Category Archives: Amesbury

April 22, 2013 · 10:43 pm

Amesbury rallies for two in the eighth to defeat Manchester-Essex 8-7

Adam Ivancic (00) is mobbed after scoring the winning run

Tommy Connors drove in the winning run for Amesbury

(Amesbury) Tommy Connor’s two-out single in the eighth inning gave Amesbury an exciting, 8-7, comeback win over Manchester-Essex on a very cold and windy Monday afternoon in Cape Ann League play.

Junior Andy Reidy pitched a complete game five-hitter and struck out fifteen Hornets.

ME coach Bob Garrett used four pitchers (Sean Desmond, Brandon Bartlett, Kevin Carter, Corey McCollum) and while they only allowed three hits among them, they also surrendered fourteen walks and hit four batters.

The walks and HBP’s enabled the Indians (3-2) to have baserunners and scoring chances galore. The missing ingredient was timely hitting but that showed up in Amesbury’s two-run eighth inning.

In that inning, a two-base throwing error by shortstop Cory Burnham allowed John Pesci to reach. John took third on a passed ball and scored on Adam Ivancic’s RBI single to left. Adam took second with one out and third on another passed ball. After a popout by Ben Cullen, for the second out, Tommy Connors was the batter. Two innings earlier Tommy popped out with the bases loaded with two outs. Not this time. The Indians senior slapped a single to centerfield sending Adam home with the game winner.

Sean Desmond doubled in a run in the eighth

The loss was a tough one for the Hornets because they had gone ahead by a run in the top of the eighth inning. After Jake Fitzgerald singled with two outs, Sean Desmond reached the base of the centerfield fence with a run-scoring double.

But the Hornets (1-3) couldn’t hold the lead.

ME ended up with seven runs and got six of them in a wild third inning as they sent eleven batters to the plate. The Carter brothers (Craig and Kevin) drove in two of the runs but the rest of them were unearned. The Indians had three errors (Mac Short, Andy Reidy, Patrick Scanlon) and two wild pitches.

And there could have been more runs but Andy Reidy K’d Sean Desmond and Henry Gedney with the bases loaded to end that inning.

Amesbury stranded sixteen runners including the bases loaded in three different innings.

Another Amesbury run

Ben Cullen and Devlin Gobeil each scored two runs for the Indians.

Devlin had an RBI grounder in the first inning.

In the third inning, both Zack Fitzgerald and Devlin Gobeil scored on a two-out wild pitch.

Brandon Bartlett’s wild pitch allowed Mac Short to score in the fourth inning.

A two-base throwing error by Cory Burnham enabled Ben Cullen to cross with Amesbury’s fifth run coming in the fifth inning.

A wild pitch by the Hornet’s Kevin Carter sent Devlin Gobeil home with the tying run in the sixth inning.

Manchester-Essex arrived late for the start of the game. On a very cold, windy day those extra 15-20 minutes of waiting were tough to take.

Andy Reidy struck out fifteen Hornets

ME qualified for the state tournament last season for the first time in twenty years.

ME will be hosting Rockport tomorrow. Amesbury hosts Lynnfield.

I can guarantee you that Andy Reidy won’t be doing any pitching after going eight innings in cold weather. I wonder how many pitches he threw?

You knew that the game was a “little long” when the Amesbury softball team was on hand for the end of the game. They played and returned from a game in Rockport!

Amesbury boxscore

Manchester-Essex boxscore

(All of the pictures above and below enlarge considerably if you click on them.)

John Pesci

Max Nesbit slides home

Shortstop Cory Burnham sets to throw

Bob Gallagher and Gene Burnham

Tommy Connors after his game-winning hit

Max Nesbit eyes a foul pop

Kevin Carter

Amesbury bench

Tommy Connors gets some treatment

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Filed under Amesbury, Manchester-Essex

Tagged as Andy Reidy, Cory Burnham, Devlin Gobiel, Max Nesbit, Sean Desmond, Tommy Connors

April 17, 2013 · 5:46 pm

Amesbury rallies from 5-run deficit to defeat Lynnfield 9-5 in Cape Ann League softball

Fly balls gave Lynnfield trouble in the sixth inning.

Malia Roberto (#7) after her homer in the first inning.

(Amesbury) Lynnfield took a four-run lead into the sixth inning before falling apart in the field and losing to undefeated Amesbury, 9-5, on a sunny Wednesday morning in Cape Ann League softball.

