Orioles 16 Mariners 6
Steve Saraceno won his 18th consecutive game and O's extended their regular season win streak to
26 in beating the Mariners 16-6 at Holliston HS. Saraceno went 6 innings giving up 4 unearned runs
on 4 hits, no walks and 3 k's. Rob Gray pitched 2 scoreless innings in relief in preparation for his
start against the Yankees in round one of the playoffs. Brendan Doyle continued his red hot
hitting going 4-4 with 2 HR's, 3 runs scored and 4 RBI. Steve Simoes (2-3, HR, 3B, 3 runs), Tom
Galvani (2-3, 2B, 2 runs), Saraceno (1-2, run) and Jeff Merzel (2-2, 2B, run) each had 2 RBI for the
O's who finish the season at 18-0. This is the second time the O's have finished a regular
season undefeated.
Wright was the offensive leader for the Mariners going 2-4, with a double, 2 runs and 2 RBI.
Aided by several O's errors the Mariners cut a 10-0 lead to 10-4 in the bottom of the fourth.
Wright and Foster had RBI's after two runners reached on errors and two other runs scored on errors.
The O's face the Yankees on Sunday in the first round of the Playoffs and the Mariners travel to
Marlboro to face the Indians.
Braves 13 Phillies 12
From the first inning, the game looked like it would be a case of the last team to score wins, and
that proved to be true as the Braves ended a terrific season with a 13-12 win over the Phillies. The
Braves finished the regular season with a 15-3 record, while the Phillies dropped to 10-8.
Base hits flew all around Memorial Field in Millis - 14 for the Braves and 17 for the Phillies. Late
season salary drives by everyone. Despite all the offense, defense made the difference, as the Braves
took advantage of a handful of errors on route to a comeback victory.
The key inning of the game was the seventh. Trailing 8-6, the Phillies first six batters scored. Key
hits in the inning were a two-run double by Steve Myers and a two-run single by Mark Rogers. Trailing
by four with nine outs to go, the Braves came back with four in the home seventh. Rich Moran's rbi
single, Matos' rbi-double, a sac fly by Bryson, and Matos steal of home during a double steal brought
the runs in.
The home eighth produced the winning run. Paul Chiodo singled to lead it off. Two batters later,
Chiodo was thrown out at home on a strong throw by left fielder Brian Gibbons (who made a great
diving catch of a low liner in the fourth) and a terrific tag by Phillies catcher Craig Bagley, who
held on to the throw as he ended up flat on his back. Rich Moran then singled to center, bringing home
Jim Callaghan with go-ahead run. Moran's hit was his fourth of the day.
With 31 hits, hitting stars were many. Adding to Moran's four hits with two hits each were Braves
Chiodo, Christos Lagos, and Jack Berardinello. Pacing the Phils' attack was Pat Chieffalo, whose 3
hits put him over .500 for the season. Mark Rogers had a big day with four rbi on two hits. Also
adding two hits were Demian Gage, Jeff Langan, and Craig Bagley.
Despite all the offense, two pitchers' work deserves praise. Winning pitcher Jim Callaghan relieved
with one out in the second and threw seven and two-thirds innings in intense heat and humidity to
really earn a win. Phillies coach Rick Huckins took over in the third and allowed two runs over
four innings, retiring nine in a row at one point, before tiring and leaving with two men on and a
run home in the seventh.
Cubs 22 Cardinals 7
No recap available.
Indians 13 Yankees 9
The Indians spotted the Yankees an 8-0 lead after two innings before erupting for 13 unanswered
runs en route to a 13-9 victory at Feeley Field in Sudbury.
The victory enabled the Indians (10-8) to reach double-digits and wins for the first time ever on
their way to their first-ever second-place finish.
Indians starter and winner Jack Buchanan was also the hitting star of the game, as he went three
for three and also walked. The southpaw, who was the victim of some shoddy defense in the first
inning and a seven-hit, six-run second inning by the Yankees, somehow managed to settle down over
the next 5 2/3 innings and allow his team to come storming back.
The Tribe plated a pair of runs in the fourth inning, three more in the sixth and eight more in
the seventh. The Yankees finally chased Buchanan with a run in the eighth before Andy Troiani
came in to record the final four outs.
Jerry Guerra, Richie Leone, Bob Crossman and Leo Saraceno had two hits each for the Indians, who
pounded out 14 hits in all. Troiani and Craig Macauley led the way with three runs batted in apiece.
For the Yankees, who also managed 14 base hits, Mark Galuso led the way with three. Paul
Valentino, Dave Valdebrini, Wally Siggins and Manny ??? had two hits each. Valentino and Galuso
each drove in a pair of runs.
Brewers 19 Red Sox 4
No recap available.
Week 16.5, 08/15/02
Mariners 11 Red Sox 2
Bob Solat carried a no-hitter into the ninth- Broken up with a clean single down the third
base line by Walt Finan. Solat struck out 17 in a complete game 2 hitter allowing 1 earned run.
A three error eighth inning allowed the Red Sox to plate a run without a hit or a walk. No-hitter
still intact. Pat Sullivan chipped in with 3 hits. Rocky Figueroa, Bob Solat and Ed Wright had 2
hits a piece.
Week 16, 08/11/02
Orioles 17 Red Sox 3
Rob Gray improved to 8-0 going 7 innings giving up one run on 4 hits while striking out 13
helping the O's to a 17-3 victory. The win was the O's 25th consecutive regular season win
dating back to June 24th of last year when the Cubs beat the O's 3-0. The O's banged out 20
hits en route to the victory with Mark Stickney, Brendan Doyle and Dick Scullary each collecting
3 hits. Doyle was 3-5 with 3 RBI to lead the attack with Saraceno and Malone each getting two RBI.
Zogalis doubled and scored the first Sox run on a Sylvia single in the fifth.
The O's go for a perfect season Sunday against the Mariners.
Indians 11 Mariners 6
For the first time in franchise history, the Indians clinched second place and a home playoff
birth in the first round of the 2002 MWABL playoffs with a convincing 11-6 win over the Mariners
in Holliston.
The Indians victory was a playoff preview, as they will host the third-place Mariners in the
single-elimination, opening round on August 25th in Marlborough.
Once again the Indians rode the arm of their ace, Andy Troiani, to the win. The tall righthander
went the first seven innings, giving up just three hits while strinking out a dozen. Richie Leone
pitched a scoreless eighth and Jim Forbush closed it out in the ninth.
Troiani was backed up by a 12-hit attack and eight walks by a quartet of Mariner hurlers.
The Indians scored the first run in the second when Jim Forbush stole home during a pickoff
attempt at second base. Larry Rosoff made it 2-0 with a two-out RBI single in the third.
The Mariners got even when starter and loser Kevin Ryan blasted a two-run homer to centerfield
in the fifth. Ironically, that blast by Ryan proved to be his undoing on the mound. With no
fence in the outfield, Ryan had to leg out his four-bagger. When he got to the mound for the
sixth, he was completely exhausted. He surrendered a leadoff single to Rosoff and walks to
Jerry Guerra and Andy Troiani before being lifted for lefty Mike Breslau.
Breslau fanned Forbush, but then the roof fell in, as the Indians erupted for seven runs. The
key hits were two-run singles by Leone, Bob Crossman and Jack Buchanan, making it 9-2.
The M's got a pair back in the bottom of the sixth as Vericker tripled home a run
and scored on a sac fly by John Gatti.
The Indians made it 11-4 in the seventh on an rbi single by Leone and a sac fly by Craig Macauley.
The M's closed out the scoring in the ninth with a pair of runs (1 earned).
Buchanan led the Indians with 3 hits, while Rosoff, Forbush, Leone and Crossman had two each.
Leone drove in three runs, while Macauley, Crossman and Buchanan each brought home a pair.
Vericker had two of the four Mariner hits and drove in a pair of runs.
Phillies 13 Brewers 8
No recap available yet.
Cardinals 5 Yankees 4
No recap available yet.
Cubs 6 Braves 3
No recap available yet.
Week 15, 08/04/02
Braves 12 Yankees 0 and Braves 11 Yankees 0
The Braves ran off their 11th & 12th straight wins, taking a pair from the Yankees by the
scores 12 to 0 and 11 to 0, respectively.
In game one the Braves scored 5 runs in the first and fifth innings, and 2 in the fourth.
Starter Jim Callaghan pitched 7 strong innings earning the shutout and his eighth win,
allowing 2 hits, 1 walk, and 9 Ks. Callaghan, with the support of a strong Braves defense
put together five 1-2-3 innings. The 6-4-3 combination of Steve Smith to Mike Callaghan to
Mike Connor made a crisp double play to stop a Yankee threat in the first inning. Braves
super utility infielder Eric Gordon made plays at all four infield positions.
On offense the Braves were lead once again by the infield trio of Mike Callaghan, Mike Connor,
and Steve Smith, with two hits apiece. The Braves got RBIs from Mike Londergan, Rich Moran,
Jim Callaghan, Smith, Mike Callaghan, and Connor. The Yankees hits came from Steve Colantouno
and catcher Paul Valentino.
