Sports
Pioneers Lose in Close Tournament Quarterfinal Contest, 9-8
Ricky Beradino hits two home runs for visiting Lynnfield.
PEABODY – In a closely contested match-up on the diamond yesterday afternoon, the Lynnfield High School varsity baseball team lost in the MIAA Division 3 North Quarterfinals against the Bishop Fenwick Crusaders at the McHugh-Farley Athletic Complex. Despite a strong pitching performance from Joe Sartorelli and two home run blasts from second baseman Ricky Beradino, Bishop Fenwick edged the Pioneers by a score of 9-8. With the win, the Crusaders will play Newburyport in the Division 3 Semifinals.
Joe Sartorelli pitched 6 solid innings against the Crusaders (22-6) who won the Catholic Central League regular season title this year.
After a scoreless top half of the first inning by the visiting Pioneers, the Crusaders scored on a two-run home run. Down 2 – 0, the Pioneers countered in the following inning. Lynnfield Catcher Chris Klotzbier began the inning with a walk.
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The next batter was Craig Anderson. The smooth swinging lefty didn’t waste any time at the plate. On the first pitch from Fenwick’s southpaw, Anderson smashed a 2-run homer over the right field fence. Anderson’s homer tied the game 2-2.
In the bottom half of the inning, the Pioneer defense flashed some leather. Center fielder Peter Franchi caught a fly ball and quick-footed shortstop B.J. Neil fielded consecutive groundballs throwing to first baseman Carmine DiCesare to retire the side.
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The Crusaders were able to go ahead in the bottom of the third inning. The home team scored on a mix of singles, an intentional walk, and a sacrifice bunt. Bishop Fenwick was able to plate 6 runs in the bottom of the third, taking an 8-2 lead going into the top of the 4th.
In an action packed top half of the 5th the Pioneers had their most productive offensive inning. After a couple of walks and a fielder’s choice, second baseman Ricky Beradino hit a towering grand-slam over the left field fence. Beradino’s homer fired up the Pioneer squad, who were in close striking distance of the Crusaders. Going into the home half of the 5th inning, Bishop Fenwick led 8-6.
Sartorelli continued to battle against the feisty Crusader offense. The home team scored one run in the 5th inning on a sacrifice fly to left fielder John Festa. The Crusaders could have posted more runs in the inning, but Festa made another impressive grab when he caught the third out on a reeling catch going backwards while cushioning himself against the left field fence.
Both teams went scoreless in the 6th inning. Going into the 7th inning the home team led 9-6. The Pioneers exhibited a relentless collective team spirit in the contest’s final half inning. Ricky Beradino hit another home run, his second of the game. This homer was a solo shot that soared over the left-center portion of the outfield fence. The Pioneers were only down two runs at this point.
Following Beradino’s home run, Chris Klotzbier hit a single past the Crusaders second baseman. A.J. Sartorelli entered the game as a pinch runner for Klotzbier. Bishop Fenwick Coach Russ Steeves brought in a right-handed reliever after the Fenwick starter went 6 1/3 innings. Lynnfield clawed its way back to within a one run deficit after B.J. Neil hit a sacrifice fly to center field. A.J. Sartorelli tagged up from third base scoring Lynnfield’s eighth run. The Crusader’s relief pitcher notched the last out of the game with a strikeout.
