Generals 4 - Mariners 6

A well pitched game on both sides ended up going to the Mariners tonight. Gibbon pitched a complete game to earn the win. He scattered 7 hits and struck out 3. Jeff Jensen pitched well but was charged with the loss.

Reggie Maidment started the scoring in the third inning with a two-run home run. The Mariners answered in the bottom half with 2 of their own. Corey Hildonen got an RBI single, and Gentile added a sacrifice fly to left to tie the game at 2. In the bottom of the sixth, up by one run, the Mariners got a huge hit off the bat of Choate. A 3-run HR just out of the reach of the centerfielder gave the Mariners a 6-2 lead going into the 7th.

With 2-outs in the top of the seventh, the Generals tried to mount a comeback. A Jim Maloney double scored Maidment from first. Andre Painchaud then delivered an RBI single. With the tying run on first Gibbon was able to settle down and induce a pop-up from Vitale that ended the game. The Generals fell just short and the Mariners where able to close out a competitive game. Depending on how things end up, the two teams could meet again in the ITL playoffs. The regular season rematch will be Thursday night in Hamilton, 5:45pm start.

Topsfield Pitcher Struck by Line Drive, Full Recovery Expected

In a doubleheader swept by the Rockport Townies, baseball abruptly became an afterthought at Evans Field in Rockport Sunday evening. Topsfield Tories starting pitcher Matt Rogers was struck in the left eye by a screaming line drive, bringing immediate halt to the game and prompting emergency phone calls. Rogers, son of former Torie and ITL champion Mike Rogers, was initially attended to by local emergency response personnel. Soon thereafter, a MedFlight helicopter brought the eighteen year old directly to a Boston hospital from the ball field. As he was placed in the helicopter, Matt's teammates led the one hundred or so spectators and players in a rousing, stirring cheer of support.

The league distributed news to its members today regarding Matt's status, with permission to report this information on this site. He suffered two broken bones in the left eye socket, a bruised retina and received four stitches to his eyelid. He was released from the hospital around 5AM, and is expected to make a full recovery. Throughout the morning, ITL members were burning up the lines of communication to spread word of the accident and seek updates; the good news was met with much relief throughout the North Shore.

Without question, all members of the ITL have had Matt, his parents and associates of the Topsfield Tories in their thoughts throughout the day. We all wish Matt the fastest and most complete recovery possible!!

Ipswich - 6, Beverly - 2

Beverly is eliminated from playoffs. Ipswich, Hamilton, and Rockport all clinch playoff spots joining Manchester.

More details to follow...

Generals Win

The Hamilton Generals got a big win tonight in Topsfield. Jered Stewart pitched 5 innings, as the game was called, to earn the victory.

Tories 0 - Generals 12

Judd Funchion helped the Generals get back on track by recording his 3rd consecutive complete game shut-out. Funchion allowed only one hit, which came in the form on an infield single in the first inning. Perhaps most impressive of his latest pitching performance was that Funchion did not allow a single ball to leave the infield. He ended it giving up no runs, two walks, and 5 strike outs.

On the offensive side, the Generals spread out 11 hits. Reggie Maidment, Bryan Vitale, Tom Jones, and Andre Painchaud all contributed 2 hits apiece. With two outs in the fourth inning the Generals put up a 7-spot. Vitale and Painchaud recorded RBI singles. Tim O'Leary followed by bringing them both home on a deep double to center. Tom Jones then knocked O'Leary in with a HR into the pond. In the fifth inning, the Generals got 2 more runs on a Reggie Maidment HR.

The win helps the Generals move a step closer to the ITL playoffs with 4 games remaining. The race is close and no team is set in the standings. It should make for an exciting final week of the season.

Townies 2 Mariners 6

In a make-up game from early in the season, the Mariners defeated the Townies 6-2 at Memorial Park in Essex on Thursday night. The win puts the Mariners in first place for the time being with 28 points (14-8 record) with only 2 games remaining. Both Rockport and Ipswich are at 26 points with 4 games remaining for the Townies & Chiefs (13-7 records).

Mike Cain picked up the victory on the mound for the Mariners, going 6 innings while only allowing 2 earned runs on 3 hits and striking out 8. Jared Knowlton pitched a scoreless 7^th inning to finish the game. Ty Watkins pitched 4 innings on the mound, while surrendering 6 earned runs on 5 hits, 3bb, 1k, and 1hbp. Pat Clark relieved Watkins and threw 2 scoreless innings.