Game two was marked by another strong pitching performance for the Braves. Mike Connor pitched
a fine game earning the shutout and his third win, allowing 3 hits, 1 walk, while striking
out 4 over 7 innings.
Once again the Braves defensive game was solid. Two web gems were turned in taking away would-be
Yankees hits, one from LF Christo Lagos on a shallow fly, and the other from 3B Raul Matos
making a great play down the line and throwing across the diamond to make the out. Yankees
shortstop Chris Corsetti made a great leaping catch in the 6th, taking away a scorched line
drive off the bat of Mike Londergan.
Most of the scoring took place in the second inning when the Braves plated 6 runs on 6 hits.
On offense the Braves were lead by Kevin Bryson, Steve Smith, and Paul Chiodo, all with two
hits. The Braves got RBIs from Steve Purdy, Raul Matos, Chris Faletra, Mike Connor, Bryson,
Smith, and Chiodo.
Wally Siggins completed the twin bill, pitching all 14 innings for the Yankees, ringing up
2 Ks in the first game and 5 Ks in the second game.
With the sweep, the Braves earned home field in the playoffs. August 11th they host the Cubs
at Memorial Field. The Yankees travel to Hudson to play the Cardinals.
Orioles 15 Indians 2 and Orioles 6 Indians 5
Steve Saraceno won his 17th consecutive start dating back to last season going the full seven
giving up 2 runs on 9 hits with no walks and a K. The O's broke open a scoreless game with 5
runs in the fourth on their way to a 15-2 win. Mark Stickney was 3-4 with 3 runs scored and 3
RBI to lead the O's attack. Steve Saraceno was 4-4 with a run and an RBI to help himself
out. Brendan Doyle, Jeff Merzel, Bill Stickney, Rob Gray and Carlo Galvani all had two hits
for the O's.
Jack Buchanan started for the Indians and was solid for three innings before the O's got to him on
their second trip through the order. Poon and Togneri were both 2-3 to lead the Indians attack and
Rosoff and Guerra each had an RBI.
Game 2
Rob Gray and Andy Troiani dueled for 7 innings with Rob Gray providing the Heroics in the bottom of
the seventh to help the O's pull out a 6-5 win and improve to 16-0. Gray went 7 innings giving up
5 runs (2 earned) on 7 hits, with 8 k's. Troiani went 6 2/3, giving up 6 runs (4 earned) on 10 hits,
with 8 k's.
The Indians jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first. With one out, Larry Rosoff (1-3, RBI,
run) reached on an error and advanced on a Guerra (1-3 run) single. Rosoff scored on Troiani's
(2-3, RBI, 2B) single and Guerra scored on Fu Poon's (1-3, RBI, run) ground out to third. The game
stayed 2-0 until the fourth when the O's rallied for four runs. With two out, Bunkie Smith (2-3,
2 runs,) singled and Bill Stickney (2-3, run, 2 doubles) doubled to put runners on second and third.
Mark Stickney (2-3, 2 runs, RBI) singled home Smith. Troiani then hit T. Galvani (1-2, 2 runs) to
load the bases and Steve Saraceno (1-3, 2 RBI) singled to center scoring the Stickney's. Galvani
came home when the throw in from the outfield got past the cutoff to push the O's lead to 4-2.
The Indians got a run back in the 6th when Rosoff singled home Leo Saraceno who had reached on an
error. The Indians then took the lead in the top of the seventh with two runs. Poon and Togneri
lead off with back to back singles and the runners ended up on second and third when Togneri's
singled was bobbled by the O's outfielder. Crossman grounded out to score Poon and Gonsalves
singled home Togneri. The O's came right back in the bottom of the seventh. Mark Stickney reached
on an error and T. Galvani put down a drag bunt for single that moved Stickney over to third when the
Troiani' throw got past the first baseman. Galvani stole second on the first pitch to put the winning
run on second with no outs. Troiani then induced two pop outs leaving it up to Rob Gray. Gray hit a
sharp ground ball up the middle that was misplayed by the shortstop allowing both Stickney and
Galvani to score to end the game.
Phillies 6 Cubs 5 and Cubs 10 Phillies 0
No recaps available.
Cardinals 10 Brewers 7 and Cardinals 7 Brewers 2
No recaps available.
Mariners 10 Red Sox 3
No recap available.
Week 14, 07/28/02
Braves 12 Brewers 9
Reliever Steve Purdy's game-winning RBI highlighted a five-run attack in the ninth inning to give
the Braves their 10th straight win, a 12-9 victory over the Brewers at Wayland.
Down 9-5 in the seventh inning, the Braves brought in their big right-hander with two on and
nobody out. Purdy pitched three scoreless innings while striking out six.
Offensively, the Braves managed to offset their silent bats with big rallies in the late innings.
Paul (Chip) Chiodo went 5-5 with three runs scored to lead the Braves. His first hit, a single in
the first, scored catcher Chris Faletra (triple, RBI, three runs scored), who was hit by a pitch
and stole second.
The Brewers answered immediately. Leadoff hitter Bob Bouchard singled off starter Rich Moran and
stole second. After Dan Harpin was hit by a pitch, right-handed hitter Mike "Mario" Micelli (2-4,
two RBIs) knocked them home with a double to deep right center. Brian Hale (3-4, two RBIs)
singled home Micelli to give the Brewers a 3-1 lead.
Pitcher Steve Crawford (7 IP, 10 hits, one walk) silenced the Braves bats with good location and
offspeed pitching, rattling off two, 1-2-3 innings in the second and fourth (Chiodo and Kevin
Bryson's single in the third and fifth innings were the only offense in the middle innings for
the Braves). Micelli and Bouchard turned a pretty 6-4-3 double play rally killer in the fifth.
The Brewers built a 5-1 lead back in the fourth. Jim Burbridge tripled with one out and scored
on another Hale single. Hale later scored on a single by Mark Traszkos. Bouchard legged out a
dropped third strike in the fifth and eventually scored.
The Braves bats started to smolder in the sixth. Lagos and Chip both singled, and Faletra walked
to load the bases. Shortstop Steve Smith (2-4, five RBIs) finally saw a Crawford fastball and
launched a titanic blast to the deepest part of the field for a grand slam home run that cut the
lead, 6-5.
Again, the Brewers responded with another three-run attack. In the sixth, Harpin (walk) and Micelli
(single) made it to third and second, respectively, on a fielder's choice. Hale came through again
with another RBI single. Micelli scored on a Crawford sacrifice fly, and Paul Wood
singled to score Hale.
Chiodo singled in the seventh with one out. Faletra smashed a deep RBI triple to left and later
scored on Smith's single against the drawn-in infield to cut the lead, 9-7.
The score remained until the ninth. Jack Bernadenelli walked. With one out, leadoff hitter
Christo Lagos lined one over the centerfielder for a two-run homer to tie the game. Chip followed
Lagos with his fifth single of the game, and after Smith walked, Purdy's hard grounder back up the
box scored Chip to break the tie. Moran laid down a perfect squeeze bunt to score Smith and made
it to first. An infield error allowed Purdy to round out the scoring.
Indians 20 Red Sox 0
The Indians banged out 17 hits to back up the combined 3-hit shutout pitching of Andy Troiani
and Craig Macauley en route to a 20-0 win over the Red Sox at Marlborough High.
Jim Forbush's two-run single was the only hit the Tribe got in a five-run first inning, as they
also received six walks and a hit batsman.
The Indians plated four more in the third; seven in the fourth and 4 in the fifth.
Forbush and Jerry Guerra had three hits apiece, while Chris Gonsalves, Matt Sullivan and Leo
Saraceno had two each. Forbush drove in four runs; Troiani and Gonsalves had three RBI each; and
Larry Rosoff, Jack Buchanan and Sullivan added two each.
Troiani went the first four innings on the mound, allowing just one hit and no walks, while
striking out eight. Macauley (1-0) picked up the win with three innings of relief, surrendering
two hits, walking one and fanning four. They were backed by a defense which committed no errors
for the first time in memory.
The victory, combined with two losses by the Yankees (4-10) and one by the Mariners (5-9), puts
the 8-6 Indians in great position (with only four games remaining) to finish second in the American
League for the first time in their history.
For the Red Sox, S. Halzal had a pair of hits and Wayne Sylvia had the other.
Orioles 13 Brewers 6
Steve Saraceno improved to 6-0 as the O's pounded out 20 hits and ended the Brewers 5 game win streak
with a 13-6 victory. Saraceno went seven giving up six runs, two earned, on six hits, one walk and
seven k's. Rob Gray finished up with two innings of no hit relief, striking out four. Steve Simoes
was 3-3 with, 3 runs scored and two RBI and Bill Stickney was 2-4, with 4 RBI to lead the O's attack.
Jeff Merzel, Mark Knowlton, John Malone, Dick Scullary and Carlo Galvani each had two hits on the day
as 12 of the 14 O's batters had at least one hit.
