Rams 4 Tories 1

The Topsfield Tories welcomed the Rowley Rams to Proctor field for the second time this year in what turned out to be a tight game from beginning to end. Neither team really put a bat on the ball which was no surprise with each team throwing their ace on the hill. Matt Wile, of the Rams, and Ryan Ouellette, of the Tories both went seven strong in an old fashioned pitchers duel. Scott Lobdells had the only Tories hit and scored their only run in the first as Wile took home a complete game W. This was a game that was truly won on defense as the Rams looked sharp while the Tories committed a few costly errors late in the game. Topsfield will look to rebound as the two teams play again on wednesday.

Beverly @ Ipswich Rained Out

The Beverly Giants led a back and forth game 4 to 3 after 3 innings when thunderstorms rolled in and flooded Linebrook Field.

The game will be made up from the beginning and the makeup date will be announced.

Generals, Painchaud Top Rams 9-8

Luke Painchaud earned his first career ITL victory pitching 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief. Neither starting pitcher figured in the decision as this game came down to the wire. Jensen lasted 5 2/3 innings for the Generals while Warden pitched 5 1/3 for the Rams both leaving in an 8-8 tie. Painchaud was able to out duel White in the remaining inning and change to seal a one run victory for the Generals.

The Rams jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead after one inning of play. Moore and Knight each had RBI's but the big blow came on a Liguori 2-out 2-RBI double. The Generals started chipping away and were able to tie the score in the top of the fourth. Vitale's RBI double in the third broke the ice, which was followed by a Maloney RBI and a Jones RBI single in the fourth. The Rams quickly regained the lead with one in the bottom of the fourth on a Brink RBI. After four, 5-4 Rams.

The Generals tied the score again with one in the top of the fifth. Mark Potter plated Andre Painchaud on a fielder's choice. The visitors stretched the lead to three in the top of the sixth. Jones had an RBI double, followed by an RBI single from Andre Painchaud. The lead didn't last long as the Rams fought back once again to tie the score with three of their own in the bottom half of the sixth. With 2 down Johnson delivered a big 2-RBI single followed by a Moore RBI double. Luke Painchaud then entered the game to record the final out with the go ahead run in scoring position.

The Generals were able to manufacture a run in the seventh scoring Maidment on a wild pitch. Luke Painchaud was able to help himself out in the bottom half by starting a nifty 1-4-3 double play and getting the final batter with a strike out in securing his first win. 9-8 was the final in this close back and forth battle. The Rams travel to Topsfield tomorrow night while the Generals host the Rockport Townies this Wednesday at Patton Park. Both games start at 5:45pm.

Mariners Nip Generals in Squeaker, 2-1

In what felt like a playoff game, the Manchester/Essex Mariners were able to edge the Hamilton Generals by a score of 2-1. Stout went 6 innings for the Mariners while only allowing 1 run. Gibbon came in for the save in the seventh. Mike Drinkwater pitched six strong for the Generals to earn a no-decision. Judd Funchion was charged with the tough luck loss in one inning of work.

The Generals scored first in the bottom of the second inning. A Mark Potter RBI infield single plated Andre Painchaud from third. Two innings later Nate Bertolino had a solo HR off Drinkwater for his only blemish on the day. With the score tied at one heading into the seventh, Drinkwater gave way to Judd Funchion. With the bases loaded and no outs the Generals were able cut down a runner at the plate. Funchion then was able to induce another grounder but the Generals were unable to convert a double play allowing the go ahead run to score on the back end.

The Generals were able to get the tying run on second with one out in the bottom of the seventh, but Gibbon was able to lock down the save and the win for the Mariners. Both teams threatened throughout the game but stellar pitching and defense prevailed in this closely contested battle. A great game all around.

Rockport - 7, Beverly - 5

The Rockport Townies (5-5-1) defeated the Beverly Giants (6-5-1) by the score of 7 to 5 Thursday night at Cooney Field. The score was tied at zero in the 3rd when Chuck Anderson singled home a run with the bases loaded and then Brent Currier hit a grand slam to take a 5 to 0 lead. Rockport would hold the lead for the remainder of the game. Anderson and Mike Ayer added solo homers. Vasaulo pitched 4 innings allowing 2 runs for the win. Derek Osmond pitched 2 2/3 scoreles innings for the save.

Beverly got two scoreless innings from Luke Deschamps and one from Roger Dragani. Rocky Pisa (2-3) was charged with the loss. Beverly only managed 4 hits on the night. Derek Scialdone knocked in two runs and Nick Adams singled and scored twice.

From the News....

"Field of dreams: Legacy of Richie Vitale memorialized at Patton Park" - by Dom Nicastro H-W Chronicle
Slideshow


"Chief's Lane talks summer baseball, veteran leadership, and growing fan base" - by Josh Boyd Ipswich Chronicle

Topsfield 14, Beverly 13

The Topsfield Tories (1-8) earned their first victory of the season over the Beverly Giants (6-4-1) by the score of 14 to 13. Topsfield jumped out to an 11 to 1 lead after 1 inning but Beverly scored the next 10 runs and tied the game in the fourth. But the Tories struck for 1 in the 4th and 2 in the 5th and held on for the victory.