The Pioneers (2-3) had six errors in the final two innings and therein squandered an impressive hitting display in the first two innings.

Lynnfield had four runs after four batters to start the game. Two singles (Rachel Buzzotta and Mandy McQueen), a triple (Jade Palladino), and a home run (Malia Roberto) in the top of the first inning had me wondering what the Pioneers had been served for breakfast!

pitcher Carolina Merrill after the game

But a strikeout by winning pitcher Carolina Merrill enabled the Indians (3-0) to end that first inning with two Pioneers stranded and only four runs given up.

Lynnfield had a run in and two more runners on in the second inning when centerfielder Janine Fatal made a nice running catch to limit the damage to one run.

Surprisingly, the Pioneers had just two hits over the final five innings but their defense held Amesbury to one run through five innings.

Leftfielder Malia Roberto, third baseman Lauren Guerra, and shortstop Rachel Buzzotta made terrific plays in the 4th and 5th innings.

However, that 5-1 Lynnfield lead after 5 ½ innings melted like a Hodgies ice cream cone on a hot day in the bottom of the sixth inning.

That sixth is probably an inning that has been deleted from the Lynnfield scorebook by LHS coach Peter Marinelli. And no one could blame him!

Jade Palladino

Things got so bad that I heard pitcher Jade Palladino yell out in the midst of it, “Let’s get it together out here!”

When you put together a mixture of five hits, four errors, and a wild pitch, bad things will happen. Twelve Indians batters took part in that sixth inning and eight runs scored. More than enough to win this one for Amesbury.

By my (unofficial count) only two of Amesbury’s nine runs were earned. LHS starter Jade Palladino obviously deserved a better fate.

Junior Malia Roberto had a 3-hit morning including a 2-run homer to right-center in the first inning.

Senior Mandy McQueen had two singles and scored a run for Lynnfield.

Jade Palladino tripled to straightaway center in the first inning driving in two Pioneers runs.

Amanda Schell

Junior Amanda Schell had two hits and scored two runs for the victorious Indians.

Autumn Kligerman made a nice play on a line drive to go along with scoring a run, getting a hit, and driving in a run.

A key in the Amesbury win was the way senior Carolina Merrill took charge in the last five innings. When she started mixing in a very good changeup with her fast pitches, LHS batters lost some of their early-inning aggressiveness at the plate.

I suspect that the LHS outfield defense will be getting some serious practice time in the near future. Two drops on routine fly balls were a big part of the Pioneers demise in that fateful sixth inning.

Both teams return to action on Friday. Lynnfield hosts Malden (10:30AM) while Amesbury visits Pentucket (10AM).

Amesbury boxscore

Lynnfield boxscore

(All of the pictures above and below enlarge considerably if you click on them.)

Rachel Buzzotta steps on home in the first inning

freshman Lauren Fedorchak

Two Indians chase a popup

Cassie Schultz

Rachel Buzzotta

Carolina Merrill about to catch a popup in the seventh inning

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Filed under Amesbury, Lynnfield

Tagged as Amanda Schell, Carolina Merrill, Jade Palladino, Malia Roberto, Rachel Buzzotta

April 16, 2013 · 6:24 pm

Opportunistic Ipswich defeats Amesbury 2-0 in Cape Ann League baseball

The Ipswich Tigers congratulate leftfielder Dan DAgostino on his game-ending catch

Winning pitcher Alex Amoroso tossed a 3-hitter.

(Ipswich) Ipswich made two unearned runs stand up as they defeated Amesbury, 2-0, on a sunny Tuesday morning in Cape Ann League baseball action.

The Tigers (1-2) were limited to three hits by Amesbury’s Andy Reidy but took advantage of extra at-bats, due to errors, in the third and fifth innings to get the runs they needed.

Ipswich starter Alex Amoroso was the MVP (in my opinion) for the Tigers. The IHS senior scattered three singles over six innings, scored the first Ipswich run, and drove in the second run.

Although Alex scattered three singles there are other ways to get on base and Amesbury used them. In five different innings the Indians had runners in scoring position but a clutch hit never surfaced.

Amesbury had their best scoring chance in the fourth inning. Devlin Gobiel reached on Ipswich shortstop Mike Savoie’s error and Zack Fitzgerald (two hits) followed with a walk. A fielder’s choice by Jack Fortin left runners on first and third with one out. Jack then stole second but Alex Amoroso escaped without any damage as he got both Adam Ivancic and Ben Cullen to pop out.