For the Brewers, Dan Harpin and Bill Hoover were both 2-3 to lead the Brewers attack and Lionel
Hamilton and Bob Bouchard each scored two runs at the top of the Brewers order.
The O's scored at least one run in each of the first five innings to set the tone. The O's pushed
across two in the first with back to back to back hits from Merzel, Simoes and B. Stickney. The
Brewers tied it in their half of the first when Hamilton (lead off with a single) scored on Micelli's
fielders choice who then scored on one of several O's errors. The O's retook the lead on a triple by
Knowlton and a single by Malone. In the third, Carlo Galvani lead off with a double and later
scored on the Merzel's ground out. B. Doyle, who had reached on an error scored on Steve Simoes'
double and T. Galvani plated Simoes with a two out single to push the score to 6-2. In the fourth,
M. Stickney singled to lead off and went to second on A. Doyle's single. After a force out at second,
Knowlton singled home Stickney and Malone (3 RBI) singled home Knowlton and Saraceno (FC). Malone
later scored on C. Galvani's hit to make it 10-2. Simoes' single scored Merzel in the fifth to
complete the five inning run.
The Brewers plated two in the fourth as Hamilton lead off with a walk and then an O's miscue on a
sure double play ball put runners on first and second with no outs. Harpin's single scored Hamilton
and Micelli's Sac fly pushed across the second run of the inning. The Brewers cut the lead to 11-6
with two more runs in the seventh as Hoover and Hale had RBI singles. The O's got both back in the
top of the eight on Bill Stickney third and fourth RBI's of the day. Rob Gray held down the fort
for the final two innings.
Cubs 10 Indians 4
No recap available.
Phillies 14 Red Sox 4
No recap available.
Braves 8 Cardinals 6
The Millis Braves ran their winning streak to 9 games with an 8 to 6 home
field victory over the Hudson Cardinals.
The Braves jumped out to a fast start in the bottom of the first when smooth
fielding shortstop Steve Smith singled off Cards starter Tom Dowey to drive
in two runs. The Cards evened the score in the top of the third, sparked by
a Steve Ventura single off Braves starter Mike Connor. The Braves added
three more in the third and fourth innings combined when super utility
fielder Eric Gordon singled in a pair, and Paul Chiodo scored Jack
Berardinelli from third. The Cards added two more in the fifth with a single
by Pat Pisano and double from Paul Murphy, bringing the Cards to within one
run.
In the fifth the Braves got three big runs. Steve Smith hit a tape measure
triple and scored off of an Eric Gordon single. Rich Moran singled, and the
Cards went to the bullpen as Paul Murphy relieved Dowey. Kevin Bryson then
hit a clutch 2 rbi single to give the Braves the insurance runs they would
need. In the 8th the Cards would get two back off of a Paul Murphy double to
bring them within two runs. Connor pitched a scoreless ninth inning to earn
the complete game 9 hit victory.
The Braves had several key contributions on offense. Leadoff hitter Christo
Lagos and number two hitter Paul Chiodo set the table, both 2 for 3 with 2
runs scored. The fire power was provided by Steve Smith 3 for 3 with 2
rbi, Eric Gordon 2 for 4 with 3 rbi, and Kevin Bryson 2 for 3 with 2 rbi.
Defensively, the Braves made the key plays to preserve the lead.
The Cards were led offensively by the top of their order. Pat Pisano went 2
for 4 with an rbi, Paul Murphy 2 for 4 with 3 rbi, and Hugh Cornwell 2 for
4. Defensively, the Cards made several big plays to keep the score close.
The Braves travel to Wayland next week to face the Brewers, and the Cards
host the Phillies.
Mariners beat the Yankees
Mariners win game by forfeit.
Week 12, 07/14/02
Orioles 8 Cardinals 5
Rob Gray improved to 6-0 on the season as the O's hung on to beat the Cardinals 8-5.
Gray went 7, giving up just two hits, walking one while striking out 13. The O's jumped out
to a quick 1-0 lead when Bob Galvani (2-4, 2 runs) lead off the game with a long double to
left that one hopped the fence at Sauta Field. Galvani scored two batters later when Steve
Simoes grounded out to second. The O's added four in the second off Cards starter Tom Dowey.
Bunkie Smith (2-3, 2B, run, 3RBI) and Tom Galvani (2-3, run) lead off the inning with back
to back singles. Mark Stickney (1-3, run) then singled to load the bases and Mark Knowlton
(1-3, 2RBI) drove in two with the O's fourth straight hit. Stickney scored on a failed pickoff
attempt and Dick Scullary (1-3, RBI) drove in Rob Gray (fielder's choice) with a well placed flare.
In the third the O's added 3 more to push the lead to 8-0. B. Galvani singled with one out and
stole second. After a Merzel (1-3, run) walk and a Simoes line out, Brendan Doyle (3-4, run)
loaded the bases with another well placed single. With two outs the ageless Bunkie Smith cleared
the bases with a hard double down the line in left. Dowey settled down after that and gave up
just four hits and no runs the rest of the way. The O's were cruising with Gray who retired
the last seven batters he faced striking out six.
Steve Simoes came on in the 8th and the Cards bats got going. After striking out the first man
he faced, Simoes walked Simon. After a pop out the Cards struck for some two out magic. Sandock
doubled to put runners on second and third and both runners scored on Pisano's (2-3, run, 2RBI)
single to right. Murphy then singled and both runners moved up on a wild pitch. Cornwell
(2-3, 2 RBI) drove in both runners with a single to center to close the scoring in the 8th.
Leading 8-4, the O's missed a chance to add to the lead in the ninth when the inning ended on a
base running miscue.
Simoes came out for the ninth and again got in trouble. Diamond lead off the ninth with single
and Dowey walked. After a fly out to left, Masiello singled to right to score Diamond and cut
the lead to 8-5. Simoes then walked Scobie to load the bases with one out. Simoes recovered
though and stuck out the last two batters to seal the win.
Braves 10 Indians 4
The Braves traveled to Stevens Park in Marlboro and came away with a hard fought 10-4 win over
the Tribe. The final score does not indicate the closeness of the game. The Tribe had a 2-0 lead
in the 5th and was trailing 5-4 after 7 innings before the Braves tacked on some insurance.
It was not the prettiest game defensively. The Indians made a few costly errors behind starter
Andy Troiani which enabled the Braves to capitalize. Braves starter and winner Jim Callaghan wasn't
particularly sharp and the defense made a few miscues, but in the end, the Braves came up big when
they had to.
Callaghan (7-1) pitched 7 innings, giving up 6 hits and 4 runs (1 earned) while fanning 5. Steve
Purdy came on and notched his 2nd save with 2 scoreless innings, striking out 3. Troiani went the
distance for the Indians, pitching very well.
Offensively the Braves were led again by leadoff man Christo Lagos who had 2 doubles in his 3-4 day.
Paul "Clutch" Chiodo went 2-3 with 3 RBI's and Raul Matos also went 2-3. Big hits were also
delivered by Mike Connor and Steve Purdy who each scored twice and knocked in a run each. Steve
Smith also had a big 2 run single in the 8th.
The Indians were led by Mike Togneri's 3-4 day. Craig McCauley had 2 hits and 2 runs scored.
Larry Rosoff had a hit and walk and Fu Poon scored twice. The Braves run their record to 10-2 and
host the Cardinals next week.
Mariners 10 Phillies 9, 10 innings
The Phillies and Mariners took their turns with late inning heroics capped by dramatic extra-base
hits. But in the end, a strike three curve ball that bounced away from the catcher and ricocheted
strangely off the nearby backstop at Holliston High gave the Mariners a 10-9 ten-inning victory.
The dramatics began in the bottom of the eight with the Phils leading 5-2. Singles by John Gatti,
Howell, and Ryan made it 5-3. Bob Solat doubled to make it 5-4 with no one out. A walk loaded the
bases. Phillie reliever Demian Gage fanned the next two hitters and was almost out of a major jam
when Ed Wright ripped a bases-clearing triple just over the outstretched glove of the Phillies'
center fielder. He then scored on a wild pitch to make it 8-5 heading to the top of the ninth.
But three outs didn't come easily.
The Phils Keith Ibarguen lead off with an infield single, diving headfirst into first to beat the
throw. John O'Reilly singled. After a fielder's choice, Pat Chieffalo singled home a run. Brian
Gibbons stroked a single to left .The Mariners did get the second out, though, on a strong throw
from left field to third base. With the score 8-7 and two out, Dave "Boom Boom" Randa blasted a
home run to deep right center. Suddenly, it was 9-8 Phillies going into the bottom of the ninth.
Once again, though, three outs didn't come easily.
Tim Foster singled and stole second to start the inning. After a strike out, Foster moved to third
on a grounder. One out away from defeat, the Mariners tied it when Foster scored on a wild pitch.
