Rockport 4 Hamilton 3

Heard on the streets...

Ipswich - 1, Rowley - 0

The Chiefs (12-10) clinched a playoff spot behind the dominant pitching of Mark O'Flynn.  O'Flynn struck out 13 Rams while not allowing a walk.  Ryan Montecalvo scored Andy Knox with a single in the third for the game's only run.

Rockport Sweeps Doubleheader Against Topsfield

Rockport took both games on Sunday afternoon/evening against Topsfield.  Rockport won the first game 1-0 behind the complete game shut out effort of Matty Sharon.  In the second game, Topsfield jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead, but Rockport got 4 runs in the bottom of the first and never trailed again, winning by a score of 10-4.  Brent Currier went the distance for the win. 

Beverly - 7, Ipswich - 1

The Beverly Giants (16-7) wrapped up homefield advantage in the first round of the playoffs by knocking off the Ipswich Chiefs (11-10) by the score of 7 to 1 Sunday night at Cooney Field.  Steve Palladino allowed only 1 run over 6 innings while striking out 8 for the win.  Offensively, it was a team effort as the Giants took advantage of 9 walks issued by the Chiefs pitching staff.  Derek Scialdone (2 for 2, 2RBI) and Sean Mitchell (1 for 2, 2RBI) contributed.

Beverly finishes the season at Topsfield on Wednesday.  Ipswich has three games with Rowley remaining.

Generals Over Tories

Hamilton (10-9-1) picked up a road victory by the score of 6-2 Friday night in Topsfield.  Luke "YOLO" Painchaud (7IP, 4H, 2R, 0ER, 1BB, 3K) went the distance to earn the win.  Painchaud carried a three-hit shutout into the 7th before a leadoff single and a two-base error by the rightfielder eliminated his chance at a shutout.  Beopple started and went six innings as he took the loss for Topsfield.

The Generals offensive attack was led by Justin Tilley (2-for-2, 2BB, R, 2RBI), who reached base all four times out of the leadoff spot.  Jim Maloney and Mark Potter also added two hits apiece for the visitors.  O'Leary (1-for-1, BB, RBI) and Alan Hatfield (2-for-3, R) had solid days at the plate for Topsfield and BJ Weed threw a scoreless 7th in relief.

Ipswich - 11, Beverly - 2

The Ipswich Chiefs (11-9) beat the Beverly Giants (15-7) by the score of 11 to 2 Friday night at Linebrook Field.  The game was tied at 2 through four innings when the Chiefs exploded for 3 runs in the fifth and 6 more in the sixth.  Kevin Michael earned the victory for the Chiefs with a complete game effort striking out 5.  Matt Small was 3 for 4 with a triple, double, an RBI, and 3 runs scored to lead the offense.  Greg Doucette was 3 for 4 with a double and 2RBI.  Ryan Montecalvo added a 3 run homer for the Chiefs.

For the Giants, Frankie Messina was charged with the loss allowing 5 runs (3 earned) in 5 innings.  Brian Chirco (3 for 4, RBI), Patrick Cullen (2 for 3, 2B), Derek Scialdone (2 for 3), and Jeff Barricelli (2 for 4) contributed for the Giants who mustered only 2 runs despite 14 hits on the night.

The two teams meet again in Beverly Sunday evening.

J. Stewart Walk-Off HR Powers Generals To Win

Hamilton found itself down 5-3 to Topsfield going to the bottom of the 7th on Thursday night at Patton Park, but came back to earn a walk-off win on a three-run Jered Stewart home-run to left-center.  Justin Tilley (2-for-4, 2 2B, 2R, RBI) led off the 7th with his second double of the night.  Jim Maloney (1-for-2, 2R, 2BB, 3SB) then hit a high fly ball to center that was dropped for an error, putting the tying run on base for Stewart.  Stewart (1-for-3, HR, BB, 3RBI) then came through with a blast to left-center, giving the Generals a 6-5 win in what was a must win game for the team. 