Ipswich took the lead in the third inning. Alex Amoroso reached first when third baseman Zack Fitzgerald couldn’t field his grounder with two outs. Two pitcher/catcher problems allowed Alex to get to third. Henry Sacco lined a single to left driving home the first Tigers run.

Sean Whooley leads off third

In the fifth, Ipswich got a second tainted run. Sean Whooley started the inning doubling over Adam Ivancic’s head in left. Dan D’Agostino followed with a bunt attempt. Catcher Mac Short’s throw to first was dropped by second baseman Tommy Connors. (Runners were now on first and third with no outs.) Ipswich coach Gardy O’Flynn put both runners in motion and Alex Amoroso’s grounder to short delivered Sean Whooley from third with the second run.

Sophomore shortstop Mike Savoie had three assists in the second inning. Senior Josh Guertin had three assists in the fifth inning.

Ryan Law earned a save with a 1-2-3 seventh inning. The final out, however, was a bit of an adventure. Mac Short hit a fly ball down the left field line and the combination of a tough sun, and a long way to run, spelled potential trouble for Ipswich. Shortstop Mike Savoie and left fielder Dan D’Agostino came full-speed into the same area and at the last second Dan made the catch to end the game.

Catcher Mac Short fires to first

Amesbury catcher Mac Short was a Cape Ann League All-Star in 2012.

The Tigers next game will be hosting Rockport on Saturday at 10AM. Amesbury will host Manchester-Essex on the same day and at the same time.

Ipswich boxscore

Amesbury boxscore

(All of the pictures above and below will enlarge considerably if you click on them.)

Dan DAgostino catches the last out

Matt Napoli

Henry Sacco drove in first Ipswich run

Alex Amoroso heads for home

Zack Fitzgerald (two hits)

Tommy Connors

Ryan Law earned a save

Devlin Gobiel steals second

Andy Reidy

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Filed under Amesbury, Ipswich

Tagged as Alex Amoroso, Andy Reidy, Henry Sacco, Mac Short, Ryan Law, Sean Whooley, Zack Fitzgerald

April 10, 2013 · 10:51 pm

Amesbury wins easily over Triton 12-2 in Cape Ann League softball

Amanda Boswell slides home safely

Jenna Bartley heads for home

(Byfield) Triton was in trouble even before their game with Amesbury started.

Cape Ann League All-Star Shannon Sinton was sidelined because of a preseason injury. The Vikings shortstop will be back with the team in a couple of weeks.

In the season opener for both softball teams Amesbury came away with a decisive, 12-2, win on a cloudy Wednesday afternoon.

The Indians were 17-5 in 2012 and have plenty of that team back. They had hits and base runners in every inning.

Carolina Merrill

And while the Indians were hitting and running the bases and building up an 8-0 lead, their pitcher (senior Carolina Merrill) held Triton scoreless scattering two hits and striking out five.

Amesbury had thirteen hits (by my count) and took the extra base time after time.

Amanda Boswell was the ideal leadoff batter for Amesbury in this one. The speedy junior reached base on all five at bats and scored four runs.

Mara Spears absorbed the loss for Triton. The Viking junior walked only one but despite some pretty good speed couldn’t keep the Indians from making good contact.

Cori Simons had a 2-run single for Triton in the final inning.

This was a non-league game. The CAL league game between the teams is on April 29th.

Erin Leary circles the bases

Today’s game featured three 2012 CAL All-League players – Cori Simons, Cassie Schultz, and Erin Leary. In this game, Erin had a home run down the left field line.

Kelsey Trudel, Shannon Sinton, Carolina Merrill, and Amanda Schell made the CAL All-Star team in 2012.

Last time I saw Amesbury play they were losing a tough 2-0 game at Danvers in the post-season tournament.

Triton’s next game is hosting Pentucket on Friday. Amesbury hosts Georgetown on Thursday.

(All of the pictures above and below enlarge considerably if you click on them.)

Amanda Boswell

Amanda Schell

Two Triton runners score

Kelsey Trudel

Lexa Reilly

Lily Anderson and Lucy Scholz

Amanda Schell tags out Lexa Reilly

Carolina Merrill and Erin Leary

Triton pitcher Mara Spears

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Filed under Amesbury, Triton

Tagged as Amanda Boswell, Amanda Schell, Carolina Merrill, Erin Leary, Jenna Bartley, Mara Spears

December 11, 2012 · 10:49 pm

Newburyport wins opener 39-23 over Amesbury in girls basketball

Lilly Donovan (17 points) gets in for two

Lilly Donovan (16 points) gets in for two

Mary Pettigrew (11 points) at the line

(Newburyport) This wasn’t pretty to watch from a style standpoint but I’m sure the Newburyport girls will take the win they got in their opener, 39-23, over Amesbury on Tuesday night at NHS.