The Mariners were led by Charlie Choate's 3 run homer in the 1^st inning, and Nate Bertolino's rbi triple in the 3^rd inning. Kyle Hildebrand had 2 hits for the Mariners, while Rory Gentile, Cain, and Whit Graham also hit safely. Bryan Lafata scored 2 of the Mariners runs, and Ian Buckley recorded an rbi. Brent Currier, Marc Bouchie, Justin Paradis, and Tom Robertson all recorded hits on the night for the Townies. Robertson recorded an rbi hit, while Bouchie and Currier scored the Townies runs.

The Mariners wrap their season up with a home game Tuesday vs Hamilton and travel to Hamilton on Thursday August 2^nd. The Townies play this Sunday, as they host Topsfield for a doubleheader.

Mariners 8 Rams 2, again

On Wednesday evening the Mariners completed the 2 game sweep of the Rams with an 8-2 victory at Eiras Park in Rowley. It was the second consecutive night that the finally tally was 8-2. Ryan Marques recorded his 6^th victory of the season on the hill, while scattering 7 hits and giving up 2 earned runs. Jared Knowlton pitched one scoreless inning to finish the game. White took the loss on the hill for Rowley, surrendering 5 runs in his 5 innings of work. Breidenbach came in relief, giving up 3 runs but striking out 3 also.

In a closely contested game the Mariners broke a 2-2 game open in the top of the 5^th with a 3 run homer from Bryan Lafata. In the top of the 7^th inning, 3^rd baseman Charlie Choate connected for a 3 run homer to put the Mariners up by 6 runs. The Mariners were led by Rory Gentile (2-4, 2r), Lafata (1-1, hr, 3bb, 3r, 3rbi), Choate's 3 run homer, and Ian Buckley (1-1, 2bb, sac, 1r). Chad Figurido recorded his first career ITL hit in going 1-1 with 2bb's on the night.

Ralph Renzilli led the Rams with 2 hits and a hbp, while scoring both the Rowley runs. Dan Knight contributed 2 hits in the game and Berube, Willett, Breidenbach and Watson all hit safely for the Rams.

Rowley travels to Ipswich on Monday night to play the Chiefs at 5:45, while the Mariners play tonight (Thurs 7/26) at home in a makeup game vs the Rockport Townies at 5:45. Rowley drops to 5-15 with the loss, while the Mariners improve to 13-8 on the season.

Rockport 6, Beverly 1

The Beverly Giants' playoff hopes took a serious hit Wednesday night in Beverly, as Rockport took the game 6-1. The Giants now need to run the table and get some help to earn a spot in the ITL Playoffs. In their existence, Beverly has never been a spectator during the league playoffs.

ITL rookie Andy Marques turned in another outstanding performance on the mound for the Townies in a complete game effort. The hard-throwing righthander scattered just four hits, walked three and fanned three. Only two runners advanced as far as third base on the night.

The Townies collected ten hits in the win. Tom Robertson, Brock Currier, Adam Orlando and Chris Bouchie each had two hits. One of Currier's hits was a two-run homerun to left-center field. Orlando made a great catch on sinking line drive to center field in the top of the first, resulting in a double play. For Beverly, pitcher Rocky Pisa made a nice grab on liner back through the box, also resulting in a twin killing.

Rockport will take on Manchester/Essex tomorrow night in Essex in a make-up game. Beverly, who next plays host to Ipswich on Sunday, will be rooting for the Townies to take out the Mariners to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Rams 2 Mariners 8

On Tuesday night the Mariners improved to 12-8 with an 8-2 win over the Rams (5-14) at Memorial Field in Essex. Mike Gibbon pitched 5 strong innings to earn his 3^rd victory on the hill. Gibbon gave up 1 unearned run while scattering 4 hits, striking out 4 and walking none. Colin Ahearn and Charlie Choate both pitched one inning in relief of Gibbon. Dave Leavitt took the loss on the hill for the Rams after going 4 innings and surrendering 7 runs (6 earned).

The Mariners were led at the plate by Rory Gentile (2-2, 2r, hr), Nate Bertolino (2-3), Ian Buckley (2-2, 3rbi). Choate and Bryan Lafata also hit safely, and scored a couple runs each for the Mariners. 5 different Rams recorded the 5 singles for Rowley.

The two teams meet again tonight (Wed 7/25) at Eiras Park in Rowley at 5:45. The Mariners then play Thursday night vs. Rockport in Essex and the Rams are off until Monday night when they travel to Ipswich.

