Braves 9 Cubs 8
The Braves and Cubs ended their regular season with an exciting 4 hour bonanza at Millis on 8/21. The
game meant nothing in the standings for the Cubs who had clinched first place, but the Braves were playing
for an improved seed. Both teams played hard and in the end, the home team came out on top by the slimmest
of margins.
Brave killer Andy Shultz opposed Rich Moran on the hill. The Cubs jumped out to a 5-2 lead after 3 due to
some horrendous Braves defense and some clutch hitting by Eddie Murray, Tim Shaver and Paul Sonnett. Moran
battled hard into the 5th before leaving with 1 run in and 2 runners on. Jim Callaghan was able to retire
Shaver to end that inning. However, in the top of the 6th, Murray and Sonnett connected on back to back
400 foot bombs to left to plate another run before Callaghan got his act together and retired Adams, Corkum
and Sudkin in succession. With the Braves down 7-2, they erupted for 5 runs in the bottom of the 6th with
big hits by TJ May, Callaghan (4-5), Lagos (4-4), Gordon (3-3), Jim McLaughlin (3-4) Ryan Scafidi and
Paul Chiodo. Each team scored another run in the late innings including a clutch Andy Shultz infield hit
in the Cubs 9th. Tom Barnes came on for the Cubs on the hill and pitched very well sending the game to
extra innings. Callaghan had a 1-2-3 10th inning for the Braves. In the bottom of the 10th, an excellent
TJ May at bat ending in a walk got the Braves rolling. Christo Lagos followed with his 4th hit and a
Steve Ryan hit scored May with the winning run. Callaghan's 5 1/3 innings of long relief brought his
record to 8-1 on the year. Barnes was the hard luck loser. Several defensive plays earn some special
mention on this hot day. CF Rich Schwarz of the Cubs made a truly outstanding running catch in the gap
to rob Mike Callaghan of extra bases. RF Eddie Murray made a shoestring catch in right robbing May. LF
Matt Corkum also made a diving catch to take an RBI single away from Ryan.
The Braves Mike Londergan made a chest hugging basket catch down the left field line and Ryan Scafidi
made an outstanding infield play barehanding a hot smash that was deflected in the opposite direction
to rob Shaver of a hit.
Cardinals vs Orioles
Game was postponed due to rain.
Mariners vs Yankees
Game was postponed due to rain.
Week 17, 08/14/05
Braves 8 Indians 4
The Braves and Indians played at Millis on a brutally hot day on August 9th. The Braves were able to sweep the season series with the Tribe with an 8-4 win that was closer than the score indicated.
The Indians Jack Buchanan opposed the new Braves Ace Rich Moran. The two battled hard through the early innings with each teams defense letting the pitchers down. After 3, the score was 5-3 Braves. Key Brave hits by Jim McLaughlin, Moran and Ryan Scafidi and a sac fly by Jim Callaghan scoring big brother Mike Callaghan helped the Braves cause. The Tribe was led by Cornwell, Stecyk and manager Larry Rosoff.
The Braves maintained their slim lead through the middle innings as Moran and Buchanan settled down. In the top of the 7th, sore winged Jim Callaghan took over for Moran. Against Buchanan in the bottom of the 7th, the trio of Mike Callaghan, TJ May and Steve Ryan set the table for a big 2 out 2 run double by Christo Lagos extending the lead to 8-4. Buchanan went 7 for the Tribe with Rosoff tossing a scoreless 8th. Callaghan finished the game off with 3 scoreless innings for his second save of the year. Moran won his 3rd of the year.
Orioles 11 Mariners 4
No recap available.
Cubs 6 Cardinals 4
No recap available.
Phillies 11 Brewers 6
No recap available.
Red Sox vs Yankees
Red Sox win via forfeit.
Week 16.5, 08/09/05
Orioles 9 Red Sox 6
It was a wild night in Ashland this past Tuesday; no not at haunted John Stones but at the Ashland High
baseball field as the Framingham Orioles defeated the Ashland Red Sox 9 - 4 in a game that was called by
the umpires with 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th as a mini-brawl broke out.
Unlike the previous meeting, the Orioles jumped out in front quickly in the 1st inning scoring 3 runs on
5 hits including doubles by Bob Galvani and Dave Bieksha. The Orioles banged out 17 hits in total led by:
Bieksha 2 for 4, 2 runs, 2RBI; Tom Galvani, 2 for 4, 2 runs, 2 RBI; Barry Bennett, 2 for 3, and John
Malone, 2 for 4, 2 RBI. Orioles' Jeff Merzel held the Red Sox to just 1 run, 5 hits with 7 strike outs
in 7 efficient innings. Leading hitters for the Red Sox were John Badaracco, 2 for 3 and Brian Farrell
2 for 4, double and 2 runs scored.
Week 16, 08/07/05
Braves 8 Brewers 6 and Braves 6 Brewers 1
The Braves were able to sweep the Brewers in a doubleheader on Sunday at Millis. The final scores of 8-6
and 6-1 don't quite explain the closeness of both games.
In game 1, the Brewers jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first off of Braves Starter Jim Callaghan.
Callaghan was making his first appearance on the mound in 6 weeks. The Brewers increased their lead to
5-0 in a 4 run 4th that combined a few timely hits, some mediocre pitching and some terrible Braves
miscues, both physical and mental. Down 5-0, the Braves broke out with an 8 run 5th inning against tough
luck Brewers starter Brian Waldman. The Brewers had their one bad inning in the field and it cost them
dearly. Key hits by Jack Beradinelli, Callaghan, Chris Faletra and TJ May helped out big time.
Callaghan was able to close out the game and run his record to 7-1. Paul Woods had 3 hits for the
Brewers and continued his usual assault on Braves pitching.
Game 2 featured Braves Ace Rich Moran against Brewers ace David Fitzgerald. Moran pitched a clean game
only giving up 4 hits and utilizing his defense. Flash Gordon and Steve Smith anchored the left side of
the infield and Catcher Faletra threw out a potential stolen base threat. Fitzgerald pitched well, but the
Braves broke out with good offensive games from Christo Lagos, Moran, Gordon, Smith and May. With the
Braves pitching staff in disarray these last several weeks, Moran again came up huge and earned his 2nd
win with a complete game performance. The Brewers got solid games from Catcher John Pavia who chipped
in with a few hits and caught all 14 innings on a hot day, Woods and Bill Hoover.
Indians 6 Red Sox 2 and Indians 7 Red Sox 5
No recaps available.
Mariners 2 Cubs 1 and Cubs 8 Mariners 4
No recaps available.
Cardinals 5 Phillies 0 and Phillies 10 Cardinals 6
No recaps available.