Both teams feature athletes from fall sports and you could see that the transition to basketball was a work in progress.

By my unofficial figuring, there were forty-six turnovers in this thirty-two minute game! Both teams had twenty-three miscues. It seemed obvious that at this early date in the season the defenses (both played man-to-man) were far ahead of the offenses. Those on hand saw too much dribbling and too many ill-advised passes.

No three’s were made by either team although plenty were taken.

Sarah Abraham (24) and Emily Pettigrew (10) battle

Amesbury (0-1) had all sorts of trouble generating any offense except in the third quarter. The Indians went through almost the entire second quarter without scoring a single point.

Newburyport won this game because of the play of Lilly Donovan (16 points) and Mary Pettigrew (11 points). That twosome worked together to create scoring opportunities for each other on several occasions. Both made individual moves inside to produce points for the Clippers.

Newburyport (1-0) broke out of a 2-2 tie in the first quarter with a run of eight straight featuring a converted rebound by Lilly, two layups by Mary, and two free throws by Aly Leahy.

Later starting later in the first quarter the Clippers would string twelve unanswered together to get a commanding 22-6 advantage late in the second quarter. Newburyport collected those twelve points via converted rebounds by newcomers Emily Pettigrew (freshman) and Morgan Johnston (sophomore), two layups by Lilly, a jumper by Emily, and a driving layup by Casey Barlow.

Lilly Donovan defended by Emily Martin

Only a last-minute drive by Emily Martin kept the Indians from being shut out entirely in the second quarter. Newburyport led, 22-8, at the half.

Amesbury’s best quarter was the third. They actually outscored the Clippers, 10-8. Producing points for the Indians were Janine Fatal with a layup, followed by two inside scores from freshman Megan Reid, and a converted rebound and layup by Sarah Abraham.

The Clippers iced the game early in the final quarter as a Mary Pettigrew free throw, followed by two more freebies by Lilly Donovan, and a Lilly basket assisted by Mary put the home team in front, 35-18, with five minutes left.

Plenty of reserves saw action the rest of the way.

Sarah Abraham launches a three

Sarah Abraham was Amesbury’s high scorer with six points.

Newburyport is coming off a 14-7 in 2011-12 while Amesbury was 1-18 last year.

Beth Castantini, 2012 NHS grad, was in the house. She is now playing basketball for UMass Dartmouth.

There were several folks in the house with clipboards including one from Pentucket and two from Hamilton-Wenham. They just happened to be in the neighborhood??

I thought that the lighting at the Newburyport gym was much better than it was last year.

(The pictures above and below enlarge considerably if you click on them.)

Mary Pettigrew and Courtney Borkowski battle

Aly Leahy

Lea Tomasz defends Amanda Martin

Rebecca Kell shoots over Megan Reid from the corner

Emily Williams

Freshman Emily Pettigrew shoots inside

Amy Sullivan heads for the hoop

Jaycie Triandafilou gets in close

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Filed under Amesbury, Newburyport

Tagged as Lilly Donovan, Mary Pettigrew, Sarah Abraham

October 22, 2012 · 8:09 pm

Amesbury defeats Lynnfield 2-0 to stay undefeated in girls soccer

Hannah Zannini takes a shot. The AHS senior scored both goals for the undefeated Indians.

Janine Fatal takes one of her five hard shots.

(Amesbury) The undefeated Amesbury Indians played without the Cape Ann League’s top scorer (Megan Cullen) and faced a desperate opponent.

Neither mattered as the Amesbury girls soccer team defeated Lynnfield, 2-0, at Cashman School on a sunny/windy Monday afternoon.

Amesbury (13-0-2) have won seven straight since their tie with Hamilton-Wenham on October 1st.

Megan Cullen (17 goals/9 assists) warmed up but did not play. Maybe her absence has something to do with the fact that Amesbury has a spot in the tournament and already owns the CAL Division 2 title.

The Indians have two regular season games left – Tuesday (Georgetown) and Thursday (Rockport). You have to like the Indians chances of going undefeated. They have already defeated the Royals (5-0) and the Vikings (8-2).

Lynnfield (5-7-4) will now need to win their last two games (Rockport & Ipswich) to make the tournament.