The first inning was a disaster for Beverly and the opposite for Topsfield. The inning included 4 ground rule doubles into the Topsfield woods and 4 straight hit batsman. 2 walks and 2 singles were also included in the Tory outburst.

Topsfield's offense was led by Doug Hittinger (3 for 3, 3 runs) and Zach Lampkin (3 for 4, 4RBI). Ben Hathaway and Eric Bunker knocked in 2 runs apiece.

Beverly standouts were Jeff Giannino (3 for 5, 2RBI), Derek Scialdone (2 for 4, 3RBI), and Rob Freni (2 for 4, 4RBI). Kevin Harutunian and John Boyle each knocked home 2 runs.

We think Driscoll got the win for Topsfield in relief. Matt Rogers earned the save. For Beverly, Joe Gill was charged with the loss after coming on in relief in the first. Gill allowed 6 runs (4 earned) over 5 2/3 innings.

Chiefs top Rams 3-1 in Extra Inning

In a tightly contested well played game the Ipswich Chiefs pulled out a 3-1 win in 8 innings. The game was dominated by pitching as Shane Johnson made his first ITL start for the Rams, Johnson went 7 innings giving up just one run on 4 hits, 2 BB's and 5 K's. Michael of Ipswich matched him going 6 with 5 hits, 1 BB, 1 K, giving up just 1 run. Doucette was outstanding in relief for the Chiefs pitching 2 innings and striking out 5 of the 6 batters he faced. Ben Brink, Koby Thibault, Tim Moore, Andrew Macdonald and Joe White had the hits for the Rams. Ipswich was led by Dave Shoreman's 2 hits, Barton, Radzim,Durning, Sitiropolous and Knox also contributed hits for the Chiefs. The Rams (5-4) have a makeup scheduled with Hamilton Sunday at 1:15 PM in Rowley and the Chiefs also play Sunday @ home against Beverly in a 5:45 PM tilt.

Make Up Games

Hamilton @ Manchester/Essex (originally 6/24 canceled) - TBD

Hamilton @ Rowley - Sunday, June 29th 1:15pm start Erias Field

Hamilton @ Beverly - Wednesday, July 16th 5:45pm start Cooney Field

Rowley @ Ipswich (originally 6/23) - TBD

Rockport @ Topsfield (originally 6/27) - TBD

Rowley @ Manchester(originally 6/17) - TBD

League Leaders

	AVG	AB	R	H	RBI	HR	SB	BB	HBP	K	SAC
Jeff Giannino	0.583	12	6	7	2	1	1	0	1	2	0
Derek Scialdone	0.500	26	7	13	11	2	1	1	0	1	0
Jim Maloney	0.619	21	11	13	10	3	5	3	0	0	2
Tom Jones	0.538	13	3	7	2	1	4	1	0	3	0
Matty Lane	0.455	11	1	5	3	0	0	2	0	1	1
Dylan, Durning	0.571	14	6	8	7	2	0	3	0	5	1
Bryan, Goodhue	0.636	11	7	7	2	0	0	2	1	0	0
Joe Orlando	0.542	24	7	13	10	1	2	3	0	1	1
Rory Gentile	0.542	24	9	13	4	0	3	6	0	3	0
Marc Bouchie	0.500	10	3	5	1	1	0	1	0	3	0
C Thibault	0.480	25	6	12	5	0	2	3	0	2	0
Ben Hathaway	0.417	12	3	5	2	0	0	2	0	2	0

Pitching	W	L	SV	IP	K
Rocky Pisa	2	2		21	10
Judd Funchion	2			10	9
Steven Stout	3			18	6
N Liquori	2			15	15

Rockport Over Hamilton 8-6

The Rockport Townies overtook the Hamilton Generals 8-6 on a muggy night at Evans Field. The game featured a power surge as both teams combined for 5 HR's with the Townies getting the edge both on HR's and in the final score.

Hamilton jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead in the top of the first on Rockport starter Derek Osmond. Mark Provsot and Andre Painchaud both had RBI doubles followed by a Jones inside the park 2-run HR. Rockport clawed back in the bottom of the first to cut the lead in half thanks to a 2 run homer from Chris Bouchie (3 for 4, 2hrs and 5 rbis).

Hamilton added another run on a moonshot to straight away center by Jared Stewart (3 for 3 and hr). The Townies kept clawing back on a 2 run shot into the right center woods by Tom Robertson (1 for 3, hr and 2rbis). Later Bouchie's second home run into the right center woods, a 3-run shot, got the Townies an 8-5 lead heading into the sixth off Hamilton starter Jon Jackson.

Hamilton added another run in the top of the sixth thanks to a Stewart sac-fly to make it 8-6, but couldn't muster any more runs despite threatening in the seventh. Brent Currier was able to lock down a successful save in securing Rockport's third win in their last four games.

Osmond logged six innings for his second victory in as many starts, striking out five, walking three and scattering seven hits. Jackson went the distance for Hamilton in the loss, striking out five and scattering ten hits.

Rockport travels to Beverly on Thursday night in hopes of reaching .500 for the first time this season. Hamilton makes their way to Essex this Tuesday night.