In the Mariner tenth, it was deja vu all over again. With one out, Howell walked. He stole second
on a close play, then went to third on a ground out. With a 1-2 count on Bob Solat, Randa threw a
curve in the dirt for a swinging strike three.But the ball spun by the catcher, scooted along the
backstop toward the home dugout area, and the catcher's quick toss to Randa a home was too late.
Both teams had plenty of hitting stars. Ibarguen had three hits for the Phils, while O'Reilly,
Chieffalo, Gibbons and Randa had two each. Gibbons also scored three, while Randa drove home three.
For the Mariners, Ryan, Solat, and Foster had two hits each.
Phils' starter Pat Chieffalo allowed just two runs and five hits through the first seven before
tiring in the eighth. Mariners' starter Ryan allowed just six hits and fun runs in his six innings.
John Gatti picked up the win with a scoreless tenth.
The Mariners are now 4-8 on the year, while the Phillies drop to 6-6.
Brewers 13 Cubs 12
The Brewers and Cubs yet again battled in a high scoring, one run thriller, with the
Brew Crew pulling out the 13 - 12 win.
Todd Crawford, looking to avenge an earlier loss to the Cubs, started for the Brewers.
The Cubs got two runs in the second on an error, two singles and a fielders choice. Cubs
starter Andy Schultz held the Brewers scoreless through the first three frames. The
Brewers got to him in the fourth for three runs. Lionel Hamilton led off with a single
and stole second. Bobby Bouchard then drew a walk which was followed by Dan Harpin's
laser beam triple to right center. Hamilton and Bouchard scored, with Harpin coming
around on a single by Jim Burbridge. The Brewers then touched the Cubs for five more
in the fifth. Walks to Mark Traszkos and Paul Wood started the inning. Brian Hale
reached on an error, and Brian Donahue's single to right scored two. Two more walks, a
fielders choice and another error led to three more runs. A double by Burbridge, singles
by Traszkos, Wood and Hale in the bottom of the seventh gave the Brewers what appeared
to be a comfortable 10-3 lead going into the eighth. Not quite.
Crawford tired in the eighth, giving up three runs on a double by Andy Schultz and a
home run deep in the gap from Andy Luckhardt. He was relieved by Brian Donahue with
two outs. Two walks, two singles, a hit batsman and a booming three run triple by
Peter DiNatale gave the hard hitting Cubs a 11-10 lead. In the bottom of the eighth
Matt Schiller led
off the inning being hit by a pitch. Pinch runner Bouchard went to second on Joe Madden's
walk. Hamilton's single to no man's land in shallow right scored Bouchard. This turned
out well for the Brewers since Bouchard was the next batter. He drew a walk loading the
bases. Dan Harpin then hit a grounder to third. The third baseman came home to cut down
the go ahead run but the catcher could not handle the throw as Madden slid in safely. A
bases loaded walk to Burbridge scored Hamilton to put the Brewers back ahead by two.
The Cubs fought back in the top of the ninth. Adams walked and was moved over to second
by Schwarz. Two more walks loaded the bases and a sacrifice fly by Andy Luckhardt put
the Cubs to within one with two outs. Leadoff man Bruce Sher then hit a sinking line
drive to short that was snared by Mario Micelli with the tying run on third.
The Cubs were led on offense with two hits apiece from Dennis Fontecchio, Paul Sonnett
and Peter DiNatale, while Andy Luckhardt drove in 4 runs. The Brewers got two hits
from Hamilton, Harpin,
Burbridge and Traszkos, with Hamilton, Traszkos and Madden each scoring twice. The
defense was led by Bouchard, who turned a sparkling double play, and Burbridge who made
two great stops at third.
Yankees 16 Red Sox 0
No recap available.
Week 11, 07/07/02
Braves 11 Cubs 3
The Braves ran their record to 9-2 with a solid 11-3 win over the Cubs at Algonquin. It was one of
the better games in Braves history with contributions coming from all over offensively, good pitching
and steady defense.
The Braves broke open a close game in the middle innings against Braves nemesis Tom Barnes and Brad
Adams. Christo Lagos led the Braves attack with 4 hits, including a opposite field double leading off
the game. Steve Purdy and Jim Callaghan chipped in with 2 hits each. Jack Beradinelli was on base
twice with a hit and a walk, Paul Chiodo hit another key triple, Mike Callaghan scored 2 runs and
Jimmy McLaughlin had a key single his first trip.
The Braves played solid defense for starter and winner Jim Callaghan and reliever Rich Moran. For
the Cubs, Braves killer Eddie Murray had 3 hits and shortstop Dennis Fontechio had 2. Tom Barnes hit
a long double and scored 1 run. Mike Cox tripled and scored for the Cubs. Reliever Andy Schultz
came into the game with the bases loaded and no outs and proceeded to shut the Braves down that
inning without further damage.
The Braves have won 7 games in a row and travel to Marlboro to face the Indians next week.
Orioles 16 Red Sox 1
The O's ran their record to 10-0 with a 16-1 victory over the Ashland Red Sox. Sox pitcher
Crowley pitched four good innings before tiring in the 5th. Crowley's solo homer run over
the center field fence at Hopkinton HS accounted for the lone Red Sox run. Crowley was a perfect
3-3 on the day and Sox lead off hitter Zogatis was 2-4 with a triple to lead the Sox offense.
Steve Saraceno ran his record to 5-0 going seven innings, giving up 5 hits, no walks, while
striking out 11 and Rob Gray pitched a 1-2-3 eight with two K's.
Steve Simoes (3-4, RBI, 2 runs, SB) singled home Jeff Merzel (1-2, 2B 3runs, SB) who lead off
the bottom of the first with a single. Crowley's homer tied it leading off the top of the second.
Mark Stickney scored on an error after leading off the second with a double to put the O's back on
top 2-1. The O's blew it open with three in the fourth and nine in the fifth. Mark Knowlton and
Bunkie Smith had an RBI each in the fourth on a single and a fielder's choice. In the 5th, the
O's put the first two batters on first and third with a walk and an error before Rob Gray picked
up an RBI with a grounder to short. After moving to second on a throwing error, Gray scored on a
two run single from Steve Saraceno. A Carlo Galvani (2-3, 2B, run) double put runners on second
and third and both came home on Stan Pulnik's single. After a Merzel double, Tom Galvani (2-3, 2
runs, 3 RBI) drove in two with a single to right to make it 12-1. After a pop out and a Bunkie
Smith single, Mark Stickney (2-3, 2B, 2 runs, RBI) and John Malone (2-3, RBI) hit back to back RBI
singles to close the scoring in the fifth. Leading 14-1 going into the bottom of the eight, the O's
put the first two runners on with a Merzel walk and Simoes single. A wild pitch moved them up
to second and third and back to back sac flies from Tom Galvani and Bill Stickney ended the
game at 16-1.
Cardinals 8 Yankees 6
No recap available yet.
Mariners 6 Indians 4
No recap available yet.
Brewers 11 Phillies 7
The Brewers posted an important win against their division foes the Phillies 11-7 at Medway
High. Todd Crawford pitched eight strong innings, scattering 9 hits and putting down every
attempt by the Phillies for a big inning. He also made two sparkling plays at first base in the ninth
inning, nailing a runner at home and digging a tough hop out of the dirt for the final out of the
game.
The Brewers once again started things off in the first inning, scoring two runs. Lionel
Hamilton reached on a walk and scored after singles from Bill Hoover and Dan Harpin. Harpin also
scored in the frame on an infield hit from Crawford. The Brewers tallied 4 times in the second
on a double by Hoover, a walk to Mario Miceli and a single by Harpin. Jim Burbridge and Crawford
also had rbi singles in the frame. The Brewers were led offensively by the red-hot Harpin who
recorded three hits to go along with two runs driven in and two scored. Todd Crawford helped his
own cause by adding three hits as well, while Mark Traszkos, Hoover and Burbridge chipped in two
hits apiece. Brian Hale filled in admirably for Paul Wood (sprained knee) at first base defensively,
while Warren Kerr made every tough catch in right field. Joe Madden added a base hit, walk and two runs
scored.
The Phillies were led offensively by Decatur who homered and singled, while Bagley and Huckins
chipped in two his apiece.
Week 10, 06/30/02
Orioles 12 Mariners 3
No recap available yet.
Braves 9 Phillies 6
The Braves ran their record to 8-2 with an important division win at Medway. The Braves scored 7
runs in the 3rd inning and it was enough to hold off several Phillies rallies the rest of the way.
The Braves got to starter Rick Huckins for the 7 runs. A few errors, a few hits and a few bleeders
victimized the tough luck Huckins. Chris Decatuer came on in relief in the 4th and kept the
Phillies in the game with 6 innings of 2 run relief.
The Braves were led offensively by their 1-4 hitters. Leadoff man Christo Lagos had a booming
triple and 2 runs. #2 man Jim Callaghan 2 hits and 2 RBI's. #3 Chris "Fletch" Faletra with 2
runs and a 400 foot triple. Cleanup hitter Steve Smith had 2 hits and 2 RBI's as well. Raul
Matos started the 7 run rally with a line shot down the left field line and Jon Sjogren had a
hit and a ribbie as well. The offense was well balanced.