Orioles vs Yankees and Yankees vs Orioles
Orioles sweep double header by forfeit.
Week 15, 07/31/05
Orioles 5 Red Sox 1
In a much anticipated match up, the first game of the year between these 2 teams was rained out, the
story today came down to pitching. For the Orioles, pitcher Sean O'Connor was dominant going the
distance as the Orioles won 5 - 1. Sean gave up only 5 hits, all singles, struck out 12 and walked no
one. Only 2 batters reached second base, and an unearned run was all the Red Sox could muster. Sean
improved his record to 4 and 0 with an era of 0.56. For the Red Sox, Steve Saraceno had a no-hitter
going into the 4th inning, then gave up 5 runs on 9 hits the rest of the way to take the loss.
With the game tied at 1, Carlo Galvani, who has his best days at the plate against Steve Saraceno,
drove in the winning run in the 7th with a line-drive single that scored Dick Scullary who started
the 2-out rally with a base hit. Four hits later the Orioles had a 4 - 1 lead and cruised to the win.
Dean Bennett 2 for 4, Jeff Merzel 3 for 4, Dave Bieksha 2 for 4 with a triple and legend Bunkie Smith
1 for 3 and 2 RBI, were the standouts for the Orioles. The leading hitters for the Red Sox today were,
John Badaracco 2 for 3 and Victor Saraceno 2 for 3.
Cubs 6 Braves 5
No recap available.
Cardinals 18 Brewers 3 and Cardinals 15 Brewers 1
Card's winning pitchers First Game Tom Langmeier, Second Game Matt Sandock. All Cardinals whose ankles
did not look like a horror movie (stupid Rookies who don't know when to sit) had hits upping Cardinals
Record to 10-4 in a tie for first place with the Cubs.
Phillies 3 Mariners 1 and Phillies 7 Mariners 6
No recaps available.
Indians 13 Yankees 1 and Indians 6 Yankees 5
The Marlborough Indians held off the Sudbury Yankees for a 6-5 victory in the nightcap to sweep a
double-header from their division foe at Feeley Field. With the wins, the Tribe moved back within
one game of .500 at 7-8 with three games to play.
The opener was highlighted by a Mike Giordano two-run home run in the third that broke a 1-1 tie. The
blast, which followed a single by Mike Togneri, sailed well over the 325-foot fence in right field.
The score was 4-1 heading into the top of the sixth when the Tribe batted around, scoring 9 runs to
take a 13-1 lead. With time a factor, the teams decided to call the game at that point and move to
the second game.
The Indians were paced by Giordano's two hits and three RBI in the opener. Dave Lalliberte also rapped
two hits and drove in three runs, including a two-run double to deep left-center that missed being a
grand-slam by about three feet.
Craig Macauley (1-1) got the win in relief of starter Jeff Stiles. Peter McWalter pitched well for the
Yankees before tiring in the sixth.
In Game Two, the Yankees rallied from a 6-0 deficit with five runs in the fifth, but came up short as
the Tribe defense turned 4-6-3 double-plays in the sixth and seventh.
The big shot in the Yankees' fifth was a three-run homer well over the fence in left field by Ensley.
Polante had three hits for Sudbury (four on the day) despite tweaking a hamstring trying to score in the
third. The Indians threw out two Yankee runners trying to score in both the third and the fourth, with
centerfielder Tom Pare gunning out Senagal with a perfect strike in the fourth.
The Indians jumped to a 3-0 lead in the first with the big blow a two-run single by Lalliberte. They
added three more in the third when Jack Buchanan walked, and moved to third on a single by Stiles. Both
scored when Mike Richards reached on an error. Richards stole second and scored on a Giardano base hit.
Buchanan went five innings for the Indians to improve to 5-4 on the season and Richards picked up his
first save. Giardano had two hits in the nightcap for the Tribe.
The Yankees put their leadoff hitter on base in both the sixth and seventh against Richards. But the
double-play combo of Stiles to Pare (now at shortstop) to Hugh "Stretch" Cornwell thwarted both rallies
and the Indians were able to hang on.
The Indians improved to 5-1 in the American and moved within a half-game of the second-place Red Sox.
The fourth-place Yankees fell to 4-10, a game ahead of the Mariners for the fourth and final playoff spot.
Week 14, 07/24/05
Phillies 10 Braves 5
No recap available.
Cubs 14 Brewers 6
No recap available.
Red Sox 5 Mariners 3
No recap available.
Orioles 12 Indians 3
No recap available.
Cardinals 6 Yankees 2
No recap available.
Week 13, 07/17/05
Braves 3 Red Sox 2
The Braves upped their record to 8-4 with a hard fought win at the Ashland Red Sox. The Braves jumped out to an early lead in the top of the first, Paul Chiodo started things with a single and moved to third on a Steve Smith liner to right center. Ryan Scaffidi drove in Chiodo with a two out single. Red Sox starter Steve Saraceno worked out of a bases loaded jam to end the threat.
In the bottom of the first inning, with one out, Braves starter Rich Moran fielded a hard one-hopper that came up head high and fast taking Moran out of action for the day. We’re extremely happy to report that “Chief” is doing ok and is looking forward to getting back out there. The Braves turned to their starting shortstop Steve Smith for some long relief. Smith came up big for the Braves keeping the Red Sox bats in check for much of the day. The Braves added two more runs, one in the third off a single from Eric Gordon, and another in the fourth on back-to-back doubles from T.J. May and Jim McLaughlin.
Up three runs in the eight the Sox got on the board when Chris Cronin doubled in Victor and Steve Saraceno. The Sox threatened again in the ninth however Smith’s determination and the Braves defense were able to preserve the lead and hold on for the 3-2 victory. The Braves infielders came up with big defensive stops, shortstop Marc Sanfacon, third baseman Eric Gordon, and catcher Christo Lagos made several big plays to end Red Sox threats.
Phillies 8 Cubs 6 and Cubs 8 Phillies 2
No recaps available.
Indians 10 Brewers 4
The Marlborough Indians blew open a pitchers’ duel with a six-run sixth inning on the way to a 10-4 win over the Wayland Brewers Sunday evening at Bauks Field.
Jack Buchanan started and got the win for the Indians, yielding one run on six hits through five innings of work. Jeff Stiles threw three innings of one-hit relief, striking out four, and Mike Richards pitched the Tribe out of a ninth-inning jam by striking out the two batters he faced.
Starter Dave Fitzgerald pitched well for the Brewers, keeping the Indians off the board through the first four innings. The Brewers gave Fitzgerald a 1-0 lead in the second when Steve Darrah singled, moved to second on a walk to Andrew Jones, to third on wild pitch, and scored on a sacrifice fly by Brian Waldman.