Make up game

Ipswich will travel to Hamilton on Friday, August 3rd for a make up game. 5:45pm start

Beverly - 10, Hamilton - 2

The Beverly Giants improved to 11-10 behind Derek Scialdone's 3 homeruns. Scialdone homered in the 1st, 5th, and 6th innings knocking in four runs to lead the Giants to a 10 to 2 victory over the Hamilton Generals (10-8-1). Jeff Giannino contributed a two run homer, and Ty Besse was 3 for 4 for the Giants. On the mound, Luke Deschamps earned the complete game victory allowing just two unearned runs on 3 hits, while striking out 5. Jeff Jensen took the loss for the Generals.

The Giants host Rockport Wednesday night while the Generals play host to Topsfield on Thursday.

Chiefs Return Favor, Drop Rockport 5-0

Brad Eaton dominated again at rainy Linebrook Field in Ipswich last night, scattering just five hits and stranding eight Townies on base in a 5-o Ipswich victory. Brent Currier took the loss for Rockport. The victory places the Chiefs alone in first place once again, taking the season series between the two teams, 3-1. Due to a league-low six losses, the Townies control their own fate in regards to clinching the regular season championship. With six games left on the schedule this will be a difficult task, as ITL teams are playing hard and jockeying for playoff position over the last two weeks of the regular season.

Topsfield 10 Hamilton 7

The Tories came back to get a win against a tough Hamilton squad in a makeup game Monday evening. David Galugi and Mike Driscoll led the Topsfield attack with homeruns. The two teams will square off again Thursday and Friday.

The Generals took a 7-2 lead into the fifth inning, then the wheels came off. The Tories sent 12 men to the plate scoring 7 runs. Galugi started the scoring in the fifth with a 2-run HR to right. With two outs, the Tories did the rest of the damage as the Generals made several keys errors. A Johnson double made those errors hurt. When all was said and done, the Generals found themselves trailing by two. Mike Driscoll added a solo HR in the sixth finishing the scoring. The game was called due to darkness after the Generals failed to rally in the bottom of the sixth.

Andre Painchaud lead the Generals' offense with a 2-RBI double. Tim O'Leary pitched well but was charged with the loss.

Townies, Rams Set Make-Up Date

Rowley will host Rockport on Thursday, August 2nd in a make-up of last week's suspended game.

Townies Take Share of First Place, 12-0 Over Ipswich

The Rockport Townies pounded out 15 hits en route to 12-0 victory over the Ipswich Chiefs at Evans Field in Rockport. The game was a test of each team's depth, as seven starters between the clubs were absent due to other commitments. The win pulls the Townies even with the Chiefs at 24 points atop the ITL standings, with Rockport a game up in the loss column.

Adam Orlando was the star on the mound for Rockport, pitching a complete game two-hitter. He struck out seven and walked none. The Townies were led offensively by Chris Bouchie, who homered, hit a mammoth ground-rule double and scored three times in a 3-4 effort. Ty Watkins was 3-3 with a double and pair of singles. Mike Bertolino, Dan Gove and Justin Paradis had a pair of hits apiece.

The two teams face off again tomorrow at 5:45 at Linebrook Field in Ipswich. The result of the game has important playoff implications for the ITL.

Beverly - 17, Rowley - 8

Beverly (10-10) kept its slim playoff hopes alive with a 17 to 8 win over Rowley (5-13). Rocky Pisa improved to 3-0 on the season allowing just 5 unearned runs over 5 innings.

Beverly's offensive explosion had many contributors: Nick Adams was 3 for 4 with a HR and 2RBI, Jeff Giannino was 2 for 5 with a HR and 3RBI, Derek Scialdone was 2 for 5 with a HR and 3RBI, and Andy Hobin was 3 for 3 with 2RBI. Beverly had 19 hits on the evening.

The Giants travel to Hamilton Tuesday and host Rockport Wednesday. Beverly could use some help from Rowley who play 4th place Manchester twice this week.

M/E beats Topsfield

Manchester/Essex jumped all over Topsfield early for an easy win on Friday night.

Darkness Halts Townies, Rams

Wednesday night's Rockport at Rowley game was suspended due to "darkness" in the fourth inning. The game will be replayed in its entirety at a yet to be determined date.

Game Change

Tonight's game at Patton Park has been moved to Monday, July 23rd. Same time, same place.

ITL in the News...

Here are some links to articles that have run locally in the news. On the right side of this page there are now links to the local news sports pages.