J. Callaghan (5-1) was the Braves starter and winner with 5 innings of 2 run ball with 5 k's.
Sjogren had a nice debut on the mound in the 6th and 7th and Steve Purdy closed it out with 2
scoreless innings (2 k's) for his first save.
The Phillies were led by Mark Rogers' 3 hits, John O'Reilly's hit and 2 runs, Mark Whitcomb's
2 hits and a run scored and Tim Orcutt and Decatuer were on base twice.
Cubs 8 Cardinals 6
No recap available.
Indians 11 Yankees 1
The Indians pounded out 20 hits and received outstanding pitching and defense in an 11-1 win over
their intradivisional rival Yankees at Marlborough High.
The win gives the Indians (7-3) a three and a half game lead over the Yankees (3-6) in the battle
for second place in the American League and home field in the first round of the playoffs.
Righthander Dave Valdebrini was the victim of the Indians offensive onslaught, going the distance
for the Yankees who were without aces Johnny Blaine and Wally Siggins.
A two-run single by Jack Buchanan, following RBI singles by Andy Troiani and Bob Crossman, gave
the Indians a 4-0 lead.
The Tribe increased the lead to 6-0 in the second on run-scoring singles by Tom Pare and Mike Togneri.
Valdebrini tried to bring his team back in the third with an RBI single following a Paul Valentino
double against starter and winner Andy Troiani (5-1).
However, an RBI double by Larry Rosoff sandwiched between run-scoring singles by Chris Gonsalves
and Togneri, boosted the Indians lead to 9-1.
RBI singles by Troiani and Fu Poon in the bottom of the seventh capped the scoring.
Troiani was not his usual overpowering self, as he struck out just four and scattered six hits in
six innings of work. His control was impeccable, however, as he did not walk a batter and induced
13 ground ball outs. Leo Saraceno made a handful of remarkable plays at third base, as the Indians
played one of their best-ever games defensively.
Jim Forbush pitched two scoreless innings in relief and Craig Macauley pitched a perfect ninth to
close it out.
Ten of the 11 batters in the Indians lineup had at least one hit, led by Rosoff (four) and
Troiani (three). Five others (Gonsalves, Togneri, Saraceno, Macauley and pare) had two hits apiece.
The Yankees offense totaled 10 hits, with Mark Galuso, Paul Valentino and Joe Durvin banging out
two each.
Brewers 12 Red Sox 3
The Brewers topped the Sox on a hot, dusty afternoon at Ashland High. The Brewers once again got
things going in the first inning. Lionel Hamilton led off with the first of his three walks on the
day. Bill Hoover followed with a bloop single to right. Walks to Mario Miceli, Jim Burbridge, Todd
Crawford and Paul Wood combined with Steve Darrah's base hit and two fielders choices led to
five first inning runs.
That would be more than enough for Brewers starter Bill Hoover, who tossed a complete game scattering
seven hits and striking out 11. Offensively the Brewers were led by Miceli's two doubles with two
runs scored, while Bill Hoover and Lionel Hamilton each scored three runs. Dan Harpin picked up where
he left off, getting two hits after going hitless for the first time this season in the second game
of last weeks doubleheader. This despite dislocating his thumb in the fourth inning. The defense
again played well, with the bulk of the work being done in the infield. Todd Crawford, Mario Miceli
and Brian Hale all stood out, with Hale and Jim Burbridge giving Harpin his first break from the
catchers gear.
The Red Sox were led with two hits apiece from Hazel and Sheehan, while Cronin chipped in a hit and
stole two bases.
Week 9, 06/23/02 Double Headers
Orioles 12 Cubs 4 and Orioles 3 Cubs 2
For the third time this year, Rob Gray and Steve Saraceno (both 4-0) pitched back to back excellent
games to help the O's sweep their third double header of the year.
In game one, Gray went the distance giving up 1 earned run (four total) on 7 hits, 1BB and 8 K's.
The Cubs took a 1-0 lead in the second when Fontecchio doubled home Finnegan who had reached on a
fielders choice. The O's tied it in the fourth. Dick Scullary (3-3, run, RBI) lead off with a
single and moved to second after a B. Galvani (1-3, run, BB, rbi) walk. Jeff Merzel (1-3, run, BB)
singled to load the bases and came home on an infield single by Steve Simoes (2-3, 2 runs, rbi, hbp)
to tie the game. With two outs, more bad luck struck for Cubs started Earl Carpenter who walked
Bunkie Smith and hit Tom Galvani both with the bases loaded. Steve Saraceno singled to plate the
O's fourth run. In the fifth, the O's added four more as Aubrey Doyle lead off with a single and
went to third on Rob Gray's single. Gray stole second and with runners on first and third, Doyle
scored on a wild pitch. Gray then scored on a ground ball by Bill Stickney (1-3, run 2 RBI) who
reached on a bad throw. Mark Stickney was then hit by a pitch and both runners moved up on a wild
pitch. Bill Stickney scored on Scullary's single and B. Galvani drove in Mark Stickney. The O's
stretched the lead to 12-1 in the sixth. B. Doyle (1-3, run, RBI) singled home Steve Simoes who
lead off with a double. Saraceno was then hit by a pitch and Knowlton walked to load the bases.
Rob Gray got an RBI the hard way as the third hit by pitch victim of the game. Bill Stickney
doubled in two to close out the scoring. The Cubs got three back in a sloppy bottom of the sixth
as Adams hit a two run double scoring Barnes and Sonnett who reached reached errors. Finnegan
then singled home Adams for the fourth Cubs run.
In game two, Both Saraceno and Tom Barnes pitched great games. Barnes went 5 2/3 giving up 3 er's,
on 8 hits, with 2 k's. Saraceno went the distance giving up 2 er's on 8 hits, 6k's and no walks.
Again the Cubs took the early lead on back to back doubles by Shaver and Sonnett to make it 1-0.
It stayed that way until the O's tied it in the bottom of the fifth. Simoes lead off with a walk,
stole second and went to third when the throw went into centerfield. B. Doyle (1-1, bb, rbi)
then singled home Simoes to tie it. The Cubs came right back in the top of the sixth to take the
lead. With one out, Luckhardt tripled and scored on Fontecchio's single (2-2, RBI). The O's went
ahead in the bottom of the sixth. Mark Stickney lead off with a single but pitch runner Steve
Simoes was thrown out trying to steal by Earl Carpenter. With one out, Scullary (5-5 on the day) and
Bill Stickney singled. With Two outs C. Galvani walked and a walk to B. Galvani scored the tying run.
B. Doyle (running for B. Stickey) scored on a passed ball to take the lead 3-2.
Steve Saraceno got the first two batters in the top of the seventh but with two out Sonnett drilled a
pitch right down the third base line. Rob Gray fielded the ball cleanly in left and threw out Sonnett
trying for the double to end the game.
Phillies 7 Indians 0 and Phillies 11 Indians 3
Excellent starting pitching led the Phillies to a doubleheader sweep of the Indians in Medway. Pat
Chieffalo pitched 5 2/3 no-hit innings, then settled for a one-hitter in a 7-0 game one victory. In
game two, Rick Huckins threw five shutout innings before tiring in the sixth as the Phils won 11-3.
The top five hitters in the Phils lineup did all the damage in game one. In the first, singles by
Keith Ibarguen, Matt Whitcomb, Chieffalo, and Chris Decatur, and a wild pitch past the head of Dave
"Bull's Eye" Randa led to two runs. In the fourth, Ibarguen lined a double with one out. John
O'Reilly, Whitcomb and Decatur followed with singles and it was 6-0. Decatur scored on a passed ball
to finish the scoring.
Chieffalo was on top of his game. He fanned five, walked none, and only allowed Mike Togneri's
double that fell just beyond Demian Gage's dive in deep right-center. Chieffalo's fielders supported
him by making no errors. Indians' starter Andy Troiani fanned eleven in his route-going effort.
For five innings in game two, Rick Huckins was Cheiffalo's equal. He allowed only three singles and
two walks until allowing singles to Leo Sarceno, Jack Buchananan and Craig Macauley to start the sixth.
Troiani singled home a run and Jerry Guerra doubled for two more runs to make it 10-3. Phils reliever
Demian Gage, coming back from a broken pitching arm in 1999, fanned three in two innings of relief.
Nine Phils had hits in game two. Key innings were a two-run third, a three-run fourth, and a three-run
fifth. Hitting stars included Matt Whitcomb with two hits, and a steal of home in the fifth; Decatur,
two hits and an unsuccessful steal of home in the first; Gage, two hits and three run scored; and Jeff
Langan, two hits and a sac fly good for three rbi. As in game one, "Bull's Eye" Randa stood in the box
and watched a pitch sail at him, this one behind his back, allowing a runner on third to score in the
fifth inning.
For the Indians, Togneri had two hits, making him 3-4 on the day.