The Indians took the lead for good in the fifth on a two-out, two-run single by Tom Pare. Mike Richards (double) and Mike Giordano (walk) scored on the play.
Marlborough finally busted out against Fitzgerald in the sixth. Sparkplug Norm Lallier led off with a walk and Markian Stecyk followed with an infield single. Dave Lalliberte singled home Lallier and chased Fitzgerald in favor of John Pavia. After a walk to Craig Macauley, Buchanan plated two more runs with a liner to right-center.
The second of Larry Rosoff’s three singles kept the inning going and bases-loaded walks to Jeff Stiles and Richards added two more runs. A sacrifice fly by Jerry Guerra scored Richards to make it 8-1.
The Indians added two more in the seventh. Pare and Hugh Cornwell walked and Lallier singled to load the bases. Stecyk beat out an infield hit to score Pare, and Lalliberte knocked Cornwell in with a sacrifice fly.
The Brewers added three off Indians closer Rosoff in the ninth. After a hit batsman, Chris Shea, Paul Woods, Pavia, and Kevin Najarian all singled, cutting the lead to 10-4 and setting the stage for Richards to finish out the game.
The contest was well-played all around with the teams committing only one error between them. The Indians improved to 5-7 and climbed to third place in the American League. The Brewers fell to 0-12.
Mariners 11 Yankees 4
No recap available.
Orioles 13 Cardinals 1
No recap available.
Week 12, 07/10/05
Indians 9 Mariners 3
Marlborough starter Jeff Stiles improved to 1-1 with five scoreless innings and Jack Buchanan and
Mike Richards mopped up in the Indians’ 9-3 victory over the Holliston Mariners at Bauks Field.
Stiles allowed only one hit, striking out four and walking two. His earned run average is now an
impressive 2.12. Buchanan yielded all three Mariner runs in his two-inning stint, but none were
earned. Richards was dominant in closing out the game, pitching two perfect innings and striking
out three.
In addition to solid defense behind them, the Tribe pitching trio was backed by two-hit performances
from Mike Giordano and Steve Courtwright. Courtwright drove in the game’s first run with a two-out
base hit in the first and added a single in the fourth. Giordano led off the Indians’ four-run fourth
by ripping a long double to deep right. He also crushed a triple and scored the Indians’ final run
in the sixth.
The other offensive highlight for the Indians was on the base paths. Norm Lallier, who had reached
via a walk, remained in a two-out rundown between first and second long enough for Craig Macauley
and Markian Stecyk to hustle home and give the Tribe an 8-0 lead in the fifth.
Bob Solat had two hits for the Mariners, including a run-scoring single in the M’s three-run seventh.
That threat ended on the following batter when shortstop Tom Pare’s perfect relay throw erased a
Mariner base runner attempting to score on Dan Scearbo’s two-out, bases-loaded RBI single.
With the win, the Indians moved to 4-7 on the season, 3-0 in the American League. The Mariners fell
to 2-8.
Orioles 12 Phillies 3
No recap available.
Cardinals 3 Braves 0
Cardinals' Tom Langmeier showed up just late enough to rescind his starting role as Matt Finnegan stepped in to throw three shutout innings. A rested Langmeier took over in the fourth and finished allowing no runs on merely two strikeouts. A tough cut fast ball spelled ground outs and double plays at key times annulling Brave threats. Brave starter and new Hall of Fame Inductee Rich Moran threw 872 pitches (at least it seemed like it) for the three run, complete game loss at Memorial field (previously known as Death Valley for the Cardinals) in Millis.
All was quiet until the seventh inning stretch seemed to wake everyone up. Cardinal Shortstop Paul Murphy (2-3 and a BB) led off the seventh with a single, advanced on an error and Randy Pena single and both eventually scored on Pat Pisano (1-2 and a BB) single to give the Cardinals 2-0 lead.
Ray "you can call me Al" Sullivan singles, steals and sores in the ninth to add insurance run giving Cardinals 3-0 win to swap first place with the Braves by ½ game.
I would be remiss not mentioning the yeoman's work (which I think means good) filling in catching by Cardinal Brian Rodriguez, throwing out one and playing very solid defense.
Quote of the day: As Cardinals enter yard to accept Brave's Shortstop Steve Smith's gracious invitation to come over to his house for a beer his (8 year old?) very adorable daughter sighs "How dare those Cardinals" Don't kid yourself. These games matter.
Cubs 4 Red Sox 1
No recap available.
Yankees 8 Brewers 3
No recap available.
Week 10, 06/26/05
Red Sox 9 Yankees 5
Whenever these American League rivals get together there are fireworks. And today's ninety five degree
heat added to the legend, as long balls cut through the humidity like a knife, leading the Red Sox to a
9-5 win over the Yanks in Sudbury.
The Sox opened scoring in the first when a McKenzie sac fly scored Brian Farrell. Then the Yankee bats
got unleashed. Raul Matos peppered the left field fence for a double. He was followed by three more
hits and a Sox error, sending the Yanks out to the field with a 4-1 edge.
After a scoreless second, the Sox scored five in the top of the third. The big blow came when Farrell
knocked in two with a double over the head of the Yankee centerfielder. Second baseman Kevin Quinn was
up next, and he singled in two more to give the Sox a 6-4 lead.
In the bottom of the third, Yank second sacker Dave Valderbrini smoked a Steve Saraceno fastball over
the fence in straightaway center, pulling the Yanks to within a run. Valderbrini had two other hits on
the morning to lead the Yankee attack. But that was the last run Saraceno would surrender, as he
scattered only four hits the rest of the way.
In the fifth, Ashland DH Pete "King Kong" Greene strode to the plate with two runners on and one out,
having already singled and collected a RBI in the third. Kong, who basks in the glow of 90-plus-degree
days, crushed an 0-2 offering from Paul Valentino over the left centerfield fence to provide the final
margin. Kong may have been the first player in the history of the MWABL to require a courtesy runner
in the middle of a homerun trot.
Nick Tambascio had two hits for the Yanks, while leftfielder and leadoff man Brian Farrell had three
hits and scored twice for the Sox. In all, the bottom five batters in the Sox lineup scored seven of
the team's nine runs.
Orioles 14 Mariners 5
No recap available.
Phillies 8 Brewers 3
No recap available.
Cubs 13 Cardinals 9
The Cubs won a huge National League game on the road against the division leading Cardinals 13-9
on Sunday. This was a tense battle from beginning to end on a hot summer day in Hudson. The Cubs
victory pulled the National League standings incredibly close as the first four teams are separated
by a half game.
