once.

Zach Szczechowicz was the team’s other multiple hitter going 2 for 3 as the A’s finished with nine hits.

Rob Sheldon fell to 0-2 on the mound as he went 4 2/3 innings. He gave up five runs and nine hits.

Sunday afternoon at 5, the A’s host the Marlins. They play at home again next Monday night at 6 as the Kingston Night Owls come to town.