• Giants on a Roll
• Crunch Time for Mariners
• Hamilton Extends Streak
• Chiefs are Kings of the Hill
  

Tories 8 - Mariners 13

The Mariners beat the Tories last night by the score of 13-8. More details to follow...

Beverly - 3, Rowley - 1

The Giants (9-10) beat the Rams (5-12) thanks to the pitching of Luke Deschamps who earned his 4th win of the season. Deschamps pitched a 7 inning complete game allowing just one unearned run in the 3 to 1 victory.

The game was scoreless until the 4th when Beverly plated two runners. The first scored on a throwing error during a double play attempt. The second runner was plated by a Jeff Barricelli single.

Rowley scratched for a run in the bottom of the 5th on Berube's two out single.

The Giants manufactured their 3rd run in the 7th when Ty Besse singled, stole second, moved to third on a groundout and was knocked in by a Jeff Giannino single.

Rowley threatened with runners at 1st and 2nd with one out in the bottom of the 7th but Deschamps induced two flyouts to end the game.

Besse and Giannino each had two hits for Beverly. Rowley's offense was led by Jeff Wood and Berube's two hits apiece. Dave Leavitt was charged with the loss despite pitching well in a complete game effort.

Generals 8 - Chiefs 5

Jeff Jensen picked up a tough win in Ipswich tonight, pitching 7 innings and allowing 6 hits. The Generals got on the board first in the third inning, scoring 3 runs. Tim O'Leary delivered an RBI single. The Chiefs got one back in the bottom of the third behind a 2-out RBI hit from Dylan Durning.

In the Bottom of the fifth inning, the Chiefs were able to take a 2-run lead by scoring 3 times. Ryan Montecalvo was able to deliver the big hit of the inning. With the bases loaded Montecalvo connected with the Jensen offering and took it deep to left field. The ball hit off the top of the fence and managed to stay in the park. Another half-inch would have given the Chiefs a grand-slam, but Montecalvo would have to settle for a two run double. Jim Bodwell next hit a sacrifice fly to score the third run of the inning.

The Generals were able to bounce right back in the top of the sixth. Smolla, who pitched great and had the Generals off balance all day, gave way to Andy Workman. After tying the game on a Andre Painchaud sacrifice fly, Bryan Vitale fisted a double to center scoring the go ahead run. The Generals scored 2 insurance runs in the top of the seventh.

Jensen was able to retire the side in order in the seventh to earn the complete game victory. Workman was charged with the loss in relief. Truly a great game all around. The two teams play again on Thursday at Patton Park. The Generals will host the Tories, however, this Wednesday before the rematch takes place. All the games start at 5:45pm.

Townies, Mariners Set Make-Up Date

Rockport will visit the Manshester-Essex Mariners on Thursday, July 26th in a make-up a previously-postponed game. The match-up has important playoff implications for both teams. Game time is 5:45 at Memorial Field in Essex.

Townies 6, Rams 3

The Rockport Townies jumped out to an early 6-0 lead over the Rowley Rams after two innings last night at Evans Field in Rockport. Rookie hurler Andy Marques made the runs hold up, as the Townies were shut down the rest of the way. Jeff Wood smashed a monster RBI triple for Rowley in the 6-3 loss.

Manchester - 12, Beverly - 5

Matt Cain pitched a complete game allowing 5 runs while striking out 4 while leading the Mariners (9-8) to a big victory over the Giants (8-10). Cain also hit a two run homer as part of a 5 run first inning that gave Manchester a lead they would hold all day.

Buckley (2 for 3, HR, 2B, 5RBI) and Gentile (4 for 5, HR, 2RBI) also contributed to the offensive explosion.

For Beverly, Jeff Giannino was 3 for 3 with a double, triple, and 3RBI. Martin Gomez pitched excellent relief allowing just 1 unearned run over 4 innings before tiring in the 6th. Gomez totaled 4 1/3 innings, 4 runs, 3 earned, 4 strikeouts.

Beverly - 8, Rockport - 3

Beverly beat Rockport 8 to 3 Friday night to close within 1/2 game of the fourth and final playoff spot. Rocky Pisa (2-0) earned the victory throwing 6 1/3 innings of 3 run ball.

Beverly jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first on a Jeff Giannino RBI groundout. Rockport answered with a run in the bottom half when a Brent Currier single plated Tommy Robertson who had doubled into the woods.

The pitchers took over for the next two innings, but in the top of the 4th Beverly brought four runners across the plate. Sean Martin's RBI groundout, Nick Adams' two run double, and Jeff Barricelli's run scoring single contributed to the rally.