Brad Adams, called on to make his second emergency start this month, pitched the first 5 innings and
battled out of several jams. The Cardinals took their only lead of the game in the bottom of the first
as ex-Cub Matt Finnegan led off with a double (he later tripled driving in 2 and scored 3 runs) and
scored from third one out later. The Cardinals ended up loading the bases with one out in the first
inning and Brad got a strikeout and grounder to second to esacpe with just the 1 run to set the tone
for the game. The Cubs responded with 3 two out runs in the top of the second. Jon Sundkin led off
with a single, and after an out and then a fielders choice, Chris Ricker was on first with 2 outs.
Mark Grogan drew a walk and Andy Schultz was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Rich Schwarz followed
with a nubber to the mound that Matt Finnegan tried to bare hand and missed to score a run. Dennis
Fontecchio followed with a clutch 2 run single.
The Cubs expanded the lead to 4-1 in the 3rd with a clutch 2 out 2 strike RBI single by Chris Ricker
scoring Earl who had reached on a single. The Cardinals scored an unearned run in the bottom of the
3rd to make it 4-2. Pat Pisano singled and went to second on an error. Tim Ryan singled Pat home.
In the bottom of the 5th the Cardinals tied the score on 2 walks (Brian Egan an ex-Cub and Matt
Finnegan) and a double to left center by Tim Ryan.
The Cubs regained the lead in the top of the 6th as Matt Corkum (1-2 3 walks, 2 runs) led off with a
walk and Chris Ricker followed with a HBP. A wild pitch put runners and second and third with no outs.
2 outs later, no runs had come home. Rich Schwarz followed with a bunt to score the run as no one
covered first base for the Cards. Andy Schultz escaped a 2nd and third with one out situation by
inducing a grounder to third that Earl handled nicely and a popup to second to hold onto the 1 run
lead. The Cubs added 2 runs in the 7th to extend the lead to 7-4. Tim Shaver led off with a triple
to left and he scored on a wild pitch. Earl Carpenter singled and scored on a Brad Adams double.
The Cardinals fought back to tie the game with 3 in the bottom of the 7th though. Singles by Howie Simon
and Pat Pisano started the inning and Matt Finnegan followed with a triple and he scored later.
In the top of the
8th, the Cubs took the lead for good. Mark Grogan led off with a huge single and reached second on
Andy Schultz's perfect sac bunt. Earl went in to run for Mark. A wild pitch put Earl at third with
one out. Rich Schwarz hit a sac fly to right to score Earl who pulled a quad muscle on the play but
still managed to score the go ahead run.
Andy Schultz pitched a 1-2-3 bottom of the 8th, and the Cubs went on to score 5 times in the top of the
ninth for a 13-7 lead. Tim Shaver reached an error and Paul Sonnet singled to put runners at first and
third. Tim scored when Paul got caught in a rundown between first and second. Brad Adams followed with
a single and Jon Sudkin followed with an RBI single. Matt Corkum followed with his third walk of the
game to load the bases. Chris Ricker grounded into a fielders choice with the out being recorded at
home. With 2 outs and the bases full, Mark Grogan delivered a hug bases clearing double.
The Cardinals
continued to fight and scored 2 in the bottom of the ninth, but their rally fell short and the Cubs won
the game. With 1 out, Howie Simon and Pat Pisano singled again, and Matt Finnegan followed with a
walk to load the bases. Tim Ryan reached on an error by the Cubs right fielder and Matt Sandock's
fielder's choice ended the scoring of this 13-9 game.
Braves 15 Indians 11
The late game on the MABL schedule featured an inter-league match-up with the Marlboro Indians hosting
the Millis Braves at a balmy Bauks Field.
The pitching match-up featured two ace pitchers coming off solid wins, the Indians veteran lefty Jack
Buchanon and the Braves righty Jim Callaghan. Both teams came out swinging, each scoring three runs in
the first inning. Both pitchers settled in during the second and third innings. A Braves error and a
pass ball gave the Indians a 4-3 lead after three innings.
In the fourth the Braves bats began to thunder, much like the weather, sending 12 batters to the plate
scoring six runs on 8 hits and one costly Indians error. The Braves got RBIs from Paul Chiodo, Ryan
Scaffidi, Eric Gordon, and Jim McLaughlin. McLaughlin had a huge day at the plate leading the Braves
hit attack with a 5 for 6 and 5 rbi performance. The Braves added two more runs in the fifth on singles
by Rich Moran and McLaughlin. Down 11-5 in the fifth the Indians never said die, scoring three runs
on a Hugh Cornwell triple. And two more runs in the sixth off singles by Mike Richards and Jerry Guerra.
The Braves put the game away in the seventh with 2 RBIs from McLaughlin and 1 from Jack Berardinelli.
Richards relieved Buchanon in the eighth allowing one run in the final two innings. Callaghan went the
distance for the Braves notching 9 Ks while earning his team high sixth win.
The teams will have the holiday week off to re-hydrate after which the 7-3 Braves host the 6-3 Hudson
Cardinals at Memorial Field in Millis, and the 3-7 Indians host the 2-7 Holliston Mariners at Bauks.
Week 9, 06/19/05 Double Headers
Cardinals 3 Red Sox 2 and Red Sox 4 Cardinals 2 Game 1
Cardinals 3, Red Sox 2
In the end, an error-free game by the Cardinals and a solid pitching performance from Matt Sandock
were enough to turn back the Red Sox 3-2 in Ashland. Centerfielder Pat Pisano saved the day when he
made a diving grab in deep right center to keep the tying run from scoring in the bottom of the
seventh. Sandock went the distance, scattering 9 hits, striking out 4, and collecting two hits of his
own off Ashland starter Steve Saraceno.
Ashland scored first, when Steve Slowik singled and drove in Kevin Quinn, who led off the fourth
with a hit. The Sox then imploded in the fifth. Saraceno, who yielded only five hits and struck out
nine in his complete game loss, had two out and runners on first and second when he and first baseman
Wayne Sylvia collided going after an infield pop up, the ball squirting out of Sara's glove like
watermelon seed on a muggy day. With the bases loaded, John Masiello drove in two to put the Cards
ahead. Howie Simon then hit a soft liner up the middle that the Sox couldn't handle, and the third
run scored.
The Sox made it 3-2 in the bottom of the fifth when third baseman Steve Lawless scorched a double
over Pisano's head, plating Saraceno, but a great relay throw nailed Lawless as he tried to stretch
it out to a triple.
Game 2
Red Sox 4, Cardinals 2
Sox starter Keviin Quinn and some fine defensive support helped Ashland pull out the nightcap, 4-2
over the visiting Cardinals. Quinn kept the Cards off balance all afternoon, as he spun his complete
game three hitter. Tom Langmaier pitched seven strong for the Cards, giving up 12 hits in the loss.