Braves 6 Mariners 4 and Braves 6 Mariners 2
The Braves were able to sweep a close doubleheader against the Mariners to up their record to 7-2 at
Millis. Pitching and defense did the job for the Braves as they continued their streak of not allowing
more than 4 runs in any game all year. Braves starting pitchers Mike Connor (Game 1) and Rich Moran
(Game 2) outdueled the fine M's combo of lefty Bob Solat (Game 1) and John Gatti (Game 2).
In game 1, Connor (1-1) went the first 6 innings, giving up the 4 runs while striking out 6. Rich Moran
pitched the 7th for his first save. The Braves were led by Moran's 2 hits, Raul Matos' 2 walks and
flawless play at third and Paul Chiodo's 2 run triple that tied the game. This makes 2 weeks in a row
that the speedy Chiodo has come up big with a game tying triple. Mike Callaghan continued his steady
offensive production and peerless play at second.
In game 2, Moran (2-0) started on the hill and pitched well, going 4 innings, giving up 2 runs and
leaving the game with a 3-2 lead. Offensively, Eric Gordon continued his torrid hitting with 2 more
clutch hits. Gordon has been on fire all year. Connor chipped in
with 2 hits, Chiodo was on base twice and wreaked havoc on the bases and Kevin Bryson hit a serious bomb
double to center as one of his 2 hits. Jim Callaghan came on in the 5th and pitched 3 scoreless
innings to pick up his first save.
The M's were led at the plate by pitchers Solat and Gatti. Steve Milo also hit the ball well and caught
all 14 innings and did an excellent job.
The Braves travel to Medway to play the Phillies in a key National League matchup next week.
Cardinals 15 Red Sox 0 and Cardinals 16 Red Sox 1
The Cardinals took 2 run-rule shortened games from the expansion Red Sox at
Sauta Field in Hudson. Knuckleball pitcher Tom Dowey pitched both ends of the
double header.
Game One
Tom Dowey's knuckleball was dancing as he got the complete game shutout
victory. Dowey had 8 strikeouts with 2 walks. The Cardinals played solid
defense behind him. The Cardinals Jeff Ginn was 2 for 3 with a double and 2
Rbi's. Pat Pisano was also 2 for 3. The Red Sox had 4 hits.
Game Two
The Cardinals scored a season high 16 runs off 4 different Red Sox pitchers
in another run-rule shortened game. Matt Sandock was the big hitter in Game
2, with a double, triple, 2 walks and 5 Rbi's. Almost every Cardinal had a
hit in the doubleheader Tom Dowey pitched another complete game victory.
The Red Sox played hard in both games. The lone Red Sox run of the day,
scored on a Sacrifice Fly by Burman of the Red Sox's.
Brewers 8 Yankees 3 and Brewers 7 Yankees 4
The Brewers swept a doubleheader from the Yankees on a steamy day at the Brewers home field, Wayland
High. Good pitching, timely hitting and outstanding defense were the story for the Brewers. The Brewers
sent 11 men to the plate in the first against Yankee starter Paul Valentino. Lionel Hamilton led off
with a double to right center. Walks to Bobby Bouchard and Mario Miceli followed by an error scored
the first run. Three more walks, a hit by pitch and two fielder's choices led to four more runs in
the opening frame. The Brewers tacked on single runs in the second, third and fifth innings with key
hits coming from Brian Donahue, Warren Kerr, Jim Burbridge and Mario Miceli. Matt Schiller returned
from a three game layoff with a base hit, and catcher Dan Harpin doubled in the third and singled
in the fifth to extend his hitting streak to every game the Brewers have played. Jim
Burbridge went five strong innings, giving up single runs in the second, third and fifth innings.
Brian Donahue came on to finish up the final two without allowing a run. Valdebrini pitched six
effective innings for the Yanks, striking out seven. He also scored two runs and swiped two bases.
Tambasco and Wally Siggins also added hits for the Yankees.
In game two the Brewers once again struck in the first inning. Bobby Bouchard reached on a fielders
choice and scored on singles by Mario Miceli and Bill Hoover. Miceli, Hoover and Dan Harpin also
scored in the frame. The Yankees struck back in the bottom half of the first, taking advantage of
some wildness from starter Miceli, playing in his first game since spraining his ankle against the
Mariners in week six. He walked four and gave up hits to Colantono and Valdebrino as the Yanks scored
four in their half. Miceli settled down and pitched a scoreless second before yielding to Todd
Crawford. Todd pitched five great innings, giving up no runs and scattering four hits while striking
out five. Wally Siggins was the hard-luck loser as he went the entire way for the Yankees. After
the initial four run first he held the Brewers in check until he got into trouble in the fourth when
an error, single and a walk loaded the bases with one out. After striking out the next batter Paul
Wood singled to center scoring two runs, and the third run scored when the ball was bobbled. Wally
struck out 10 along the way.
The Brewers continue to play good defense, highlighted by Steve Darrah's diving catch in left, and
Joe Madden's catch in deep right followed by a strike to second to double off the runner. Bill Hoover
and Bobby Bouchard played solidly up the middle, with Bouchard making two nice catches in short
left field. Paul Wood continues to inhale everything thrown his way at first base, and despite
seeing his hitting streak come to an end Dan Harpin has been stellar behind the plate in every game.
Week 8, 06/16/02
Orioles Yankees
The Orioles Yankees game was called due to rain. No makeup date was immediately set.
Braves 9 Brewers 3
The Braves outlasted the Brewers 9-3 at Millis in a game that was well-played and much closer
than the score indicated. Brewers starting pitcher Todd Crawford pitched an excellent game, getting
into the 8th inning before the Braves broke out. He mixed a lively fastball with a nice curve.
Braves starter Rich Moran pitched 4 innings, giving up 3 runs in the 4th. Rich gave up 4 hits,
walked 3 and fanned 6. With the score 3-1 in favor of the Brewers, Jim Callaghan (4-1) came on
for the Braves and pitched well. He went the last 5, scattering 3 hits, walked no one and struck
out 7 in picking up the win.
It took the Braves awhile to break loose, but they finally got to Crawford late. Paul Chiodo's
key 2 run triple tied the game and Jim Callaghan's 3 run triple off reliever Bill Hoover gave
the Braves some insurance. Eric Gordon and Chiodo had 2 hits for the Braves and Christo Lagos
was on base 3 times with a walk, hit batsman and hit. Steve Smith continued his fine production
from the cleanup spot. The Brewers were led offensively by Jim Burbridge's 2 hits, Lionel
Hamilton and Bobby Bouchard who had a fine game at short, too. The Braves host the Mariners in a
doubleheader next week!
Phillies 6 Cardinals 3
Pitching, speed, and defense led the Phillies to a 6-3 win over the Cardinals at Medway High School.
Starter Rick Huckins and reliever Chris Decatur held the Cards to five hits. Huckins went three and
two-thirds innings allowing two runs, while Decatur went the rest of the way, fanning seven and
allowing just one run and one hit. Tom Dowey pitched seven strong inning for the Cards, allowing
five runs on eight hits. He fanned six with a dipping and darting knuckleball. Dowey also led the
Cards hitting attack with two singles.
Speed played a big role in several Philly runs. Matt Whitcomb, who went three for three, singled,
stole second, then went to third on wild pitches in both the first and fourth innings. In the
first he came home on a Pat Chieffalo single to tie the game at one. In the fourth he scooted
home on a passed ball making it 4-2. Huckins walked leading off the sixth, and his pinch runner
Dave Randa stole second, went to third on a ground out, then scored on Whitcomb's two-out single.
Decatur walked leading off the eighth. He stole second and third, then scored the Phils' sixth run
on a fielder's choice.
The Cards broke on top in the first. Pat Murphy led off with a double to left-center. He scored on
Tim Ryan's one-out double to deep left field. Huckins escaped a bases-loaded jam with a fly to center.
In the third, the Cards went ahed 2-1 on Trey Garvin's single, a wild pitch, and two ground outs.
The Cards loaded the bases in the fourth, but Decatur fanned the first batter he faced to end the
inning.
The Phillies went on top for good in the third. Craig Bagley, Dave Randa, and Jeff Langan hit
consecutive singles to make it 2-2. Scott Wright followed with a sac fly to give the Phillies the
lead. The Cards pulled to 5-3 in the seventh on Dowey's single, a stolen base and an error, but
that was the end of their scoring. Infield double-plays in the sixth and eight innings helped
Decatur keep any Cardinal rallies from starting.
Indians 22 Red Sox 7
The Indians scored 11 runs in the third inning to break up a close game in defeating
the Red Sox, 22-7, at Ashland High.
The Tribe sent 15 men to the plate in the decisive inning and pounded out 10 hits and
took advantage of four errors. Andy Troiani lined a pair of doubles and winning pitcher
Richie Leone (1-0) helped his cause with a two-run triple.
Troiani (5-5, 5 RBIs), Larry Rosoff (4-5, 4 runs scored) and Craig Macauley (3-6, 3
RBIs and 3 runs scored) led the Indians' 20-hit attack and upped their record to 6-1.
