(Rowley MA) Newburyport made full use of the equipment they brought.
The Clippers collected twelve hits defeating Triton, 10-4, at Eiras Park in the season opener for both teams on a sunny Thursday afternoon.
And then there were the gloves.
Sometimes you’ll get one catch that earns a star in the scorebook. On this afternoon, all the Clippers outfielders (Ryan Archer, Jake Buontempo, Jax Budgell) had highlight moments.
“We have some great outfielders,” understated NHS starter Jack Fehlner afterwards.
Newburyport picked up six runs in the fourth inning with two outs and Triton couldn’t completely recover.
The Vikings did recover enough to close to 6-4 with a run in the 4th and three in the 5th.
Newburyport starter Jack Fehlner ended both of Triton’s run-producing innings with called strikeouts to limit their comeback attempts.
“Triton is a very good hitting team,” said Jack.
“When Triton was down by six, I told the team between innings that they won’t lay down,” said Coach Mark Rowe, “and they didn’t.”
Catcher Nick White, usually known for his defense behind the plate, was instead recognized (by me) for his hitting. And why not, he had three hits and four RBI.
“I don’t think I’ve ever had a hitting game like this before,” explained Nick.
“With the rain recently, we’ve done a lot of hitting under the stadium and I think it paid off,” said Coach Rowe.
Senior Ryan Archer also had three hits that turned into three RBI.
“Newburyport is a good team,” said Triton coach Ryan McCarthy. “They have returning players and they’re aggressive at the plate.”
Triton managed seven hits with senior Brady Lindholm getting two hits for the Vikes.
Things did not go Triton’s way in Newburyport’s six-run fourth inning. The Vikings nearly had baserunner Charlie Forrest picked off. Later in the same inning, Newburyport loaded the bases with two outs and no runs in at this point. An infield grounder didn’t result in an inning-ending force-out and two runs scored. Four more Clippers runs would follow before Triton could stop the damage.
“It stung that they got six with two outs,” recalled Coach McCarthy.
The Vikings rallied back in the 4th and 5th. Cael Kohan’s bases-loaded single gave Triton its second run.
Kyle Odoy followed with a grounder to 3B Demetri Connor. Demetri tried for a force at home, but his throw was wide, and two Vikings crossed the plate.
“I thought Jack (Fehlner) pitched great,” said Coach Rowe. “We made some mistakes in the inning they scored three runs.”
Sophomore Owen Tahnk pitched the last two innings for Newburyport.
Owen’s pitching probably won’t be remembered very much because it was during his two innings that Newburyport’s outfield trio put on their show.
In each of the catches, the outfielder had to dive forward to get the ball………and it worked for all three of them.
Plenty of sun and plenty of spectators.
“It was great weather, and we had a chance to play the game we love,” said Coach McCarthy.
Nick White: “Any time you can put up double-digit runs you’ve had a good hitting night. I think that our two pitchers (Jack Fehlner, Owen Tahnk) will be among the best in the league.”
Besides getting twelve hits, the Clippers took eight walks. Triton had only one walk.
Not counting today’s game, the last eight times these teams had met they had each won four times.
(All of the pictures above and below will enlarge considerably if you click on them.)
McClelland Miscellanea 