The Sox jumped out on top 3-0 by the second, with an RBI by Brent McKenzie and two more from Steve
Halzel. The Cards stormed back in the bottom of the second, scoring a run on a Sox error, a single,
and a couple of walks. With the bases loaded and one out, Howie Simon launched a liner into the hole,
and Sox shortstop Steve Slowik made a flat out diving snag and doubled up at second to kill the threat.
Tim Ryan scored the final Cardinal run in the fourth on a single from Paul Murphy.
Victor Saraceno knocked in an insurance run for the Sox in the sixth, as Steve Lawless scored from
second on the hit. Rightfielder Lawless helped preserve Quinn's complete game when he made a diving
snag of a foul ball to deep right to start the sixth.
Braves 8 Mariners 3 and Braves 6 Mariners 5
The Braves were able to pull off a sweep at Holliston against the Mariners on Sunday. The games were
both hard fought and the Braves held off a relentless charge in game 2 by the Mariners.
Game 1
Braves 8 Mariners 3
The Braves took game 1 in strong fashion by an 8-3 count. The M's Kevin Ryan opposed the Braves
Jim Callaghan on the mound. The Braves took a 1-0 lead in the first on a Steve Smith rbi single
driving in Chris Faletra straight off the red eye from Singapore. The Braves put the game away in
the second scoring 7 runs on key hits by Smith, Eric Gordon, Rich Moran and Paul Chiodo. The M's
did Ryan no favors by making a few key miscues to prolong the inning.
From there, Ryan settled down and pitched very well limiting the Braves to 2 hits and no runs.
Meanwhile, Callaghan was helped tremendously by Braves outfielders Mike Londergan, Paul Chiodo
and Jack Beradinelli who all made fine defensive plays. In the 5th, the M's plated 3 runs on some
shoddy pitching and defensive indecisiveness. But, in the end, the Braves held serve and took the
game 8-3. Callaghan ran his record to 5-1 and recorded his 5th complete game of the year. Chiodo
led the Braves overall with clutch hitting, baserunning and fielding. Ryan and Breslau led the
way offensively for the M's.
Game 2
Game 2 pitted the M's John Gatti against the Braves Rich Moran. The Braves again jumped out to a
1-0 lead on a Steve Smith RBI hit in the first. In the 3rd, Paul Chiodo bombed a 2 run double to
left center plating Londergan (HBP) and Jim Callaghan (single). The first 4 in the order
(Callaghan, Chiodo, Faletra, and Smith) combined to pad the lead the last few innings off of Gatti
who pitched very well. Moran headed into the 7th with a 2 hit shutout and a 6-0 lead. In that almost
fateful 7th, the M's bats exploded with key hits by Gatti, Ryan, Mike Howell and Chris Shea. Shea's
clutch double with the bases loaded cleared the bases and brought the M's to within one. Jim Callaghan
replaced Moran on the hill with Shea on second and 0 outs. He struck out John Moore, but Chris
Vericker followed with an infield hit moving runners to first and third. Callaghan recorded another
strikeout for out #2. Then, leadoff man Sean Farrell hit a bouncing ball up the middle that clutch
Mike Callaghan snared on a tricky hop and his off balance throw just nipped Farrell at first ending
the game. It was Moran's first win of the year and Callaghan's first save.
Phillies 6 Yankees 2 and Phillies 4 Yankees 3
No recaps available.
Cubs 9 Indians 6 and Cubs 10 Indians 4 Game 1
The Indians hosted the Cubs at Bauks field for the first game of a double header. The Cubs scored
in the first inning on a Dennis Fontecchio double (3-3 1 run, 1 RBI), two walks and then a bases
loaded sacrifice fly from Paul Sonnett. Andy Schultz went the distance for the Cubs and had a no hitter
through three (4 walks and a HBP hid the no hitter well). In the 4th, the Indians took the lead with
a 3 run outburst. Mike Richards started it with a walk followed by a Steve Courtwright fielders choice.
Mike Giordano then smoked a ball down the right field line that went for a triple and Mike scored when
the relay throw to the infield was not fielded cleanly. The Cubs answered right back in the top of the
5th with 2 runs to tie the game. Earl Carpenter started it with a walk (2-2 double, 2 runs, 1 RBI). Tom
Barnes followed with a single to put runners at first and third. A balk allowed a run to score. After
Peter DiNatale was hit by a pitch, Brad Adams followed with an RBI fielders choice.
Andy Schultz pitched a 1-2-3 5th and the Cubs took the lead with a 2 out rally in the 6th. Andy Luckhardt
hit a triple to right center and Dennis Fontecchio followed with the go ahead single. The Cubs appeared
to put the game away with a 5 run top of the 7th off tiring Indians starter Jeff Stiles and reliever
Mike Richards. Key hits were Earl Carpenter's RBI double, Brad Adams bases loaded single, Mark Grogan's
bases loaded 2 RBI single and Andy Schultz run scoring single.
However, as always with the cardiac kid Indians, the game was far from over. Trailing 9-3 in their last
at bat, the Indians scored 3 and had the tying run at the plate before the game ended. Mike Richards
led off with a double and Steve Courtwright followed with a triple. A Tom Pare sac fly made it 9-5 with
one out. A walk to Mike Giordano and then a run scoring double by Jerry Guerra with two outs made it 9-6.
After an error extended the inning, with runners at first and third and two outs, Larry Rosoff hit a
bullet right at Cubs second baseman Peter DiNatale to end it.
Game 2
In game 2, the Cubs jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead in the first inning. Paul Sonnett (3-3 3 RBIs) doubled home
Dennis Fontecchio and Eddie Murray. Earl Carpenter followed with his first of 2 monsterous doubles in
the game to score Paul. The Indians chipped away with single runs in the second and fourth to make it
a 3-2 game. Mike Giordano walked and scored on a Mike Togneri sac fly in the second. In the fourth,
Jeff Stiles singled and Mike Richards doubled with one out to put the tying run in scoring position.
Steve Courtwright drove in Jeff with a sac fly and Cubs starter Tom Barnes escaped further damage by
getting the final out on a fly ball to center. The Cubs scored 3 more times in the bottom of the 4th.
Earl Carpenter doubled home Paul Sonnett who had singled. Tom Barnes followed with a single and Peter
DiNatale walked to load the bases. Brad Adams hit a two run single to make the score 6-2 off Indians
starter Jack Buchanan.
The Indians scored another run in the 5th as Mike Giordano led off with a single and then scored after
a botched pickoff attempt and an error at third. The Cubs scored 4 in their half of the 5th to make
the score 10-3. Dennis Fontecchio, Eddie Murray, Paul Sonnett and Brad Adams all had hits in the
inning. The Indians closed out the scoring in the 6th as Steve Courtwright singled home Jeff Stiles.