Leone (7 IP) was touched up for three runs in the first and four in the third before
settling down. Jim Forbush pitched a scoreless eighth in relief.
Bob Boardmen and P. Groom had a pair of hits and RBIs for the Red Sox, who banged out
12 hits in all.
Cubs 9 Mariners 3
No recap available.
Week 7, 06/09/02 Double Headers
Orioles 9 Phillies 5 and Orioles 6 Phillies 0
The O's swept the Phillies at Hopkinton HS on strong pitching from Steve Saraceno and Rob Gray.
In game one, Rob Gray pitched 6 innings giving up only one hit with one walk, one HBP and striking
out 7. Gray improved to 3-0 on the year allowing 2 unearned runs. The Phllies jumped out to a
quick 2-0 lead in the top of the first with the first two men reaching on a HBP and an error. Whitcomb
plated the first run on a ground out to short and the second run came in on the O's second error of
the inning. The O's tied with single runs in the first and second. Steve Simoes (2-2, BB, HR, 2 RBI,
2 runs) singled with two out, moved to second on a balk by Rick Huckins and scored on consecutive
wild pitches. In the second, T. Galvani (2-2, BB, run) lead off with a single, moved to second on
a balk and to third on a Knowlton ground out. Steve Saraceno (2-3, RBI) singled Galvani home to tie
the game.
The O's took the lead with 4 runs in the third highlighted by an RBI double from Jeff Merzel (1-2,
2BB, RBI, Run) and a solo Home Run by Simoes. The lead was pushed to 9-2 in the fourth as the O's
loaded the bases with 2BB and a HBP. Bill Stickney drove in the first run on a sac fly to left and
after a Merzel walk to reload the bases, Steve Simoes and Brendan Doyle drew RBI walks. Rob Gray
held the Phills scoreless thru the fifth giving way to Steve Simoes in the sixth. Back to back
doubles by Randa and Myers accounted for three Philly runs in the sixth to close the gap to 4 runs.
But Rob Gray came on the in the seventh to end the game.
In Game two, Steve Saraceno pushed his record to 3-0 with a complete game shutout, scattering four
hits while striking out 8. Pat Chiefalo pitched well for the Phillies as well holding the O's
scoreless through four innings. The O's finally broke through in the fifth. With one out, Mark
Knowlton (3-3, 2 runs, RBI) doubled and went to third on Aubrey Doyle's (1-3, run) single. Doyle
stole second and both runners scored on John Malone's single. The O's added one in the sixth when
Jeff Merzel (2-4, 3 RBI) singled home Aubrey Doyle who had lead off with a single. In the seventh,
T. Galvani was hit by a pitch t start the inning and moved to second on Steve Saraceno's single.
Galvani scored on Knowton's third hit of the day and Merzel plated Knowlton and Saraceno on a two
out single. Whitcomb, Decatur, Bordman and Orcutt each had one hit for the Phills.
Indians 9 Brewers 4 and Indians 11 Brewers 4 (10 innings)
The Indians swept the Brewers, 9-4 and 11-4 (10 innings) at Marlborough High School, scores which
don't indicate the tightness of the games.
Winning pitcher Andy (4-0) Troiani (11 Ks, 4 Hits) went the first six innings of the opener and
also was credited with the victory after throwing two scoreless innings of relief in the nightcap.
In the opener, the Tribe broke open a tight 5-4 game scoring four runs in the bottom of the sixth.
Troiani and Craig Macauley lashed two-run singles, and Pat Kline struck out two of the three hitters
he faced in the top of the seventh to close it out.
The Indians appeared headed to victory in the top of the seventh of the nightcap when they broke a
2-2 tie with run-scoring singles by Fu Poon and Bob Crossman. However, the Brewers fought back with
a couple of runs of their own in the home half of the seventh to send it to extra innings. The key
hits were a leadoff triple by Bill Hoover and rbi singles by Jim Burbridge and Dan Harpin.
The Brew Crew staged a major threat in the bottom of the ninth against Troiani, who suceeded starter
Jack Buchanan and Kline. With runners on second and third and one out, the big righthander fanned
Lionel Hamilton and Bill Hoover to escape the jam.
The Indians, who were held to four runs over the first nine innings by Brewer starter Bill Hoover,
capitalized on the wildness of the bullpen in scoring seven runs in the top of the 10th. Troiani
(a 2-run single) got the only hit of the inning, as the bullpen issued eight walks and a hit batsman.
Larry Rosoff led the 13-hit attack with three singles, Poon had 2 rbis and 10 of the 12 Indians in
the lineup scored at least one run.
The Indians improve to 5-1, while the Brewers drop to 1-5.
Braves 12 Red Sox 0 and Braves 17 Red Sox 1
The Braves took 2 games from the expansion Red Sox at Ashland High School. The Braves got
contributions from the entire order and the pitching and defense was solid. Game 2 was highlighted
by the solid pitching of Rich Moran in a 5 inning shortened game. Moran also broke out offensively
with 2 hits in each game. Jim Callaghan pitched a complete game two hitter in game one with 12
strikeouts. Callaghan also had 4 RBI's on the day. Catcher Chris Faletra had a huge day at the
plate with a double, triple and towering homerun to left. Steve Smith was on base all day as was Mike
Callaghan. Everyone in the order produced.
The Red Sox hung in there and played tough. They were led by first game pitcher John Beitz who
pitched a much better game than the score indicated. Bob Boardman played an excellent first base
and chipped in with a couple hits. Mike Zogalis caught the entire day for the Sox and did a fine
job. Zogalis had 2 hits and the lone RBI for the Sox.
Cubs 7 Yankees 1 and Cubs 6 Yankees 1
No recaps available.
Cardinals 10 Mariners 4 and Mariners 1 Cardinals 0
Game 1 of a great double header was won by the Cardinals, in a game that was closer than the score
would indicate. The Cardinals scratched out single runs in the first three innings off tough-luck
emergency starter Pat Sullivan. The Mariners were able to tie the game with 2 in the third and 1
in the fourth, where it stayed until with two outs and none on in the 6th, the visiting Cardinals
were able to put up five unearned runs to break the game open. Two more in the 7th followed by a
Mariner run in the bottom completed the scoring.
Game two was a gem played in an hour and a half as both pitchers controlled the pace of the game and
allowed very few opportunities. The Mariners were able to hang on for a 1-0 victory as pitcher Bob
Solat allowed only a swinging bunt single in the third inning and two walks. A key double play by
the Mariners who played solid defense eliminated a mini threat in the 5th. The Cardinals were also
solid defensively, throwing out two baserunners at home plate.
Week 6, 06/02/02 Double Headers
Orioles 4 Braves 3 and Orioles 4 Braves 3
In two exciting and very well played games the O's rode back to back complete games from Rob Gray and
Steve Saraceno to sweep the Braves by identical 4-3 scores. The Braves Connor and Jim Callahan also
pitched well in their starting roles.
Game 1
The Braves jumped out to a 1-0 lead as Christos Lagos (hit by pitch) scored on a Steve Smith
fielders choice in the first. The O's tied it in the top of the second as T. Galvani lead off with
a single and advanced to third on a failed pick-off attempt and ground out to second. John Malone
scored Galvani with a two-out single. The Braves plated two in the bottom of the fourth with Lagos
starting the rally again, this time with a lead off triple. Jim Callahan drove him in with a single
for a 2-1 Braves lead. After Connor reached on a fielders choice Steve Smith and Purdy drove him in
on back to back singles.
The game stayed that way until the top of the seventh when the O's took the lead scoring three in the
inning. Carlo Galvani lead off with a walk and went to third on Bill Stickney's double to left center.
Aubrey Doyle hit a sac fly to score Galvani to make it 3-2 and Jeff Merzel tied it with a single. With
Merzel on first and one out, Bunkie Smith executed a perfect hit and run punching a single through the
vacated hole at second sending Merzel to third. Merzel put the O's ahead scoring on a wild pitch.
Purdy put a stop the rally coming on in relief to strike out T. Galvani and Mark Knowlton.
Rob Gray ( who improved to 2-0 on the year) went the distance giving up 3 ER's on 9 hits with 5 K's,
1 BB, and 1 HB. It was a grind it out performance for Rob who was still feeling the affects of a
nasty car accident earlier in the week. Connor also pitched well going 6 2/3 giving up 4 ER's on 6
hits with 4K's and 1 BB.
Game 2
For the second straight game, Lagos was hit by a pitch to lead things off but was erased on Jim
Callahan's FC. Callahan later scored on a triple by Connor. Steve Smith then scored Connor with a
sac fly to left. The O's tied things with single runs in the second and third. B. Galvani and T.
Galvani hit back to back doubles to account for one run in the second and Dick Scullary's triple
scored John Malone who had reached on an error in the third.