Beverly - 6, Ipswich - 3

The Beverly Giants (6-3-1) jumped out to a 6 to 0 lead through 3 innings and held on for the win avoiding a repeat of Friday night's game against Ipswich (3-5-1). Luke Deschamps improved to 2-1 on the season allowing 3 runs (1 earned) over 6 innings. Roger Dragani pitched a perfect 7th for the save after entering with a runner on base.

Beverly's offense was keyed by Nick Adams (2 for 4, HR), Bill Boccuzzi (2 for 2, 2RBI), and Kevin Harutunian (2 for 4, 2RBI).

Dave Shoreman was charged with the loss for Ipswich. Shoreman threw all six innings allowing 6 runs (5 earned). Ipswich got offensive production from Rick Sitoropolous (3 for 4, RBI) and Michael (2 for 3, RBI).

Beverly - 14, Ipswich - 14

The Ipswich Chiefs (3-4-1) scored 7 runs with two out in the 7th inning to force a 14 to 14 tie with the Beverly Giants (5-3-1). With two out, and two on Ipswich worked four straight walks before consecutive singles and an infield error tied the game at 14. Darkness forced the game to end after the regulation 7 innings.

The Chiefs offense was led by Dave Shoreman (2 for 3, 3RBI), Rick Sitoropolous (2 for 4, 3RBI), and Matt Lane who contributed a two run homer.

Key contributors to the Giants offense were John Boyle (3 for 4, 5RBI), Brian Chirco (3 for 4, 3RBI), Jeff Barricelli (2 for 4, 2RBI), Kevin Harutunian, (2 for 4, 3 runs), and Derek Scialdone who added a solo homer.

Ipswich travels to Beverly Sunday at 5PM.

Generals Hold On Again Behind Jensen Effort

The Hamilton Generals beat the Topsfield Tories at Patton Park tonight by the score of 9-7. A late inning power surge by the Tories made things interesting, but the Generals were able to seal the deal. Jeff Jensen picked up the win with his first complete game of the season. Reardon pitched well for the Tories but was charged with the loss.

Just like the night before, the Generals jumped out to an early lead with 4 in the second. The first 6 batters were able to reach base, Jim Maloney was able to deliver a 2-run single followed by a Provost 2-Run double to get the Generals on the board. Jered Steward pushed the score to 5-0 with an RBI single in the fourth.

Doug Hitenger got that one back for the Tories with one swing of the bat by blasting a solo HR into the willow tree. Mark Potter added a 2-Run, 2-Out single in the fifth for the Generals to extend the lead to 7-1.

Heading into the seventh with the score 7-2 the fireworks started to happen. Mark Provost hit a monster 2-run HR into the pond to push the lead to 9-2. In the bottom of the seventh with their backs against the wall the Tories came out swinging. Eric Bunker delivered a RBI single. Ben Hathaway kept the attack going with a 2-run HR which was followed by another 2-run HR off the bat of Zach Lampkin. That closed the gap making the score 9-7. Jensen was able to bare down and finish off the game for the win.

The Generals move to 7-2 on the season and next face the Rockport Townies this Sunday in Rockport, 6pm start. The Tories are off until next Wednesday night when they take on the Beverly Giants at Proctor School.

Generals Hold On Vs. Tories - 11-9

On a special night at Patton Park the Hamilton Generals were able to defeat the Topsfield Tories by a score of 11-9 in front of its biggest crowd of the season. A pre-game ceremony was held to officially name the baseball diamond “Vitale Ball Park” in honor of the late Richie Vitale, who contributed much to the Town of Hamilton, especially to youth athletic programs, before his passing last summer. The Baseball careers of every Generals player growing up in Hamilton/Wenham were helped in some way by Mr. Vitale.

Rick Vitale Throws Out the First Pitch...For a Perfect Strike

The Generals jumped out to a big 9-0 lead after three innings. With a solid start, Manager Tom Jones was able to use his entire roster during this once in a lifetime game. In the Third the Generals scored 3 runs, all with two outs behind RBI hits from Potter, Maidment, and Maloney. The biggest blow from the Generals was a two run double in the fourth inning off the bat of Andre Painchaud. That pushed the score to 11-0. Icebox Funchion held the Tories scoreless through four innings before allowing 3-runs in the fifth in part to some defensive miscues and timely Tories hitting. Topsfield’s key hit was

a two run double off the bat of Galluci.

Bobby BK Karpp relieved Funchion for the sixth and did not quite have it his way, allowing three runs before Giraffe Jensen put away the final out of the top of the sixth by ranging into shallow rightfield to put away a popup. After six the Generals held an 11-6 advantage.

Leading 11-6 heading into the top of the 7^th, Jones called on rubber-armed righthander Mike Drinkwater to close out the game. After 3 more runs cut the score to 11-9, Drinkwater was able to close the door on the Tories for an 11-9 final. Funchion recorded the win to improve to 3-0 on the season.

