Athletics Take Two From Padres, Drop Two To Pirates

(Editor's note: The following information was submitted by the coaches and administrators of the Tewksbury Girls Softball League.)

Senior League

Aurora Salon Athletics 13 - J&B Butcher Padres 6

 The A's pitchers were supported by some outstanding defense in this contest and were able to hold off a hard hitting Padres team. Lauren Barletta, Alyssa Hand, and Nicole Petherbridge all threw consistent strikes from the mound and got plenty of support from teammates behind them. Hand took a line drive to the midsection in the 4th inning but recovered in time to make a nice throw to first base for a huge 3rd out in a bases loaded situation. Christina Keefe was the star on defense tracking down 2 long balls hit deep into left field for outs. Meghan Arsenault paced the offense reaching base three times with a triple, a double, and a walk. Loren Sullivan and Christina Morris each had solid games at the plate, Loren with 2 singles and 2 runs scored while Christina scored once and drew 2 bases on balls.

 Crystal General Store Pirates 11 - Aurora Salon Athletics 8

The Athletics final inning rally fell just short against the first place Pirates. Lisa Petrowski went the distance on the mound for the A's and helped her cause in the batters box stroking 3 singles and scoring 2 runs. Leanne Lozowski reached base twice with a pair of walks and a run scored. Meg Arsenault drew 2 walks and stole 3 bases, scoring 2 runs. Defensive player of the game was Alyssa Hand who made a nice putout on a deep fly ball hit to right field.

Crystal General Store Pirates 19 - Aurora Salon Athletics 8

The A's came out rather flat in their rematch against the division leading Pirates and could not make up an early 12 run deficit. In hopes of keeping all arms sharp for the approaching playoffs, the foursome of Chelsea Grant, Lauren Barletta, Alyssa Hand, and Loren Sullivan worked hard on the pitchers mound. Kaitlyn Sheehan punched 2 singles through the infield and scored a run. Nicole Petherbridge added a base hit to left field and a walk while scoring 2 runs. Sheehan flashed the leather at 3rd base and made the defensive play of the game, snagging a hard line drive that was headed toward the gap left field.

 J&B Butcher Padres 6 – Aurora Salon Athletics 13

The J&B Butcher Padres couldn't pull off a comeback against the Athletics this time, dropping a tough game 13 to 6 Sunday night. Nora Butler pitched a good first 2 innings and Anna Sessa pulled down an infield fly in the 1st while Jackie Noftle caught a pop foul in the 3rd. Olivia Raso had 3 solid hits with 1 RBI & Amanda Schiavone also had 3 hits for the Padres.

J&B Butcher Padres 4 – B&M Installations Astros 21

The Padres, sponsored by J&B Butcher, couldn't keep pace with a very aggressive Astros team, 21-4. Jackie Noftle pitched innings 1 & 2. In the 1st, Stephanie Giles got under a fly hit to right field and Meagan Timmins snagged a pop foul in the 2nd. Rachel Kelleher had a single in the 3rd and with speedy base running Haleigh Roy came home in the 2nd.

 J&B Butcher Padres 8 – B&M Office Installations Astros 6

  A close game was played by the J & B Butcher Padres and the Astros with the Padres coming up just short 8-6. Meagan Timmins put in a good first 3 innings at pitcher. Olivia Raso grabbed a very hard hit line drive at 2nd to start a 1-2-3 2nd inning. Nora Butler replaced her at 2nd and became very busy assisting in 4 more outs. Taylor Donahoe scored after getting on base on a fielders choice and Haley Acconcia had an RBI single in the 5th.

 Intermediate League

 Custom Iron Craft Mets 13 - Elia's Country Store Diamondbacks 20

 The Mets lost in a close match with the Diamondbacks, with a tie score through the first three innings. The Mets players demonstrated excellent hitting throughout the game with Michelle Maciel hitting a ball to deep center for a double in addition to two singles, Emily Burns with three base hits, Hope Splaine and Kelsey Kelley contributed two base hits and Jamie Hajjar also with a base hit. Emily Burns also caught a line drive shot to third base and Hayley Marchant provided excellent back up of the infield while playing the outfield. Jamie Hajjar pitched two innings, striking out two batters.

 Aubuchon Hardware Royals 17 – Elia's Country Store Diamondbacks 8

 The Royals last regular season game showed they continue to be strong with a win against the Diamondbacks. Alyssa Mecurio and Teagan Trant shared the pitching and both were productive on the mound. The Royal's infielders were on their toes and shortstop Catherine Butler caught a pop up and threw it to first base to make a double play. Right fielder Paige McGaffigan stopped a line ball and made a strong throw to first base to make the out. Catcher Niamh Cote was a wall behind the plate and held the D'Back runners. Offensively the Royals were all swinging: Teagan Trant had 3 doubles and 2 RBIs, Riley Cote had a single, Catherine Butler had 2 singles, Alyssa Mecurio had a singe and Marissa Doherty had 1 double, 1 single and 3 RBIs.

 JR. U10 League

 Wicked Cheesy Dodgers 14 – Steven C. Demetriou, DMD Red Sox 7

 The Wicked Cheesy Dodgers were able to get a win, beating a very tough Red Sox team. Leading the charge were hits by Sarah Polimeno and Abigail Naugler. Helen Johnson, Naugler and Gianna Ragucci pitched well in the win. The Dodgers were able to get some runs in the last inning, and were able to hold the Red Sox. Other outstanding standouts from the game defensively was the stellar play of Brigh Cote at first base.

 Edelstein & Company LLP White Sox 5 - Wicked Cheesy Dodgers 1

 The Wicked Cheesy Dodgers were defeated by the White Sox despite excellent pitching and defense. The Wicked Cheesy Dodgers struggled offensively against a very tough White Sox pitching staff. Defensively, Danielle Norton and Sarah Polimeno played well behind the plate, while Helen Johnson and Gianna Ragucci pitched well in the defeat.

 Wicked Cheesy Dodgers 7 – Mr. Gutterman Cubs 5

 The Wicked Cheesy Dodgers continued playing well this season, pulling out a win against a tough and talented Cubs team. The Wicked Cheesy Dodgers were led by the strong pitching performances of Helen Johnson and Gianna Ragucci, who found the strike zone often in the win. Offensively Julia Giaimo, Emily Morabito, Danielle Norton and Sabrina Pendola were clutch at the plate. Ragucci, who turned a pivotal double play, Giaimo and Brigh Cote all were tough defensively, playing great team defense in the win. This was truly a great team effort, with all aspects of the game coming together for the Wicked Cheesy Dodgers to secure the win.