Rockport next answered in the bottom of the 5th inning when Brent Currier hit a sacrifice fly to center to cut the Giants lead to 5-2. However, Beverly scored two more runs in the top of the 6th inning on an Adams RBI single, and a Barricelli sac fly. The Giants manufactured another run to bring the score to 8 to 2 in the 7th inning on an error, a walk, a sac bunt, and an RBI groundout by Matt O'Brien.

Pisa tired in the 7th and gave way to Roger Dragani who allowed an RBI infield single to Adam Orlando before striking out a batter and inducing a groundout to end the game.

Ty Watkins was charged with the loss for Rockport. Watkins pitched 6+ innings.

Beverly was led by Jeff Barricelli (3 for 3, 2RBI) and Nick Adams (3 for 4, 3RBI). Rockport's #21 was 3 for 3 with 2 stolen bases and 2 runs scored.

Chiefs Top Tories in Thriller

The Ipswich Chiefs took the last of three meetings this week with Topsfield in an extra inning game that was full of excitement. Ipswich jumped out in front early with a one-hopper into the woods from Shoreman.


Topsfield mounted a strong comeback including a base clearing triple from Doug Hittinger but with two outs and a runner on second in the seventh, the Tories were unable to get the big hit as the game went to extra innings.

Montecalvo RBI Single.

The Chiefs got a few big hits and were able to hold off the Tories in an 11-9 final. Lane went the distance and picked up a W for the Chiefs.

Tories Beat Chiefs, 12-9

The Topsfield Tories beat the Ipswich Chiefs 12-9 last Wednesday night in a make-up game.

Rams 0 - Generals 7

The Hamilton Generals completed a season sweep of the Rowley Rams behind another great pitching performance from Judd Funchion. Funchion pitched a complete game allowing only 3 hits and recording 7 strike outs.


The Generals scattered their runs, scoring in each of the first 5 innings. Jim Maloney, Neil Simmons, Tom Jones, and Bryan Vitale all had 2 hits apiece for the Generals. Vitale had a nice 2-RBI double in the fourth. In the fifth, Mark Potter delivered on a hit and run. His double to right center scored Jeff Jensen all the way from 1st. Jeff Wood, Dan Knight, and Willet contributed the hits for the Rams.

On Monday the Generals travel to Ipswich to face the league leaders, while the Rams next play Sunday night in Rockport.

Beverly - 4, Manchester - 2

The Beverly Giants (7-9) beat the Manchester Mariners (8-8) by the score of 4 to 2 Thursday night in Essex. The Mariners jumped out to an early lead in the first inning when Nate Bertolino followed up a Joe Orlando single with a two run homer to center field. However, after that blast, Beverly starter Luke Deschamps settled down and shutout the Mariners over the remainder of the game. Deschamps pitched all 7 innings allowing 2 runs on 6 hits and 1 walk while striking out 4. Deschamps got help from his defense which did not make an error on the night.

Beverly scored all four runs in the top of the 4th inning. Beverly used five singles and two Manchester throwing errors to plate the four runners. Jeff Giannino was 2 for 3 with a double and an RBI. Ty Besse was 2 for 4.

Manchester threatened in the bottom of the 7th. After an out was recorded, Hildebrand and Hildonen singled. The next batter grounded to first moving both runners into scoring position with two out. Deschamps struck out the final batter to clinch his third win of the season for the Giants.

Beverly travels to Rockport Friday night before hosting Manchester in a rematch on Sunday.

Generals 12 - Rams 6

Tim O'Leary picked up his first ITL win in a complete game effort. The Generals got off to a fast start scoring the game's first 12 runs over the first 5 1/2 innings. O'Leary matched that output on the mound as he took a no-hitter into the sixth inning. The Rams got back at the Generals in the last 2 innings by scoring 6, but a total comeback was not in the cards.

Hamilton scored 7 in the first 2 innings behind 3 sacrifice flys, a RBI single from Mark Provost, and a RBI double from Andre Painchaud. The Generals put together 5 more runs over the next 4 innings.


In the sixth, the Rams broke up the no-hitter in a big way by scoring 4. Jeff Wood broke the ice with a single. Moore delivered a long 2-RBI double with the bases loaded later in the inning. The Rams got 2 more in the 7th but O'Leary was able to finish it off with a strike-out.

Brasseur was charged with the loss & Dave Leavitt pitched well in relief. Jim Maloney lead the Generals with 3 hits and reached base 5 times, scoring twice. Justin Tilley and Andre Painchaud also added two hits a piece. Jeff Wood and Renzulli each had two hits for the Rams. The two teams finish off the season series tomorrow night at Patton Park, 5:45 start.