Craig MacCauley for the Indians and Andy Luckhardt for the Cubs pitched scoreless innings to finish
the game.
Orioles 6 Brewers 1 and Orioles 13 Brewers 2
No recaps available.
Week 8, 06/12/05
Red Sox 8 Mariners 2
Steve Saraceno held the Mariners to 5 hits and zero earned runs and the Red Sox offense did just
enough damage to overcome the pesky Mariners in Holliston 8-2. Saraceno kept the Mariners off the
board until the eighth, when Rice reached on an infield error with two out. Mike Breslau singled,
and Chris Shea roped a double to plate them both.
The Sox opened the scoring in the second when centerfielder John Badaracco singled, stole second,
and scored on a Wayne Sylvia RBI. Badaracco, who also had another hit, made the play of the day in
the fourth, when he turned and ran back at full speed to chase down a blast by John Gatti. The Sox
scored two more in the sixth when Victor Saraceno beat a drawn in infield to plate two of the Sox's
4 Steves, Halzel and Lawless. Ashland broke the game open in the eighth, as Sylvia, Halzel, Chris
Cronin, and Victor each drove in runs to push the Sox up 7-0.
On an injury note, "missing link" brother Leo Saraceno buttoned up the home whites for the first
time in more than two years. Leo, who had donated his rotator cuff to big brother Steve in return
for a kidney or lung should the need ever arise, was scratched from the lineup when he pulled a calf
muscle in pregame calisthenics. Prospects of a Saraceno to Saraceno to Saraceno double play will have
to wait at least another week.
Indians 5 Orioles 4
The Marlborough Indians rode the gutsy pitching performance of Jack Buchanan, along with solid
defense and clutch hitting, to break a four-game losing streak and edge the previously undefeated
Framingham Orioles, 5-4, in Marlborough.
Jeff Stiles had two hits, including a leadoff triple, and scored two runs for the Indians (3-4).
Stiles also got the save, entering the game with one on and two out in the top of the ninth and
throwing one pitch. Catcher Steve Courtwright gunned out a would-be Orioles’ base stealer to seal
the win.
The Indians’ three “Mikes” paced the offensive attack. Mike Richards continued his torrid hitting
for the Indians with two hits, Mike Giordano added two hits and two RBI, and Mike Togneri’s second
single of the game drove in the eventual winning run with two out in the fifth.
Buchanan allowed seven hits and two earned runs in his eight and two-thirds innings of work.
For the Orioles (5-1), Jeff Merzel pitched eight complete innings, allowing 11 hits and striking
out five. Offensively, Mark Knowlton and John Malone led the O’s with two hits each. Knowlton’s
first-inning triple, which plated Tom Galvani, would have been a home run in most ballparks.
Braves 4 Phillies 2
The Phillies and Braves hooked up in an important National League tilt at Medway on Sunday. The
Braves with some timely hitting and defense were able to hold off the Phillies on a day which was
best suited to be indoors or in a pool.
The Braves drew first blood in the first inning. Jim Callaghan lead off with a triple to center and
TJ May grounded to short plating Callaghan. Callaghan got the start on the mound for the Braves and
set down the first 9 in order. Meanwhile Phils starter Rick Huckins after loading the bases in the
second, got the last out on a fly to left. Huckins settled down and kept the Braves off balance with
5 innings of 1 run ball.
The Phillies got on the board in the 4th playing small ball. Jeff Langan executed a perfect bunt
single and was sacrificed to second by Connolly. Jamie Nix promptly singled to left to plate the
tying run Langan. In the 6th, with one out, Deluzio hit a shot to left that fooled the Braves left
fielder. He ended up on 3rd and Mark Rogers executed a perfect suicide squeeze bunt plating Deluzio
and giving the Phillies the 2-1 lead.
Jamie Nix came on in the 6th for the Phillies and was the victim of some poor support. In that 6th,
the Braves scored 2 runs on a Flash Gordon single and 2 infield throwing errors. The Braves also
tacked on a key insurance run in the 8th with Steve Smith scoring on a Jack Beradinelli clutch hit.
Smith also made a huge defensive play in the 9th when he fielded a ball in the shortstop hole and made
the long throw to rob Nix of a hit. Callaghan made the lead stand up by throwing his 3rd complete
game of the year and earning his 4th win. He walked one, fanned 6 and gave up 6 hits. The Braves
travel to Holliston to face the Mariners in a twinbill next week.
Cubs 12 Brewers 6
The Brewers led 6-5 entering the bottom of the 7th when the Cubs scored once to tie the game at 6.
The Cubs scored 6 in the bottom of the 8th for the 12-6 final score.
Cardinals 3 Yankees 0
The Cardinals scored 3 runs with 2 outs in the 8th inning to win the pitchers duel.
Week 7, 06/05/05 Double Headers
Orioles 2 Braves 0 and Orioles 4 Braves 1
As is usually the case with the Orioles and Braves solid pitching and strong defense made for two
close games. The O's swept the double header on the backs of starters Steve Simoes and Sean O'Connor.
Each hurled a complete game for their second wins of the season.
Game 1
Steve Simoes was one out away from a no hitter when Safacon lined a solid single up
the middle with two outs in the bottom of the seventh. The hit may have ended the no hit bid but
it didn't take away from a great performance by Simoes who went 7 full with 8 k's, one walk and one
hit batsman. Simoes faced just 2 batter over the minimum and allowed only one runner to reach second.
Only two batters put a ball into the outfield and 20 of the 21 outs were recorded by infielders.
Despite the dominating performance, the Braves had the tying run at the plate in the seventh thanks
to an equally solid performance on the mound from Jim Callaghan. Always tough against the O's,
Callaghan scattered nine hits over seven innings with 5 K's and no walks. The O's squeaked out a
first inning run when Tom Galvani drove in Jeff Merzel on a infield cue shot. It turned to be all
they would need thanks to Simoes. Callaghan kept his team in the game getting out of a bases loaded,
no out jam in the 4th on a fielder's choice, a T. Galvani K and Simoes fly out to center. The O's got
their second run in the seventh when B. Doyle scored on a throwing error. Dean Bennet, Brendan Doyle
and Mark Knowlton each had two hits.
Game 2
Game two pitted veteran hurler Sean O'Connor and Braves regular Rich Moran. The no hitter suspense
ended quickly as Chris Faletra drove home May with a one out double in the first to give the braves
a quick 1-0 lead. It was the last time the Braves would get a runner past first base until Steve
Smith's line drive double in the fifth. The O's got the run back plus one in the bottom half of the
first as Dean Bennett lead off with a single followed by a walk to Jeff Merzel. The runners advanced
to second and third on a passed ball and Dean Bennet scored on an RBI ground out by Bunkie Smith.