The Pioneers’ desperation made this game of interest plus the fact that on September 19th Lynnfield had narrowly lost to Amesbury, 3-2. But in this one, the home team never let the visitors mount much of an attack.

With Megan sidelined, teammate Hannah Zannini cashed two goals (her 14th and 15th) in the first nineteen minutes of play and that was all that Amesbury needed.

Loose ball in front after a Lynnfield corner kick.

Amesbury had seventeen other shots in the direction of the Lynnfield goal. Lynnfield had a shot off of a corner kick in the first half and a flurry of several shots in the second half. Paige MacEachern had a strong bid for Lynnfield in the second half but AHS goalie Sarah Abraham finished with her fifth shutout.

Hannah’s first goal (I saw it from the other end!) was set up by Natalie Dawes. Hannah got in close on the right side.

The second scoring shot was from straight away and it zipped over the left shoulder of LHS goalie Hannah Travers.

Amanda Martin (12) tries to get past Ali Johnson (5).

After watching Amesbury play a good opponent for eighty minutes it’s easy to see why they have been so good this season.
(1) First of all, they rarely turn the ball over. If an opponent rushed at them they used the, “Lucy-Charlie-Brown-football-trick.” They would pull the ball back and let the opponent fly by. Taylor Tagliente and Erin Leary are two of the best defenders you’ll see.
(2) Second is Janine Fatal at midfield. The AHS senior had marvelous control in midfield traffic with speed and dribbling. And you talk about a hard shot from long distance. She had five of them in this game and fortunately for the Pioneers none of them were on target.
(3) Third is the overall team speed of Amesbury. They seemed a half step faster then Lynnfield over most of the field.

Lynnfield’s positional defense was quite good after the two goals. Even if players were beaten there were always teammates to help further down the field. Trust me, Amesbury did not go into any defensive shell over the last sixty-one minutes of soccer.

(The pictures above and below enlarge considerably if you click on them.)

Hannah Zannini gets pregame advice

Dayle DiTullio clears for Lynnfield

Emily Martin (16) takes a shot

Amanda Martin (12) closes in on Lynnfield goalie Paige Ciavarro

Natalie Dawes gets in on Lynnfield goalie Hannah Travers.

Hannah Zannini tries to get the ball from Abby Petras (19)

Sam Filipe

AHS coach Cathy Berry at halftime

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Filed under Amesbury, Lynnfield

Tagged as Abby Petras, Ali Johnson, Amanda Martin, Coach Cathy Berry, Emily Martin, Erin Leary, Hannah Zannini, Megan Cullen

June 3, 2012 · 7:34 pm

Danvers edges Amesbury 2-0 in Division 2 North quarterfinals softball

Caitlin McBride scores the first of Danvers two runs in the crucial second inning.

Kendall Meehan pitched a 5-hit shutout and drove in a run with a walk.

(Danvers) It was one of the better two-strike at bats you’ll ever see in a high school softball game. With the bases loaded, Danvers’ Kendall Meehan spoiled at least five two-strike pitches before earning a run-producing walk in the Falcons second inning.

That run and another one in the same inning were enough for #4 seed Danvers (19-3) as they defeated #5 seed Amesbury, 2-0, in the Division 2 North softball quarterfinals on a misty Sunday afternoon at Great Oak School in Danvers.

The Falcons next opponent will be either #1 seed Dracut or #8 seed Arlington. Those two teams are scheduled to play on Tuesday night.

This game was quickly played (75 minutes) and there was little to choose between Amesbury starter junior Carolina Merrill (four hits and three strikeouts) and Danvers’ starter sophomore Kendall Meehan (five hits and two strikeouts) except for the game-deciding second inning.

In the decisive second, freshman Caitlin McBride doubled to left center and reached third on Devyn Downs’ sacrifice fly with one out. Julia Saggese’s single to left drove in Caitlin with the first Falcon run.

Amesbury has trouble with a bunt in the second.

The second Danvers run of the inning was tainted. Devin Johnson had walked before Julia’s single so there were runners on first and second with one out. Erica Fleming’s bunt attempt was mishandled by Indian third baseman Autumn Kligerman loading the bases with two out. Kendall Meehan then delivered Devin with the second run on the crucial walk I described above. Carolina Merrill retired the next batter to end the inning but the unearned second run was on the books.

The Indians (16-6) had several promising innings but the combination of flawless Falcon defense and Kendall Meehan’s pitching preserved the shutout.