Rams Turn a Nice Double Play.

Rockport 3 - M/E 2 (8 innings)

Adam Orlando and Mike Gibbon had a pitchers duel; Orlando getting the win and pitching all 8 innings and Gibbon was the tough luck loser pitching 7 plus innings.

Chiefs Top Tories

Brad Eaton moves to 6-0 on the season as he pitched 4 scoreless innings of baseball against a testy Tories squad to beat them 11-0. Tyler Hammond and D. A. Workman pitched a scoreless remainder of the game as the Tribe has now moved to 11-4 on the season. Dylan Durning, Andy Knox, and Mr. Workman all had timely hits helping power the Chiefs offensive.

The Chiefs and Tories will become quite familiar with one another as the week is full of games between the 2 squads.

Generals 7, Rams 1

The Generals and the Rams locked into a tight battle for 6 full innings but a 5 run 7th allowed the Generals to pull away. Jeff Jensen went the distance for the Generals to record the win giving up 9 hits with 1 walk and 5 K's.

Matt Warden made only his second ITL start for the Rams, he pitched 6-1/3rd giving up 11 hits, 6 earned runs with just 2 walks and 10K's! Matt pitched better than his line shows as 4 of the hits and 5 of the runs came in the 7th inning. Offensively for the Rams Ralph Renzulli and Gordon Breidenbach both contributed 2 hits. For the Generals, Tom Jones had 3 hits & 2 RBI while Maloney, Vitale and Painchaud each added 2 hits.

Warden retired the first 4 batters of the game via strike out. Later in the second, Jones delivered an RBI double to give the Generals the 1-0 lead. In the bottom the the second with the Rams threatening, the Generals turned a nifty, and rare, 5-3-6 double play. In the fourth the Generals needed some nice defense again to get out of a jam. With the bases loaded and two outs Bryan Vitale was able to snap the 3-0 pitch to first to pick off a runner that ended the threat.

In the fifth the Generals added one more to take a 2-0 lead. Justin Tilley made a nice hustle play on the bases as he beat a throw to second base on a double play ball. An high throw to first allowed Jim Maloney to score from third. Vitale added an RBI double to deep center in the seventh that scored Tilley on a close play at the plate to spark the 5 run inning. Jensen, who kept his pitch count down, was able to finish off the Rams in the seventh.

Vitale Doubles to Center.

All together this was a well played, competitive and well pitched game with only 3 walks issued on the night.
The 2 teams will meet twice more this week, Wednesday @ Eiras Field in Rowley and Thursday @ Patton Park in Hamilton. Both games start at 5:45pm

Rockport 12, Manchester/Essex 1

The Rockport Townies downed Manchester by a score of 12-1 last night at Evans Field in Rockport, though the game was closer than the score would indicate. The game was a well-pitched 3-1 affair into the bottom half of the fifth inning, as Mariners hurler Charlie Choate was holding the Townies in check. After Choate fatigued and left the mound, the Townies rallied for multiple runs in the fifth and sixth, pushing the margin to double digits.

Brent Currier went the distance for Rockport in just his third start of the season, settling down after allowing a run in the first. First-year outfielder Dan Gove led the Townies attack with a three-hit performance. Rockprt now sits two points behind Ipswich for first place, with the Marniers in third. The two teams will play the second half of this week's home-and-home series on Tuesday night at 5:45 in Essex.

Man./Essex 1 - Ipswich 5

In flirting with a no hitter Brad Eaton brought home another victory for the Chief's last Monday night 5-1.

Eaton (5-0)continued his masterful ways against ITL opponets by tossing a complete game 2 hitter, while striking out 8, and walking 3 batters. Eaton let up the first hit in the top of the 6th which was a texas leaguer into center field. The only run Eaton let up was on a wild pitch in the 6th.

Offensively for the Tribe, Chris Zaremba was 1-3 with 2 RBI's. Tyler Hammond and Eaton chipped in with 2 hits apiece while each scoring a run. Andy Workman, Ryan Montecalvo, and Jimmy Bodwell also chipped in with hits to help the Chief's win their 9th game of the season.

The Chief's battle the Giants of Beverly on Thursday night July 5th. Come down to Linebrook where the action with begin at 5:45.

