Hamilton 5 Ipswich 1
The Hamilton Generals defeated the Ipswich Chiefs by a score of 5-1 Monday night in Ipswich. Luke Painchaud improved to 2-0 on the season going the distance while allowing an unearned run on four hits while recording eight strikeouts. Kevin Michael pitched well in defeat going five innings allowing four runs (three earned) and stuck out nine.
Hamilton carried a 1-0 lead into the top of the fifth when they plated three runs to stretch their lead. With one out leadoff hitter du-jour and acting manager Reginald J. Maidment singled and advanced to third on a double by Mark Provost. Jim Maloney walked to load the bases for clean-up hitter Bryan Vitale, who delivered a ground-rule double to right knocking in two. The next hitter, Mark Ruggerio, muscled a sacrifice fly to center giving the Generals a 4-0 lead.
In the sixth, Provost provided some insurance with a sacrfice fly pushing the Generals' lead to five. Ipswich answered with an unearned run in the bottom of the inning courtesy of two errors and a double steal in which Anthony Hernandez (2 hits) stole home.
Painchaud's defense was solid behind him except for the two miscues in the sixth. The outfield turned in a few rangy plays and cut down a runner at the plate in the sixth. However, the star of the game was undoubtedly Painchaud, who painted the corners all game and walked only one batter. The Chiefs visit Patton Park on Thursday at 5:45 for a rematch.