Amesbury didn’t do itself any favors by having leadoff batters doubled off first in the first (Amanda Schell) and the second (Erin Leary).

Amanda Schell reaches third in the fourth inning.

The Indians threatened in the fourth. Amanda Schell doubled to right-center leading off but only got as far as third.

In the fifth, Amesbury put two hits together (Alexis Boswell and Rachel Cyr) with two outs but Kendall K’d her mound opponent Carolina Merrill to close out the inning.

Amesbury’s Jenna Barley singled in the seventh and reached second on a sacrifice fly with two outs but a routine grounder to shortstop Brittany Dougal ended the game.

Danvers only opportunity to score other than the second inning was in the fifth when both Brittany Dougal (double) and Chrissy Gikas (Amanda Schell error) reached with one out. But Carolina Merrill pitched her way out of that one with a popup and a ground out.

Shortstop Brittany Dougal prepares to record the final out of the game.

Amesbury has no seniors on the 2012 team. Juniors Cassie Schultz and Erin Leary made the All-League team in the Cape League this season. Teammates Amanda Schell (sophomore) and Carolina Merrill (junior) were named CAL All-Stars.

Danvers coach Tara Petrocelli (second year) was the Coach of the Year in the NEC South.

Kendall Meehan is now 13-3.

Kendall Meehan, Sam DiBella, and Chrissy Gikas made the 2012 Northeast Conference South All-Star team.

I was told that the Great Oak School field was waterlogged Saturday but town workers made it playable today. It was in terrific shape.

(The pictures above and below enlarge considerably if you click on them.)

Julia Saggese – drove in first run

Chrissy Gikas

Falcon gathering

Rachel Cyr

Carolina Merrill – allowed only four hits

Caitlin McBride reaches third in the second inning.

Shortstop Amanda Schell locates a popup.

Third baseman Caitlin McBride

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Filed under Amesbury, Danvers

Tagged as Amanda Schell, Caitlin McBride, Carolina Merrill, Chrissy Gikas, Coach Tara Petrocelli, Julia Saggese Kendall Meehan, MIAA Division 2 North softball

May 23, 2012 · 8:50 pm

Amesbury hangs on to defeat Newburyport, 7-6, in Cape Ann League softball

Newburyport seniors Beth Castantini, Molly Rowe, and Maddy Stanton after playing their last home game.

Cassie Schultz waits for Casey Barlow to arrive

(Newburyport) The Amesbury Indians (15-4) swept the season series with Newburyport on the strength of a 7-6 win at Perkins Playground on a beautiful Wednesday afternoon in Cape Ann League softball.

Newburyport (10-8) gave away five runs in the field during the first two innings but came back with their bats to nearly pull this one out in the bottom of the seventh.

This was the last regular season home game for Newburyport’s three seniors (Beth Castantini, Molly Rowe, and Maddy Stanton) and they were honored by NHS coach Lori Solazzo before the game.

Sophomore Amanda Schell was the hitting star for the Indians collecting four RBI including two in Amesbury’s 2-run sixth. Those two runs provided the winning margin as the Clippers tallied two runs in the bottom of the seventh to get within one run.

Amanda Schell – two hits and four RBI

In their previous meeting, Amesbury won 9-2 on April 24th. That time around starter Carolina Merrill tossed a 4-hitter to get the victory. This time around Newburyport stroked thirteen hits but could never get more than two runs in an inning.

The first inning was not pretty for either team defensively. I counted five throwing errors by some normally reliable infielders on both teams. Second baseman Alexis Boswell had a bobble on a potential inning-ending grounder.

When the defensive dust settled Amesbury led, 4-2, after one inning.

The Indians picked up another tainted run in the second. A two-out, strikeout by Molly Rowe got past catcher Lauren Singer and Janine Fatal raced home with Amesbury’s fifth run.

Newburyport trailed, 5-2, going into the bottom of the fourth but ran themselves out of a promising inning. A Casey Barlow single to left was followed by Lauren Singer’s single to right sending Casey to third with one out. Amy Sullivan was put in as a courtesy runner for Lauren. Amy tried to steal second but Indian catcher Cassie Schultz threw a strike to Amanda Schell to nab Amy. Casey Barlow broke for home as the play at second was completed and Amanda threw a strike back to Cassie getting Casey by plenty.

The Clippers picked up two runs in the fifth to close to 5-4. Kendra Dow singled and reached third after two infield outs. Carley Siemasko brought Kendra home with a single to left. Later it was Beth Castantini delivering Lea Tomasz with a single up the middle.