Maloney (2-RBI), Potter (2-RBI), & Maidment (3-RBI) all had multiple hit games for Hamilton to lead the way. Andre Painchaud and Mark Provost also added 2-RBI's apiece. Andre Painchaud and Justin Tilley were also able to fight one fire, as they were called into action and had to leave halfway through the game. Greene, and Hathaway each had two hits for the Tories, Hitinger and Galluci added 2-RBI's apiece, and Driscol scored 3 times. Matt Rodgers was charged with the loss for Topsfield, but pitched better than the score would suggest, including holding the Generals scoreless for the final two innings.

The teams play again tonight at Patton Park due to a field conflict in Topsfield, this time the Tories will be the "Home" team. Game time is 5:45pm.

contributing author Jim Jazz Maloney.

Field Dedication Tonight....

From the Salem News

Hamilton field to honor longtime sports booster Richie Vitale
By Steve Landwehr
Staff writer

HAMILTON — It's the kind of story that sounds too good to be true, but it is true. It's about a guy who wasn't tall in stature yet was bigger than life.

Just ask any of the kids who came up through the Hamilton-Wenham Recreation Department when he was around.

Or the seniors he hauled on trips to the Mohawk Trail in a school bus later in life. Or the high school senior footballers whose caricatures will forever adorn the Wall of Fame at Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School. Or the congregants at St. Paul Church, which Vitale tended to in his retirement.

Tonight, a grateful town will give thanks to Richard "Richie" Vitale, who, though born in Beverly, adopted the children of Hamilton and Wenham as his own after he moved to Hamilton in 1961.

The major league baseball field at Patton Park is being dedicated in Vitale's name in a 5 p.m. ceremony that is probably long overdue. It is a place where Vitale, who died last summer at 70, was known to do everything from raking the field to umpiring.

"He just rolled up his sleeves and did whatever needed to be done," said Hamilton Town Clerk Jane Wetson, who got to know Vitale when her sons were playing football.

It started when he was the town's recreation director and continued after he became the director of Hamilton's Department of Public Works. Along the way, he coached junior high football, mentored his Little League team to 33 consecutive wins, started girls softball in the Hamilton Rec League and gymnastics at the Iron Rail in Wenham. He also worked as a baseball umpire and football official.

Vitale founded the high school football boosters' Touchdown Club, and while newcomers may think the Thanksgiving Day football game with Ipswich is a long-standing tradition, it was Vitale who proposed it in 1975.

Hamilton parks foreman Paul Rigol and fellow town employee Jeff Mazzetta came up with the idea for the memorial. Rigol worked with Vitale when he was the recreation director and got to know him even better after Vitale stepped down as DPW director and the town hired him to help with maintenance of the town's playing fields.

"In his mind, every child should have the opportunity to play a sport if they wanted to," Rigol said.

Vitale settled into full retirement several years ago, but Rigol says he still feels his influence.

"It carries on in how I work," Rigol said. "He instilled in me that you make the field the best you can and the kids will play better."

Rigol recalls that years ago kids were encouraged to skate on Weaver Pond in Patton Park after it froze over in the winter and Vitale helped to flood it. Because of liability concerns, today's kids are discouraged from using the pond.

Vitale's wife, Sandy, recalls him bringing Little Leaguers' uniforms home and washing them if parents turned them in dirty.

"There was no such word as 'no' to Richie," she said.

She said Vitale never looked for any shows of appreciation, but Wetson thinks this little ceremony is the right thing to do.

"I think he did a little bit of everything," she said. "Richie gave a lot to the town."

Rowley - 5 Man/Essex - 4

Details to follow

Beverly - 17, Hamilton - 11

Derek Scialdone was 4 for 5 with 2HR and 7RBI to lead Beverly's second come from behind late inning win over Hamilton this season.

Beverly jumped out to an early 7 to 0 lead in the 2nd inning. Hamilton stormed back and took an 11 to 8 lead after 5 innings.

In the top of the 6th, Nick Adams hit a two run homerun to cut the lead to one. Three batters later, Mike Freni hit a two run homerun to take a 12 to 11 lead. Hamilton was held scoreless in their half of the 6th.



Beverly added 5 insurance runs in the top of the 7th. First, a run scored on a throwing error, and then Scialdone put the game away with a two out grand slam giving Beverly the 17 to 11 lead that would eventually hold up for the victory.

Sean Martin earned the victory for Beverly allowing 1 run over 2 innings of relief. Tim O'Leary was charged with the loss.

Other than Scialdone, Beverly's offense was led by Adams (2 for 5, HR, 3RBI), Mike Freni (2 for 5, HR, 2RBI), Bill Boccuzzi (2 for 4, 2 runs), and Pat Doyle (2 for 3).

Hamilton was led by Justin Tilley (3 for 4, HR, 3RBI), Jim Maloney (2 for 5, 2RBI), Reggie Maidment (2 for 4, 2RBI), and Jered Stewart (2 for 5, RBI).

Game Notes:
* With 7 RBI's last night, Scialdone set the Beverly franchise mark for one game, beating the previous record of 6 shared by Mike Freni (7/21/04) and Scialdone (7/16/06).
* Through 8 games Scialdone is now 2nd on the team in batting at .548, and leads the team in homeruns (4) and RBI (18)
* Mike Freni hit the century mark with his 100th hit since the inception of the Giants in 2004 in his 101st game played.
* Freni also launched his 15th career homerun last night good for 2nd in Giants franchise history

Chiefs Split with The Townies

On an overcast and buggy Monday night in Ipswich the Chiefs and Townies battled it out like the days of old.