Beverly - 10, Topsfield - 6

Beverly (6-9) scored 6 runs in the first inning on their way to a 10 to 6 victory over Topsfield (1-9-1). A Ty Besse single, followed by two misplayed flyballs in the lights of Cooney, was followed by a 3 run homerun by Derek Scialdone. Brian Chirco added a two run single to stake Beverly to the early 6 run lead.

Rocky Pisa was in control after that as he allowed 3 runs in 5 innings to earn the win. Roger Dragani threw a scoreless sixth inning.

Beverly added two more runs in the 4th on a single by Derek Scialdone and a sacrifice fly by Jeff Barricelli. Then they added two more in the 5th when Jay Trowt singled home a run and Nick Adams hit a sacrifice fly.

For Topsfield, Doug Hittinger homered deep to left to start the scoring in the 2nd. C. Marabito would add an RBI single to cut the lead to 6-2. In the top of the 5th, Topsfield came within three runs when Sylvestri knocked in a run but that was as close as the Tories would come. Matt Rayner pitched all 6 innings for Topsfield and took the loss.

Rowley @ Topsfield PPD

Rowley @ Topsfield was postponed due to weather concerns. Make up TBA.

Topsfield at Beverly Game Time Change

The Topsfield at Beverly game scheduled for this Sunday at 5:45PM has been moved to 7:30PM due to a Babe Ruth State tournament being played on Cooney Field during the day. Topsfield's coaches and the umpires have been notified.

Ipswich - 1, Beverly - 0

The Ipswich Chiefs took the rain shortened game by the score of 1 to 0. Ipswich scored their only run in the bottom of the 4th inning. With men on first and second, a tailor made double play ball took a high hop over the Giants' second baseman's head resulting in the runner scoring from second and runners advancing to second and third with nobody out. Luke Deschamps relieved Kyle Sewyck who pitched very well (3IP, 1R). Deschamps pitched his way out of the jam leaving the score at 1 to 0 thru 4.

In the top of the 5th inning Beverly threatened to score, but left a runner at third base. After a scoreless bottom half of the 5th with the rain and darkness creeping in, Beverly rallied in the 6th. Three walks, a throwing error, and a wild pitch resulted in a run scored and runners on 1st and 3rd with two out. At this point, the sky was pitch black and the umpires called a delay that would eventually lead to a rainout. The score reverted back to the end of the fifth inning, and Ipswich won 1-0.

Kevin Smolla pitched well for Ipswich, shutting out the Giants on only 3 hits over 5 official innings.

Funchion Pitches No-Hitter, Generals Beat Townies

Judd Funchion pitches a no-hitter as the Hamilton Generals beat the Rockport Townies 8-0, in 5 innings. The game was shortened due to the weather, but Funchion was rolling and had all his pitches working. The way things were going, the final 6 outs were probably just a formality anyway. Funchion only walked one, and it came with two outs in the top of the fifth on a full count pitch. The walk ended the perfect game bid, but the next hitter was retired securing the no-hitter. The rain and lighting moved in in the bottom of the fifth during a Generals rally, officially ending the game.

The Generals scored 6 runs in the fourth inning. Tom Jones had a 2-RBI double, a wild throw then allowed him to come all the way around from second. A total of 3 scored on the one play. Jim Maloney later added a 3-run home run to left. In the fifth the Generals added two more. With the bases still loaded and two outs, the game was then called.

Judd Funchion was the story though, pitching 5 complete hitless innings to pick up the victory. Vassallo was charged with the loss. The season series is over now for the two teams with the Townies taking 3 of the 4 games. Perhaps they will meet in the playoffs for the second straight year, time will tell as the second half of the season plays out.

Make Up Games Scheduled

Monday, July 9th
Hamilton vs. Rowley
@ Patton Park (Rowley home team)
5:45pm start


Wednesday, July 11th
Topsfield Tories vs. Ipswich Chiefs
@ Linebrook Rd. Field
5:45pm start


Wednesday, July 18th
Topsfield vs. Hamilton
@ Patton Park
5:45pm start

Rams 15 Tories 4

The Rams finally got something going on offense as they banged out 12 hits to go with 12 walks and they put up 15 to move their record to 5-7. The Rams struck first scoring 1 in the first and 2 in the second, but Topsfield posted a 3 in the third to tie the game, Rowley came back to score 6 in their half of the third and cruised in with the 15-4 final. The Rowley offense was led by leadoff hitter Dan Berube, shaking off a slow start to the season Berube erupted with a 3 -4 night with 6 RBI , 3 Runs and a stolen base. For the Rams Tim Moore added a big 2 RBI single, Dan Tomasz went 2-4 with a stolen base and Jeff Walter added 2 hits and 2 RBI. Matt Wile was the starting pitcher for the Rams, he surrendered just 4 hits with 6 strikeouts in 4+ innings, but he struggled with his command walking 5 and hitting 3 batters. Joe White entered the game for the Rams in the 5th and pitched 3 Innings giving up 3 hits, 2 walks and 0 runs. For the Tories, Travers and Rogers both had 2 hits with a run scored. The two teams will meet for the final time this season, Friday night at Proctor.