With a runner on second, Tom Galvani homered beating the left fielder and giving the O's a 3-1 lead.
After a rocky first Moran settled down and held the O's to 5 hits and one run the rest of the way.
Moran's final line was six innings, seven hits, 4 runs, 1 k and 2 walks.
The story of the game however was the pitching of Sean O'Connor who went seven full, with 12 k's,
3 hits, 1 unearned run, no walks while facing just 3 batters over the minimum. Oh yeah, he was 2 for
2 with a double and a run scored. The O's move to 5-0 and play the Indians in Marlborough while
the 3-3 Braves travel to Medway.
Red Sox 12 Brewers 6 and Red Sox 9 Brewers 6 Game 1
Red Sox 12, Brewers 6
The Red Sox started fast in Game 1, scoring three on a double by Brent McKenzie. McKenzie knocked in
two more in the third to give Steve Saraceno a lead he would not relinquish. Chris Farley from the
Brewers doubled off of Saraceno and scored to make it 6-1 in the third. The Sox scored six more in the
fourth, capped by Victor Saraceno's two run single. The Brewers made a run at the Sox in the late
innings, scoring four in the fifth and one in the sixth to make the final margin. John Pavia and
Fitzgerald each had two hits for the Brew Crew. With the win, Saraceno became the oldest player in
league history to have more career wins (51) than birthday candles, but who's counting. (Stats
provided by Saraceno, Inc.)
Game 2
Red Sox 10, Brewers 6
Sox starter Kevin Quinn stole the show, as he took a no-hitter to one out in the sixth. Quinn
faced only one batter over the minimum up to that point, walking leadoff batter Lionel Hamilton to
start the game, and gave up only one hit and one earned run in his outing. Fitzgerald broke up the
no-no with a liner to right. The Sox took a 6-0 lead into the sixth, with Steve Halzel providing the
power. Halzel knocked in three with a couple of base hits. Wayne Sylvia added a couple of hits, and
Brian Whitely made some nice defensive plays at second and scored twice. Chris (Wild Thing III)
started the seventh for the Sox and walked the bases loaded before giving up a base hit. When the
Brewers clawed back to 10-5, manager Steve Saraceno made the call to the pen, where reliever Steve
Saraceno was warm and ready to go. Saraceno gave up a run so that he could also record a save on
the day. Steve Darrah led the way for the Brewers, scoring twice.
Cubs 5 Yankees 1 and Yankees 7 Cubs 4
No recaps available.
Phillies 12 Indians 6 and Phillies 17 Indians 7
The Medway Phillies pounded out 25 hits and took advantage of some shoddy defense by the Marlboro
Indians to gain a sweep of the interdivision doubleheader, 12-7 and 17-7.
Game 1
In the opener, Goulart had a pair of triples among his three hits, and Nix and Anderson each added a
triple and a single to pace the Phils’ offense. Craig Macauley had two hits for the Indians, who fell
to 2-4. The Indians, who committed six errors and multiple other miscues in the games, suffered their
second straight doubleheader sweep to a National League team.
Game 2
In the nightcap, Diluzio had three hits and the Phillies (3-2) took advantage of 10 walks and four
hit batsmen to blow the game open early. Mike Richards had three hits for the Indians, while Mike
Togneri, Tom Pare, and Steve Courtwright added two each.
Cardinals 8 Mariners 2 and Cardinals 5 Mariners 1
No recaps available.
Week 5, 05/22/05 Double Headers
Braves 4 Yankees 1 and Yankees 10 Braves 7 Game 1
The Yankees Peter McWalter and the Braves Jim Callaghan hooked up in a nice pitchers duel. The
Yanks took an early 1-0 lead in the second inning. Dave Valdebrini led off with a long double to
left and scored on a sharp single by McLellen. McWalter shut out the Braves through 5, but in the
top of the 6th, the Braves rallied. A single by Callaghan, a 2 run double by Steve Smith and an
RBI hit from Jim McLaughlin plated 3 runs and in the 7th, a TJ May RBI single scoring Jack Berardinelli
made the score 4-1. Callaghan (3-0) made the lead stand with a complete game 4 hitter with 0 walks
and 9 strikeouts. McWalter struck out 11 Braves without issuing a walk in a fine performace. The
Braves 10 hit attack was paced by Jim Callaghan's 3 hits. Marc Sanfacon and Mike Callaghan each
chipped in with a hit and played flawless infield defense.
Game 2
Paul Valentino sent lefty hurler Flaherty to the hill for the Yanks with Rich Moran sending Steve
Smith to the mound. The Braves took a 5-3 lead after 3 innings mostly due to shoddy defense on both
sides and some wildness from both hurlers. Flaherty walked 8 in the game, but let up only 3 hits and
his control improved greatly as the game went on. Rich Moran relieved Smith in the 4th and also was
a victim of poor defense. With the score 7-6 Braves after 5, the Yankees put 2 runners on in the
6th via an error and hit. Game 1 starter Jim Callaghan came on and promptly gave up a 2 run single
to Callona. After an error scored another run, Flaherty helped his cause with an RBI hit. Callaghan
settled down from there and retired the last 5 batters he faced, but was tagged with the blown save.
Flaherty meanwhile settled down and set the Braves down in order in the 6th and 7th, the last 4 via
the K to earn a win. He struck out 11 and showed a very good fastball.
Red Sox 3 Phillies 1 and Phillies 3 Red Sox 2 Game 1
The Red Sox won the first game over the Phillies 3-1. Veteran righty, coach, and league historian
Steve Saraceno recorded his 50th career win, though he’s mum on whether that number includes family
whiffle ball games in which younger brother Victor surely has a decided advantage. The Phillies
could only muster three hits against the incredible shrinking pitcher, including two of the infield
variety, and Sox came from behind to win 3-1.
The Phils took a 1-0 lead into the fifth, when second baseman Joe Casula led off with a base hit.
He later scored on a sacrifice fly to tie the game. Then in the sixth Kevin Quinn led off with a
hit and scored on a single by centerfielder John Badaracco. Chris Cronin then drove in Badaracco to
provide the final margin.
Game 2
No recap available.
Cardinals 5 Indians 3 and Cardinals 11 Indians 3
No recaps available.
Mariners 3 Brewers 2 and Mariners 3 Brewers 2
No recaps available.
Orioles 8 Cubs 2 and Orioles 4 Cubs 3
No recaps available.
Week 4, 05/15/05
Indians 9 Mariners 3
The Marlborough Indians broke open a pitcher’s duel with a seven-run eighth inning on the way to a
9-3 victory over the Holliston Mariners under overcast skies at Holliston High.