Dave Shoreman took to the hill Monday night to earn a complete game win for The Chiefs. It was a full 7 inning battle for both teams. Tied 6-6 until the bottom of the 5th with two down in the home half Matt Lane doubled to right center. With Andy Knox pinch running for Lane that set the table for another comeback player in right fielder Travis Doty. Down 1-2 after fighting off a couple pitches Doty used some opposite field power to hit in into the trees in right field at Linebrook for the Chiefs to take a 8-6 lead.




The Chiefs would take another run in the bottom half of the 6th. In the visitors half of the 7th The Townies scored to cut the lead to 9-8 with one out and runners on second and third. The Chiefs needed to bring the infield in with just one out to try and protect the lead against Brock Currier. Currier lined a ball at shortstop Ryan Montecalvo who quickly threw to Anthony Hernadez covering third for the double play to end it.



The win split the first half series with The Townies. The Chiefs have four days off before defending the Reservation Friday night against Beverly. Game starts at 5:45 hope to see everyone there.

ITL Loses Player, Coach, Friend

It is with deep regret that the Inter town league announces the passing of Jared Knowlton. Jared passed away suddenly at his home Friday evening. Jared was a long time player and manager for a couple of seasons of the Essex Shipbuilders and the Manchester-Essex Mariners.

Our deepest sympathies go out to his teammates and family.

Announcement/Arrangements

The Manchester-Essex, Rowley game on Tuesday (6/17/08) night will be rescheduled so the members of the Mariners can attend the Wake of theirTeammate. No make up date has been decided.

His funeral will be held Wednesday, June 18, at 10:15 a.m. from Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington St., Gloucester, followed by a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. in St. Ann’s Church. Family and friends are cordially invited to attend. Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, June 17, 4-8 p.m.

Rockport 9 Ipswich 8

The Rockport Townies scored four runs in the bottom of the seventh to come from behind and beat the Ipswich Chiefs 9-8 last night at Evans Field. The Chiefs got off to early leads of 3-0 and 6-2, but the Townies wouldn't go away, scoring 3 in the sixth before rallying in their last at bat to claim victory.

Townies and Chiefs face off again tonight at Linebrook Field in Ipswich.

Hamilton at Beverly Game Canceled

The Hamilton at Beverly game scheduled for 5PM Sunday night has been cancelled due to an unplayable field. A makeup date will be announced.

Mariners Win In Topsfield Friday Night

The Man./Essex Mariners beat the Topsfield Tories Friday night. The win puts the Mariners back in first place by one point.

Rockport - 6, Beverly - 2

Friday, June 13th
at Evans Field

Derek Osmond allowed just 2 runs over 7 innings while striking out 5. Rocky Pisa fell to 2-2 for Beverly as he was charged with the loss, allowing 4 runs (1 earned) over 5 innings.

Rockport struck for a run in the first inning. Chuck Anderson was hit by a pitch. Jeremy Spittle singled moving Anderson to third. Anderson then scored on a fielder's choice grounder by Chris Bouchie when Beverly couldn't convert the double play to end the inning.

Beverly took a brief 2 to 1 lead in the top of the 3rd inning. With two out, Nick Adams doubled down the right field line. Jeff Barricelli followed with a double into the right center trees knocking in two runs.

However, in the bottom of the 3rd Rockport took the lead for good with three runs of their own. The first run scored when Ayers was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. The next batter, Eric Junker, singled home two runs for a 4 to 2 lead.

The score would remain the same until the bottom of the 6th when Rockport tacked on two insurance runs off Beverly reliever Roger Dragani. With two out, a run scored on a Chris Bouchie single. The 6th run scored when Bouchie and Anderson successfully converted a double steal with Anderson taking home.

Genearls Beat Chiefs @ Patton, 13-4

Dylan Durning hit 2 monster HR's and contributed 3 RBI's to pace the Chiefs, but that wasn't enough to keep up with a potent Generals attack from top to bottom. Judd Funchion eventually found his groove and went 5 strong innings allowing only 4 hits with 5k's in recording his second win of the season. Jon Jackson pitched two scoreless innings for the home team in relief. Smolla was charged with the loss in 1 1/3 innings of work.

Things got off to a rough start for Funchion, you could see him working out the rust in the first inning after a long layoff. The Chiefs manged a run in the first thanks to three straight walks, then a hit batter. A nifty double play ended the threat with that being the only damage. Funchion was able to settle down and pitch great the rest of the day in front of the large Patton Park crowd.

The Generals wasted no time in getting the run back as Jim Maloney led off the bottom half of the first with a solo HR to left. Not to be out done, Jered Stewart added a 2-Run line drive HR after a long battle at the plate. Tim O'Leary contributed a sac-fly to make the score 4-1 after one.