Janine Fatal scores an Amesbury run

Amesbury answered with two runs of their own in the sixth. A walk (Rachel Cyr) and a single (Alexis Boswell) forced a Clipper pitching change as Beth Castantini replaced Molly Rowe. After Alexis stole second Amanda Schell hit a loud double to left center deep enough to score both runners.

Newburyport made things interesting in their last at-bats. They got runners (Lea Tomasz and Carley Siemasko) on first and second with two outs. Senior Beth Castantini drove in Lea and fellow senior Maddy Stanton brought home Carley. But that’s where the comeback ended as AHS pitcher Carolina Merrill got Vicki Allman to pop out to first baseman McKenzie Cloutier.

Janine Fatal and Amanda Schell each had two hits to pace Amesbury. Janine and Alexis Boswell both scored two runs.

Carley Siemasko – had three hits and scored two runs

Freshman Carley Siemasko had three hits for the Clippers while Kendra Dow, Lea Tomasz, and Beth Castantini collected two hits. Beth had two RBI.

Third baseman Maddy Stanton turned a pop fly into a double play in the 4th inning.

Indian pitcher Carolina Merrill had Lea Tomasz’ line drive go off her leg in the 7th inning.

A dog joined the action in the 4th inning even bringing along his own ball.

Amesbury has a 15-4 season going with no seniors. The Indians close their regular season tomorrow (Thursday) at St. Mary’s.

The Clippers will be involved in the North Andover tournament starting on Friday.

Both Amesbury and Newburyport have qualified for the post-season tournament. The Clippers will be playing on the road whereas the Indians may get a home game or two.

I can report now that this game was not at Cashman or Bresnahan? Only an individual who had gone to both places could give you that sort of information.

(All of the pictures above and below enlarge if you click on them.)

NHS coaches Mark Rowe and Lori Solazzo

Amanda Schell jumps for second as Kendra Dow reaches for the throw

ready to play

Pitcher Molly Rowe fires to first as Maddy Stanton and AHS coach Chris Perry watch

Lea Tomasz beats the tag of AHS catcher Cassie Schultz

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Filed under Amesbury, Newburyport

Tagged as Amanda Schell, Beth Castantini, Carley Siemasko, Carolina Merrill, Cassie Schultz, Janine Fatal, Kendra Dow, Lea Tomasz, Maddy Stanton, Molly Rowe

May 19, 2012 · 9:55 pm

Big inning gets Georgetown by Amesbury 9-3 in Cape Ann League baseball

CJ Ingraham scores on a wild pitch in the seven-run third inning.

Jeff Moore – struck out six and allowed two hits in six innings of pitching

(Georgetown) Georgetown (7-10) combined four hits and four walks with three Amesbury (3-14) miscues in the third inning to get seven runs and defeat the Indians, 9-3, on a very pleasant Saturday afternoon for Cape Ann League baseball.

The game was originally scheduled for 10AM but with the Georgetown junior/senior prom the night before, the game was rescheduled for 2PM.

Junior Jeff Moore dominated Amesbury over six shutout innings allowing just two hits (Shawn Bannon & Ben Cullen). Jeff also had six strikeouts and limited the Indians to just four base runners.

The game didn’t get out of hand until the bottom of the third. The Royals only had a 1-0 lead at that time.

The bottom of the third, however, was a seven-run disaster for Amesbury. AHS starter Nick Hawrylciw walked the bases loaded with one out. Indian coach Gene Burnham lifted Nick for shortstop Ben Cullen. Nick took Ben’s place at short.

AHS starter Nick Hawrylciw ran into trouble in the third

That switch didn’t work out so well for either player. Ben had a wild pitch, gave up two walks and two hits while Nick had two errors at short.

As luck would have it, after seven runs had crossed for Georgetown, Coach Burnham switched Ben and Nick back to their original positions and sure enough Nick’s first pitch produced a grounder to Ben that he handled cleanly to end the inning.

GHS coach Justin Spurr used mostly reserves after the fifth inning and they were able to get a run off of Devlin Gobiel in the sixth. Nick Correnti’s high hopper drove in Kevin Terban with G’town’s ninth run.

Coach Spurr let Mark Berkland pitch the seventh inning and he gave up five straight singles before getting an out. Noah Kligerman, Adam Ivanic, and Devlin Gobiel drove in the three Amesbury runs in that final inning as the Indians batted around.