Indians starter Jack Buchanan moved to 2-0 with five shutout innings, allowing three hits and two
walks, while striking out three. Jeff Stiles followed with three shutout innings and Mike Richards
closed out the game for the Indians (2-0).
Mariners’ starter John Gatti took the loss despite pitching well. Gatti (0-1) scattered seven hits
over five innings, allowing one run. The Mariners’ defense made several outstanding plays behind
Gatti as John Moore and Pete Daly tracked down long fly balls to rob Indians batters of extra-base hits.
The Indians opened the scoring in the fifth when Mike Giordano tripled and scored on a single by
Richards. Giordano made a triumphant return to the Indians after taking most of last year off, ripping
two hits, scoring two runs, and playing a solid center field.
Kevin Ryan pitched well into the eighth for Holliston. He allowed a single run in the sixth when
Jerry Guerra blooped a single to left-center, moved to second on Larry Rosoff’s perfectly executed
sacrifice bunt, went to third on a wild pitch, and scored on a Buchanan single to right.
Giordano opened the decisive eighth by lashing a single to right. He stole second and scored on
Richards’ third single of the game. Mike Togneri singled and Guerra followed with a two-run double to
left, giving the Indians a 5-0 edge. Dave Lalliberte, making his Indians’ debut, tripled to score
Guerra, and Buchanan followed with an RBI single to make it 7-0. A walk to Stiles and RBI singles by
Craig Macauley and Steve Courtright gave the Indians a 9-0 lead.
The Mariners (0-1) didn’t go quietly, rallying in the ninth to avoid a shutout. A hit-batter to open
the frame preceded singles by Sean Farrell and Mike Breslau. A walk loaded the bases with nobody
out, and a fielder’s choice RBI by Bob Solat and a sacrifice fly by Mike Howell closed the gap to 9-3.
Richards retired the final batter on a grounder to second to secure the Indians’ second win.
The Indians dedicated the game to teammate Markian Stecyk, who is recovering at home from recent
surgery. The team looks forward to Markian’s return.
Braves 5 Cardinals 4
The Braves and Cards hooked up in a very clean and well played game at Sauta Field in Hudson on
Sunday. Due to the 5:30 start, the game was called after 8 innings due to darkness.
Rich Moran
of the Braves and Tom Langmaier of the Cards got the starting assignments on the hill and both
pitched well. After 2 innings, the score was tied at 3 with the defenses each making a few minor
blunders.
While Langmaier contined on the hill for the Cards, Moran yielded to Jim Callaghan in the
bottom of the 3rd. The game stayed deadlocked at 3 until the Braves Flash Gordon hit a 2 run single
in the 6th to break the tie. The Braves held serve until the bottom of the 7th when they loaded the
bases with one out. A single to right brought in a run and reloaded the bases. But, Callaghan
bounced back by getting the next 2 batters to end the inning. The Braves threatened in the top of
the 8th, but couldn't score against Langmaier who pitched a fine game.
The Cards had their last
ups, but Callaghan was able to hold them scoreless by striking out the side. The Cards offense was
led by Sandock, Masiello and Finnegan.
Gordon had 4 of the Braves 5 RBI's with his 2 hits. Leadoff
man TJ May, Jim Callaghan and Chris Faletra all chipped in with 2 hits. Ryan Scafidi had a great
debut for the Braves with an all around good game.
Orioles 4 Phillies 2
No recap available.
Cubs 8 Red Sox 7
No recap available.
Yankees 17 Brewers 1
No recap available.
Week 2, 05/01/05
Braves 3 Red Sox 0
The Braves won their first game of 2005 3-0 against the Ashland Red Sox at soggy Memorial
Field in Millis. Despite the tough conditions, the game was crisply played in a strong effort
by both teams. The game turned into a serious pitching duel between 2 veteran MSBL hurlers,
the Red Sox Steve Saraceno and the Braves Jim Callaghan. Through 6 innings, the game was scoreless
as both pitchers hit their spots and were supported with some fine defense. In the bottom of the
7th, the Braves finally got to Saraceno. Newcomer TJ May reached on a grounder in the shortstop
hole. Leadoff Man Jim Callaghan lined a single to right sending May to second. Flash Gordon
followed with a fielders' choice grounder with an errant throw to first which scored May. The next
hitter, catcher Chris Faletra bombed a long double to deep center to score Callaghan and Gordon.
That was all the Braves could muster and it was enough as Callaghan completed his 9 inning shutout.
Saraceno also went the distance in a very fine performance. For the Red Sox, Carl Hakansson,
Saraceno and Slowik led the way offensively. The Braves got a nice game from Mike Callaghan
and good offensive days from Paul Chiodo, Mike Londergan and Steve Smith. Despite the lousy
conditions, it will be nice to not have to play a doubleheader next time around.
Indians 17 Brewers 3
The persistent rain that fell for much of the game must have kept Father Time away from Wayland High
on Sunday morning as grizzled veteran Jack Buchanan played like a man half his age in the Marlborough
Indians' 17-3 victory over the Wayland Brewers. Less than a month past his 44th birthday, "Buck"
Buchanan showed the youngsters how it was done as he lashed four singles and drove in two runs from
his perennial spot at the tail end of the Tribe's order.
Buchanan was also the winning pitcher, twirling a gutsy, five-inning starting performance. The
wily southpaw allowed three runs on five hits and struck out three despite a wet ball, muddy mound
conditions, and creaky joints.
While Buchanan outshined all, the rest of the Indians did contribute, ripping 16 hits and coaxing
15 walks from Brewers' pitching. The 1-0 Tribe also played errorless defense, with "prodigal son"
Norm Lallier- returning after a three-year layoff-making several sparkling plays at second base in
the late innings despite a slight hamstring pull.
The Indians received key contributions from newcomers Jeff Stiles (hit, 2 RBIs, 2 scoreless innings
of relief), Mike Richards (RBI double, 2 runs scored, 2 scoreless innings of relief), and Hugh
Cornwell (booming two-run double to punctuate the Indians' six-run second inning).
Jerry Guerra had three hits and 2 RBIs as well for the Indians, while Steve Courtwright
(2 hits, 2 RBIs) and Markian Stecyk (2 hits, 1 RBI) also had multiple-hit games.
The Indians won despite being without their strategic leader and inspirational guide, Larry Rosoff,
who was unable to make the game due to work commitments with the Worcester Tornadoes minor league
ballclub.
The Brewers hung tough in the early going as it was only 6-3 heading into the fifth. Paul Wood had
three of the Brewers' 10 hits and Andrew Jones was 2-3 with a walk and an RBI. A quartet of Wayland
pitchers combined to strike out 12 Indians.
Both teams are off for Mother's Day next week. In two weeks, the Indians travel to Holliston to face
the Mariners while the Brewers host the Yankees in Wayland.