The Braves regained the lead in the top half of the fifth on a one out double by Steve Smith and
back to back singles from Purdy and Gordon to make it 3-2. The O's answered in the bottom of the
fifth as T. Galvani lead off with a walk and scored on a triple by Bill Stickney. Running for
Stickney, B. Galvani scored on a Saraceno ground out to short with the infield in. Steve Smith
dove to his left to stop the ball but had no play at the plate.
Saraceno got the next 6 in order to close out the game. For the day, Saraceno went 7 innings giving
up 3 ER's on 5 hits with 0BB, 1 HB and 4 K's to improve to 2-0 on the year. Jim Callahan went the
distance and pitched very well for the Braves giving up 4 runs (3 earned) on 5 hits with 7 k's and 1 BB.
Phillies 10 Yankees 3 and Yankees 4 Phillies 3
Steve Coluntano's two-out double in the bottom of the seventh scored winning pitcher Wally Siggins
to give the Yankees a 4-3 win over the Phillies and a split of their doubleheader at Feeley Field.
The Phillies won the opener 10-4 behind Pat Chieffalo's complete game 8-hitter. The game winning double
in game 2 capped a memorable day for the center fielder Coluntano. He hit solo homers in both games
and had four hits on the day. He also combined with the Yanks' shortstop to throw out a runner at
home in game one. Siggins outduled Rick Huckins in game two. With both pitchers throwing strikes and
working quickly, game two moved rapidly to the dramatic ending. With two out and nobody on, Siggins
fouled several 2-2 and 3-2 pitches, including one off his foot just before lining one off the left
center field wall, perhaps a foot from being a homer. Siggins allowed eight hits, two of which were
bunts, while fanning ten. Huckins allowed seven hits and fanned three. Matt Whitcomb had three of the
Phillies' hits in game two, and he ended the day a perfect 5-5 with 4 runs scored. Demian Gage added
two hits, and went 3-3 with a walk on the day. He also threw out a runner at the plate in game one
with a pea to catcher Craig Bagley. Bagley made a nifty pick-up of a short hop to finish the play.
In game one, Chieffalo helped himself at the bat (as he often does). He hit a two-run double to deep
center in the third and singled home a run in the first. The Phillies scored seven times in the third
to build a 9-1 lead. Yanks' hurler J. Ryan deserved a better fate, as his defense sometimes let him
down. Paul Valentino and Coluntano hit solo homers for the Yanks. Tim Orcutt and Dave Randa had two
hits for the Phillies in game one.
Indians 13 Cardinals 1 and Indians 7 Cardinals 3
Andy Troiani and Jack Buchanan, backed by the awakening of the previously dormant bats of the Indian
hitters, pitched complete-game victories over the Cardinals at Sauta Field in Hudson.
Troiani was the recipient of a 12-hit attack in a 13-1 win in the opener. Chris Gonsalves, Bob
Crossman, and Jim Forbush had two hits each, while Jerry Guerra, Matt Sullivan, Fu Poon and Richie
Leone drove in a pair of runs apiece. The Tribe scored five runs in the second and fifth innings.
Troiani scattered six hits, struck out 15 and didn't walk a batter in picking up his second win of
the season. Starter Tim Ryan, who drove in the lone Cardinal run, took the loss.
The Indians jumped on starter and loser Pat Murphy for six runs in the first inning of the nightcap
en route to a 7-3 victory. Tom Pare and Forbush had two hits apiece. Forbush knocked in three runs
while Mike Togneri and Sullivan chipped in with two apiece. Buchanan evened his record at 1-1 by
hurling a six-hitter, fanning three, hitting a pair of batters and walking just one. (First name
unknown) Diamond had two hits for the Cardinals and, along with Murphy and John Masiello, had RBIs.
The Indians improve their record to 3-1, while the Cards fall to 0-4.
Mariners 7 Brewers 6 and Brewers 5 Mariners 4
No recaps available yet.
Cubs 12 Red Sox 4 and Cubs 14 Red Sox 7
No recaps available yet.
Week 4, 05/19/02
Braves 7 Indians 4
The Braves beat the Indians 7-4 in a well played game at Millis. Both teams were a little shaky
in the field during a bad inning and that was mostly the difference in the game. Many of the runs
scored were unearned. Indians starter and loser Jack Buchanan did a decent job holding off the Braves
attack in check with his mixture of offspeed stuff. Andy Trioani came on in the 6th and had a little
bad luck in allowing the go ahead runs to score. Pitcher Jim Callaghan(2-0) went the distance in a
decent performance for the Braves. Only 1 of the runs off him were earned and he got stronger as the
game went on, retiring 16 of the last 17 Indian batters!
Offensively, the Braves were led by Christo Lagos and Mike Connor who each hit clutch doubles. Lagos'
shot off Troani in the 6th plated 2 huge insurance runs. Mike Callaghan was on base twice and Jimmy
McLaughliin had a good game at the plate. The Tribe got 2 hits from Troiani.
After the holiday weekend, the Braves host the Orioles in a big doubleheader.
Orioles 15 Cardinals 4
For the second game in a row, the 2001 MetroWest ABL Champion Framingham Orioles combined strong
pitching with solid hitting to earn its second shutout of the season, beating the Cardinals 15 - 0.
Starter Steve Saraceno struck out nine hitters while surrendering only 3 hits through the first
six innings. Orioles reliever Rob Gray pitched the final 2 innings of the run-rule shortened game
to preserve the shutout effort.
Continuing its hitting barrage, carried over from their 12 - 0 opening day victory, the Orioles
banged out 14 hits with Brendan Doyle (3-4, 2 runs, 2 RBI), Jeff "Yank" Merzel (2-2, 3 runs),
Steve Simoes (2-3, 2 runs, 2RBI) and Bill Stickney (2-3, 3RBI) providing the punch.
In their two shutout performances, the Orioles pitching tandem of Gray and Saraceno have allowed
only 6 hits through 17 innings of play. "Combined with the masterful performance of veteran
starting catcher Yank Merzel, who has the knack of always calling the right pitch at the right time,
we look forward to more dominance by this trio as the season rolls along", said manager Tom Galvani.
Yankees 8 Red Sox 4
Not much information available on this game other than the fact that Wally Siggins, the Yankees
starter pitched a complete game and struck out 19 batters!
Phillies 7 Mariners 0
No recap available yet.
Cubs 15 Brewers 14
No recap available yet.
Week 2, 05/05/02
Braves 6 Cardinals 2
The Braves opened up their 2002 season with a solid 6-2 win over the Cardinals in Hudson. It
was a well played and pitched game on both sides as each team did a nice job of shaking the
off-season rust. Tom Dowey got the call for the Cards and pitched a very solid complete game
effort. He got a lot of timely outs and made several Braves look foolish trying to hit his
knuckler. The Braves were short of pitchers and Rich Moran made an excellent spot start for
the Braves leaving after the 4th with the game tied at two. Jim Callaghan took over in the
5th for the Braves and went the rest of the way, giving up 2 hits and fanning 7.
Offensively, the Braves were led by Steve Smith's 3 hits and 3 RBI's. Mike Londergan and
Paul Chiodo also chipped in with a pair of clutch hits. The Braves defense was very solid and
was led by catcher Chris Faletra who called an excellent game; Smith who made all the plays at
short and newcomer Christo Lagos who had an excellent all around effort. The Cards were led at
the plate by Trey Garvin and Paul Murphy. Cardinals catcher Matt Sandock had a fine game catching
Dowey's knuckler and hit a booming double to center. The Braves host the Tribe in 2 weeks.
Yankees 7 Mariners 2
No recap available yet.
Phillies 17 Red Sox 1
No recap available yet.
Indians 3 Cubs 2
Andy Troiani hurled seven strong innings in his Indians debut and Craig Macauley closed with
two scoreless innings, as the Tribe held off the Cubs, 3-2, at Bauks Field in the season opener
for both teams.
The Indians scored an unearned run off starter and loser Earl Carpenter in the second. Tom
Pare doubled to center with two outs and scored when Bob Crossman's grounder eluded the
shortstop.
In the fourth inning the Indians threatened to break the game open by loading the bases with
nobody out and without the benefit of a hit (a walk, hit batsman and an error). Jack Buchanan
drove in the second run by beating out a Baltimore chop to first. Carpenter and the Cubs escaped
further damage when Fu Poon grounded into a 1-2-3 double play and Richie leone grounded out.
The Tribe got what proved to be the eventual game-winning run in the fifth on an RBI ground out
by Larry Rosoff.
Troiani was sailing right along until the sixth. Carpenter led off with a double and later
came in to score following a pair of throwing errors to make it 3-1.
The Cubs closed the gap to 3-2 with a two-out rally in the seventh. Peter DiNatale singled,
stole second and scored on a hit by Tim Shaver. An Eddie Murray single and walk to Matt Finnegan
loaded the bases, but Troiani preserved the lead by recording his 11th strikeout of the game.
Macauley gave up one hit and struck out four in his two innings of relief to save it for
Troiani (1-0) and the Indians.
The Cubs got solid pitching from Carpenter and Chris Grieg, who held the Indians to just five hits.
Shaver had a pair of hits for the Cubs.