Bryan Vitale (4-4, 3 RBI) had an RBI single in the second scoring Provost. In the top of the third the Chiefs moved a bit closer after Durning's first HR to center. Hamilton bounced right back thanks to a Reggie Maidment 2 RBI double making the score 7-2 after 3. Durning again homered in the fifth, this time a 2 run shot deep into the pond cutting the score to 7-4. The Generals answered yet again with 4 of their own in the bottom half. Provost, Stewart, and Vitale all had RBI hits in the inning. Mark Provost added a 2-HR in the 6th to round out the scoring.



Maloney, Provost, Vitale, Jones, & Maidment all had a multi-hit game. Matt Lane had a double and Durning 2-HR to lead the Chiefs offense. Radzim and Montecalvo added the other hits for the Chiefs. The 13-4 final moves the Generals to 5-1 on the season and back to the top of the standings, if only for the time being. The Generals continue a tough stretch with 5 games over the next 7 days starting this Sunday in Beverly (5pm start). The Chiefs visit Evans Field this Sunday as well, starting at 6pm.

Rams top Townies 2-1

The Rowley Rams won a tightly contested game at Eiras field 2-1. Rowley's Nick Liguori(6IP, 8K's, 2H,2BB, 1ER) locked into a pitchers duel with Marques(5-2/3, 4K's, 5H, 6 BB,1ER) of Rockport. A scoreless game into the 5th Brock Currier led off with a walk, advanced to 2nd on a wild pitch and scored on a 2 out single by Junker. Liguori limited the damage to 1 run and the Rams sent 8 men to the plate in the 6th highlighted by Ben Brink's bases loaded walk to break the tie. With 2 outs and the bases still loaded Brent Currier went to the mound and recorded a K in his 1/3 of an inning to end the threat. Rockport's 2 hits were credited to Anderson and Junker. Dave Mariani had 2 hits for the Rams, Dan Berube, Joe White and Jeff Wood contributed hits for the Rams, and Shane Johnson pitched the 7th inning to record his 2nd save of the season.The Rams are off until Tuesday when they travel to Essex to take on the Mariners. Rockport is right back at it Friday night when they host Beverly.

Vitale Field Dedication, Thursday June 19th

Friends and family of former Hamilton resident and town employee Richard Vitale will gather before a newly placed memorial at the Patton Park Babe Ruth baseball field on Thursday, June 19, 5 p.m. Following the ceremony the Topsfield Tories will take on the Hamilton Generals, 5:45pm start.

The dedication ceremony is open to the public and all are welcome to stay for the game.

Vitale, better known as “Richie” around town, died last August after a long battle with cancer. He began working for Hamilton in 1971, serving as recreation director then as director of the Hamilton Public Works Department.

After he retired, Vitale continued to help get the ball fields at Patton Park ready each year by raking the dirt and doing the edging.

Manchester/Essex 5 - Topsfield 3

The Mariners escaped with a 5-3 win in Essex on Tuesday night over the Topsfield Tories. Ryan Marques picked up his first win of the season for the Mariners by going 5 solid innings and striking out 8. Dreesen was the tough luck loser for the Tories going 6 innings, striking out 4 and limiting the Mariners to only 8 hits, all 8 by the first four hitters in the lineup.

Jack Brancaleone pitched a perfect 6th inning for the Mariners and Mike Gibbon closed the door with a perfect 7th inning and recorded his 3rd save of the young season.

The Mariners were led by Joe Orlando's 3 hits, including a 2 run home run in the 2nd inning, and 2 runs scored. Rory Gentile and Nate Bertolino recorded 2 hits each, and Ian Buckley provided a 2 run double in the first inning. Ben Hathaway led the Tories with 2 hits on the night, and Bryan Green scored 2 of the Tories 3 runs. Lampik, Green, Gallugi, and Haines hit safely for the Tories. Hathaway made the defensive play of the night with a diving snag of Kyle Hildebrand's hard grounder up the middle, which started a 4-6-3 double play.

The 2 teams meet again on Friday night, 5:45, at Proctor Field in Topsfield. The Mariners improve to 4-2-1 with the win, while the Tories drop to 0-5 on the season.

Rowley - 7, Beverly - 6

The Rowley Rams (3-3) downed the Beverly Giants (4-2) by the score of 7 to 6 at Erias Field Tuesday night. Dave Leavitt earned the victory allowing 3 runs (2 earned) over 6 innings. Luke Deschamps dropped to 1-1 on the season for Beverly as he allowed 6 runs (1 earned) in 5 innings.

Rowley jumped out to an early 6-0 lead through 4 innings behind the bats of Dan Tomasz (2 for 4, 2RBI), Koby Thibault (2 for 4, 2RBI), and Nick Liguori (2 for 3, 2 runs). Dan Berube also made several fine plays at second base.

Beverly rallied in the late innings scoring 3 in the 6th and 3 more in the 7th. Offensive leaders for Beverly were Nick Adams (1 for 3, 2RBI), Kevin Harutunian (1 for 3, 2 runs), and Andy Hobin (1 for 3, 2 runs).

Rowley hosts Rockport (1-3-1) Wednesday night while Beverly travels to Rockport Friday night.