Amesbury has now lost ten of their last eleven games. Their next game is home on Tuesday against Newburyport.

Georgetown travels to North Shore Tech on Monday.

Pitcher Devlin Gobiel fields a high hopper in the sixth.

Every park is a little different. At Georgetown they provide a program and they also announce the names of the players batting and any substitutions made.

The Georgetown right fielder disappeared into the lush vegetation in foul territory and came out with the ball.

In the section I was sitting in there was news that Tyler Wade had been voted King of the Prom.

All nine starters for Georgetown reached base in some fashion.

Both Colby Ingraham and Ryan Browner were picked off first base.

CJ Ingraham had a 2-run single in the decisive third inning.

(All of the pictures above and below enlarge significantly if you click on them.)

slide into third

Ryan Browner

Allen Navarro slides into second

Troy Eaton

Mark Berkland

Catcher Mac Short chases a foul popup

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Filed under Amesbury, Georgetown

Tagged as CJ Ingraham, Jeff Moore, Nick Hawrylciw, Ryan Browner

May 18, 2012 · 9:03 pm

North Reading wins 9th straight routing Amesbury 14-1 in Cape Ann League softball

Sophie Warren tries for third

Tarah Reilly – four hits and five RBI

(Amesbury) I have seen ten of the twelve softball teams in the Cape Ann League (missed Pentucket and Georgetown) this season and in my opinion there is none better than the senior-less North Reading Hornets.

The Hornets mugged a good Amesbury team, 14-1, on a beautiful Friday afternoon.

Amesbury (13-4) played the Hornets (15-2) a month ago and lost a close one (2-0) at North Reading. There was no similarity between that game and the one I saw this afternoon at Amesbury.

NR was ahead 8-1 after 2 ½ innings and never in trouble thereafter.

Amesbury starter Carolina Merrill limited North Reading to three hits a month ago but this time around everyone in the Hornet lineup had at least one hit. NR totaled sixteen hits.

Tarah Reilly whacked a bases-loaded triple in the third and Terri Ferrazzani did the same thing in the seventh.

Tarah had four hits for the Hornets batting second and drove in five runs. The NR sophomore did a good job in the first inning of dirtying up her uniform as she tripped rounding third and ended up diving back into third.

Amesbury’s only run was in the second. Alexis Boswell singled in the infield and reached third on a wild pitch and a fielder’s choice. Rachel Cyr singled Alexis home from there.

Terri Ferrazzani – scattered seven hits and had a 3-run triple

But that was it for the Indians even though they ended up with seven hits off NR pitcher Terri Ferrazzani and left runners in every inning. Amesbury, however, never had more than one hit in an inning except the second when they scored their run.

The Indians hurt themselves in the field in a couple of innings. A bobble by second baseman Alexis Boswell in the second opened that inning. Later with runners on first (Shelby Carney) and third (Leslie Zewiey), NR sent Shelby into a rundown. Leslie was able to score while the rundown was underway and then Amesbury threw the ball away during the rundown and Shelby ended up on third. Shelby would later cross home with NR’s third run of the inning on Tarah Reilly’s single.

There were two drops by first baseman Sarah McCullough in the sixth that gave the Hornets an unearned run.

NR had three triples in the game.

North Reading has won nine straight. They have Manchester-Essex away on Monday and finish with Lynnfield and Tewksbury.

The Hornets are undefeated (13-0) in the Cape Ann League. AHS coach Chris Perry’s recollection was that the last undefeated CAL softball team was his in 2006.

Tewksbury defeated NR early in the season. Masco was the other team to have a win over North Reading. Two weeks later Masco and NR met again and the Hornets won, 17-2!

Not only did everyone in the North Reading lineup have hits but all of them scored at least one run. Remarkable display of top-to-bottom hitting.

North Reading arrived a half hour late minus Coach Rusty Russell. Rusty was singing at a funeral so assistant coach Nicole Zimmerman ran the team.

Autumn Kligerman – 2 hits for Amesbury

Alexis Boswell and Autumn Kligerman had two hits apiece for the Indians. Autumn was sick and unable to play until the third inning.

Catcher Cassie Schultz made a diving catch of a popup down the first base line in the fifth.

Amesbury faces Georgetown at home on Monday.

The regular season is over for both teams next week. Both teams will play in the post-season. NR went on in the Division 2 North semi-finals last year. I would not be surprised to see them do better than that this time around.

(All of the pictures above and below enlarge considerably if you click on them.)