A Fitting Tribute...

Before the game on Sunday the Rockport Townies unveiled a nice bench in the memory of long time ITL friend and Umpire Bob "Buff" Madison. This bench, that sits just behind home plate at Evans Field, has a great view and serves as a fitting tribute.

"The best seat in the house."


Cal Grimes offers a few words.

Generals 5 - Townies 9

The Townies were able to pull out another game in the late innings against the Generals. Brent Currier picked up the win in relief, Jeff Jensen pitched well but was charged with the loss. The game was a back and forth affair until the sixth when the Townies were able to take the lead for good with a big inning.

The Generals got things going in the first inning with an RBI single from Andre Painchaud. The Townies answered in the bottom half with an RBI from Brent Currier that scored Tom Robertson (2-4, double, 2 runs). Rockport took the lead with 2 in the second. 3 straight singles and a Greel sacrifice fly yielded the 2 runs.

Justin Tilley delivered an RBI single in the fourth for the Generals that plated Jim Maloney (2 hits, 2 runs, 2 stolen bases). A two RBI triple off the bat of Tim O'Leary gave the Generals the lead in the fifth. Rockport quickly tied the game again scoring 1 in the bottom half of the inning. It the sixth Tom Jones (2-3, walk, run) got a two out RBI single that scored Painchaud, giving the Generals another 1 run lead. Again, the lead would be short lived.

In the bottom of the sixth the Townies scored 5 runs putting the game out of reach. Greel, Anderson, C. Bouchie and M. Bouchie all delivered big hits in the inning. Mark Bouchie delivered the game changing hit. With the score tied and 1 out, runners on first and third Mark hit a first pitch line drive to first. A great play would have delivered a sure double play as the runner on first was off with the pitch, but the hard hit ball fell as it glanced off the tip of Painchaud's glove after a nice effort. A well played game went to the Townies on this day by the score of 9-5. The two teams play again this Thursday at Patton Park.

Generals Make up Games:

Monday, July 9th
Hamilton vs. Rowley
@ Patton Park (Rowley home team)
5:45pm start

Wednesday, July 18th
Topsfield vs. Hamilton
@ Patton Park
5:45pm start

Ipswich 7 - Mariners 11

On Sunday night the Manchester-Essex Mariners put themselves in a 2 way/possible 3 way tie for first place with an 11-7 victory over Ipswich at Memorial Park in Essex. The win puts the Mariners at 8-4 starting the 2nd half of the season, and also places the Chiefs at an identical record of 8-4. Pending Rockport's Sunday game, there is the potential for a 3-way tie.

Mike Gibbon threw 5 1/3 innings in his first start of the season, to gain his victory. Gibbon surrendered 5 earned runs on 7 hits, while striking out 6. Charlie Choate came in to close the last 1 2/3 innings to earn his first save of the season. The Chiefs managed 2 runs (1 earned) off Choate on 2 hits. Chris Lane suffered the loss for the Chiefs pitching 5+ innings striking out 6 and Andy Workman finished off the night on the hill.

The Mariners were led by Nate Bertolino who went 4-4 on the night including a 2b,hr,4rbi, and 3 runs scored. Charlie Choate (2-3, hr, 3rbi, 3r), Ian Buckley (2-4, 2 r) were also big contributors to the Mariners victory. Whit Graham and Bryan Lafata also hit safely with Lafata recording 3 runs scored.

At the plate for the Chiefs it was the Ryan Montecalvo and Andy Workman show. Montecalvo, the veteran shortstop led the Chiefs with a 3-4 night including 2hr, 1 double, 3rbi, and 2 runs scored. Workman also contributed a 2 run homer, and finished the night 2-4 with 3rbi, and a run scored. Also hitting safely for Ipswich were Chris Zaremba, Tommy Radzim, Jim Bodwell (3b), and James Lampropolous.

The 2 teams meet again on Monday night for the backend of the double header at 5:45 in Ipswich at Linebrook Field. The winner of Monday's night matchup will take sole position of first place for the time being.