Generals 7, Chiefs 4

Jeff "Giraffe" Jensen picked up his first win this season by going six strong innings. Mike Drinkwater came in for a perfect 7th to record the save. Chris Lane pitched great for the home team recording 5K's in 4 IP but recorded the loss. The win moves the Generals to 4-1 on the season and in a tie for first, the Ipswich Chiefs drop to 2-2. The two teams meet again this Thursday at Patton Park, 5:45pm start.

The Chiefs got on the board first in the first. Dylan Durning brought in Sitiropolous on a sacrifice fly after Sitiropolous led off with a triple. The Generals got on the board and took the lead in the 3rd scoring 4 times. Potter got things going with a single just off the tip of the second baseman's glove. He was later brought in on a Maloney RBI single. Mark Provost followed with a 2-run triple. Vitale brought in Provost on a fielder's choice.

An Andre Painchaud sac-fly in the fifth and a Jim Maloney 2-out 2-RBI single in the sixth pushed the score to 7-1 Generals. In the bottom of the sixth the Chiefs managed 3 runs to close the gap to 7-4. Montecalvo delivered a deep double scoring Durning, a throwing error brought in another run on the play and allowed Montecalvo to advance to third. Matt Lane's sac-fly scored Montecalvo.

That's how the game ended as Mike Drinkwater came in for the perfect 7th. Hamilton came away with the 7-4 victory. Sitiropolous led the home team with 2 hits. Jim Maloney 3-4, 3 RBI's led the way for the Generals while Mark Provost and Judd Funchion each contributed 2 hits apiece.

Townies 7 Rams 2

On a hot Sunday evening at Evans, the Townies secured their first victory of the young 2008 ITL season behind the complete game pitching performance of Nate DeSantis and a 5-run sixth inning to beat the Rowley Rams 7-2.

Townies travel to Rowley Ram country on Wednesday for a 5:45 tilt.

Manchester/Essex - 6, Beverly - 3

The Manchester Mariners (3-2-1) dealt the Beverly Giants (4-1) their first loss of the season by the score of 6 to 3. Stout (3-0) earned the victory for Manchester throwing 6 innings of 3 run ball. Gibbon earned the save with a perfect 7th. Rocky Pisa (2-1) took the hard luck loss allowing 4 runs (1 earned) over 6 innings.

Manchester scored first in the top of the 1st as Joe Orlando, Byan Lafata, and Nate Bertolino strung together consecutive singles producing a run. Beverly answered with a run of their own in the bottom half of the first when Jeff Barricelli hit a solo homer to center.

Manchester took a 2-1 lead in the 2nd when Ty Haskell hit a sacrifice fly to center. Beverly tied the score at 2 when a Derek Scialdone single scored Nick Adams, who had doubled.

Manchester took another one run lead in the top of the 4th on a Rory Gentile RBI single. Beverly once again tied the score at 3 in the bottom of the 5th with another Scialdone single scoring Adams.

The Mariners scored the eventual winning run in the top of the 6th. The leadoff batter reached via error, then was bunted over to second base. After a strikeout, Rory Gentile delivered a two out go ahead RBI single.

Manchester added two insurance runs in the top of the 7th making the final score 6 to 3. John Boyle was victimized by some bad defense in his ITL debut. However, Boyle did manage to strike out 4 batters in his first inning of work (including an error charged to the catcher).

Beverly 8 Manchester/Essex 3

The visiting Beverly Giants improved to 4-0 with an 8-3 win over Man/Essex. The Mariners got on the board first with a Bryan Lafata homerun in the bottom of the 1st inning to give Man/Essex a 1-0 lead. Kevin Harutunian (1 for 4, HR, 3RBI) then connected for a 3 run homer in the bottom of the 3rd, his 1st of the season to give Beverly a 3-1 lead. With the score 3-2 after 4, Beverly exploded for 5 runs on 5 hits in the fifth inning. Andy Hobin (2 for 3) started it with a double to lead off the inning. The next two men were retired, but Nick Adams singled, Derek Scialdone doubled, and Mike Freni singled knocking in 2 runs to set up Pat Doyle's 2 run homer, his 2nd on the year, giving Beverly the 8-2 lead. The Mariners scratched a run across in the 7th to give us an 8-3 final score.

Luke Deschamps picked up the win for Beverly, going 6 innings, allowing just 4 hits, 2 runs, while walking 2 and striking out 4.

Generals Beat Rams 10-6

The Generals held off the Rams tonight at Patton Park, winning 10-6. Jon Jackson started for the Generals and pitched 4 strong innings. Tim O'Leary and Bobby Karpp pitched well in relief and were able to seal the victory for the home team. For the Rams, Wile pitched well but was charged with the loss, Liguori was also good in relief for Rowley.

Jon Jackson was able to strike out the side in the first, but not before the Rams took a 1-0 lead. Thibault hit a monster triple and was brought home by a Moore single. The Generals answered in the bottom of the first with 3 of their own while only recording 1 hit. Jered Stewart and Andre Painchaud contributed RBI's. Mark Provost added an RBI in the second for the home team.

A Liguori RBI in the second and a run by Tomasz in the third closed the score to 4-3 Generals after 3. The Generals exploded for 6 runs in the fourth while sending 11 batters to the plate. Provost, Painchaud, Tilley, and Potter all added RBI's during the rally.

In the seventh the Rams added two more to close out the scoring. Moore delivered a 2-run triple, but that wasn't enough as the Generals held on for the 10-6 victory.

Hamilton @ Rowley Cancelled

Tonight's game in Rowley has been rained out. The Generals will make up the game with the Rams at a later date. The two teams will play tomorrow night at Patton Park, 5:45pm start.

Manchester/Essex 10 – Rockport 3

On Tuesday night the Mariners were able to break open a close game with 6 runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to secure a 10-3 victory over the Townies in Essex. Steve Stout pitched 6 solid innings to earn his 2^nd victory, while only surrendering only 1 earned run. Mike Gibbon closed out the game with 1 scoreless inning. Pat Clark took the loss while keeping the Mariners in check until the 6^th inning. Andy Marques pitched 1 inning of relief for the Townies.

Offensively, the Mariners were led by Rory Gentile (2 hits, 2sb, 3runs), Bryan Goodhue (2 hits, 2runs, 1rbi), Joe Orland (2 hits, 2sb), and Bryan Lafata and Nate Bertolino combined to drive in 5 runs between them, with 2 of Bertolino’s rbi coming way of a 2 run homer in the 6^th.

Brent Currier led the Townes with a 3-4 night including a solo homer and a double. Dan Greel also contributed 2 hits on the day.

Game Change

The Beverly at Manchester/Essex game for Wed. June 4 has been moved to Thursday, June 5th. Start time 5:45pm at Memorial Field in Essex.

Chiefs - Torries Battle into the Bottom of the 7th

The Chiefs faithful watched a great game Monday night as the Chiefs topped The Torries 5-4 with some late inning magic.

Chris Lane and Bradly Eaton shared the pitching duties Monday night with Lane going 4 innings, and Eaton finishing up the job for his first win of the season. The defense of Ryan Montecalvo and Matt Lane was stellar in making some nice defensive plays and turning two double plays through out the game. M. Lane also had a nice 2 for 3 day at the plate. Dave Shoreman (1-3, rbi), Dylan During (1-3), and Tom Radzim (2-3) also added hits to help the Chiefs win.

With the score tied 4-4 in the bottom of the 7th, Dylan Durning got on with a lead off double. Which brought come back kid Gardy O'Flynn to the plate who smoked a line drive down left field line that hooked the foul pole perfectly to secure the walk off win for the Chiefs.

The Chiefs move to 2-1 on the season and will travel to Topsfield on Friday night for the second game of the series with the Torries. Hope to see you all there.

Rockport - Manchester 13-13 tie

On Sunday evening at Evans, Rockport Townies and Manchester-Essex Mariners played to 13-13 deadlocked affair. The Townies jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead after four thanks to home runs by Mike Anderson and Marc Bouchie, plus a two run single by Jeremy Spittle. Manchester cut the lead to three with a two run single to center by Joe Orlando. Rockport made it a 9-3 ballgame on a three run homerun to left by Dan Greel in the fifth.

In the sixth inning, the visiting Mariners put up six runs to tie the game 9-9, including a big game-tying two run single to right by Bryan Lafata. In the bottom of the sixth, Brent Currier hit a solo shot into the woods to make it 10-9 game. However, the Mariners rallied to score four runs (all with two outs) in the top frame of the seventh to take a 13-10 lead, including a big two run single to right center by Nate Bertolino. In the bottom half of the seventh, the Townies came right back to tie it up at 13 a piece, including a two run double by Anderson.

In the eighth inning, Rockport had a chance to win it with the bases loaded and one out, but came up short thanks to a game ending double play that sealed the game.

Rockport was led by Mike Anderson (3 for 5, HR, 2b and 3 rbis), Brent Currier (3 for 4, HR, 2b), Dan Greel (2 for 5, HR and 3rbis) and Marc Bouchie (3 for 5 with a HR).

Manchester was led by Rory Gentile (2 for 3, with 2 runs scored and 1rbi) and Joe Orlando (3 for 3, a 2b and 3 rbis).

Rockport visits Manchester-Essex Tuesday night in Essex.

Beverly - 18, Rowley - 7

The Beverly Giants improved to 3-0 with an 18 to 7 win over the Rowley Rams (2-1) on Sunday night at Cooney Field. Derek Scialdone hit 2 homeruns and knocked in 5 to lead the offense. Jeff Barricelli added a two run homer. Also contributing for Beverly were Jeff Giannino (3 for 4), Kevin Harutunian (2 for 5, 4RBI), and Andy Hobin (2 for 4, 2RBI). Rocky Pisa earned his second win of the season pitching 5 innings for the Giants.

Rowley was led by A. Mariani (1 for 3, HR, 2RBI), S. Johnson (2 for 4, HR), D. Berube (3 for 4, 2RBI), and C. Thibault (2 for 5, 2RBI).

Rowley 13 - Tories 8

In another high scoring affair the Rowley Rams defeated the Topsfield Tories in 5 innings last Friday. The game was called because of darkness in the top of the sixth after the Rams scored six more times. League rules caused the scoring and official outcome back to the fifth inning point, giving the Rams the victory.