 

 

Zack Lampkin (6+IP, 6H, 6R, 5ER, 6BB, 7K) pitched a great game for Topsfield, but was the tough luck loser.  Despite not having his best stuff, Mike Drinkwater (7IP, 6H, 5R, 2ER, 5BB, 6K) toughed it out on the mound to earn the complete game victory.  Heath (2-for-3, 2B, BB, R, RBI), Bunker (2-for-4, 2B, RBI) and Hittinger (0-for-1, 3BB, R, SB) led the Tories' offense.  Reggie Maidment (2-for-4, R, SB) also had a strong showing for the Generals.  With his walk-off HR, Jered Stewart matched the feat accomplished earlier this season by his big brother Avon, who had a walk-off HR in June against Manchester/Essex.  The Tories and Generals will matchup again on Friday night at the Proctor School.

Rams - 4, Mariners - 3

The Rams earned a split with the Mariners behind 6 strong innings from Tim Moore.

Mariners 5 Rams 0

M/E Mariners took care of the Rowley Rams last night in Essex 5-0.

Beverly - 9, Hamilton - 5

The Beverly Giants (15-6) beat the Hamilton Generals (8-9-1) by the score of 9 to 5 Tuesday night at Patton Park. Beverly jumped out to a 9 to 0 lead but Hamilton fought back scoring 5 runs in the bottom of the sixth before Sean Martin came in and recorded the last 5 outs of the game for the save. Steve Palladino earned the win for the Giants. Erik Drown homered and knocked in 3 runs. Ty Besse was 3 for 4 with 4 runs scored out of the leadoff spot. Conor Walsh was 2 for 3 with an RBI.

For Hamilton, Jim Maloney had a 2 run homer and Mike Chandler had an RBI double.

Ipswich - 9, Rockport - 2

Details to follow...

MooreStuffOnline

There is some OnDemand content on North Shore Sports Night involving some ITL coaches & players.  Check it out here:

http://moorestuffonline.com/1sportspage.php

Topsfield- 6, Rowley- 4

Topsfield beat Rowley 6-4 last night, Matt Rogers went the distance for the Tories.

Rockport 13 Ipswich 2

Rockport Townies beat the Ipswich Chiefs 13 to 2 on Sunday night.  The win for the Townies broke a 5 plus game losing streak.  Matty Sharon went the complete game for the win.  Rockport visits Ipswich tonight to complete the season series.

Beverly - 9, Hamilton - 3

The Beverly Giants (14-6) used a 7 run fifth inning to beat the Hamilton Generals (8-8-1) 9 to 3 Sunday. Paul Drinkwater's grand slam was the big blow of the inning for the Giants. Drinkwater finished 2 for 3 with a HR, 4RBI, and 2R on the day. Also contributing offensively for the Giants were John Boyle (2 for 2, RBI) and Jeff Barricelli (1 for 2, 3RBI). Josh Levesque started on the mound and allowed only 1 unearned run over 4 innings. Steve Palladino earned the win allowing 2 runs in 3 innings of relief.

The Generals were led by Avon Stewart (3 for 4, 2RBI) and Jim Maloney (1 for 3, 2B, 2R). Matt Greeke was charged with the loss.

The two teams meet up again in Hamilton Tuesday night.

Manchester beat Topsfield

No details yet...

Beverly - 7, Rockport - 6 (8 innings)

It took extra innings for Beverly to beat Rockport 7 to 6 in a back and forth game Friday night at Evans Field.  The first four batters of the game scored for Rockport as they took a 4 to 0 lead in the first inning off Beverly starter Frankie Messina.  Dan Greel had the big blow with a 2 run double.  Messina settled down after that throwing 4 scoreless innings before being relieved in the 6th.

Beverly cut the lead to 1 in the third inning when Paul Drinkwater cleared the bases with a two out 3 run double.  In the fourth inning Conor Walsh came through with a two out 2 run single to give Beverly a 5 to 4 lead.

Beverly held the lead into the bottom of the sixth when Rockport rallied on an error and two walks.  Runners scored on a wild pitch and a passed ball to give Rockport a 6 to 5 lead heading into the seventh inning.

John Boyle led off the seventh with a solo homer to center to tie the game for Beverly.  Josh Levesque came on in relief in the bottom half of the inning and kept Rockport from scoring despite hitting two batters in the inning sending the game to extra innings.

In the top of the eighth Levesque led off with a double but was thrown out trying to steal third.  With two out, Kevin Harutunian reached on an error before stealing second.  Jeff Barricelli's single scored Harutunian with the go ahead run.  Levesque pitched a scoreless eighth to preserve the win and give Levesque his 6th victory of the season.

Beverly's offense was led by Barricelli (3 for 5, 2B, RBI, R), Boyle (2 for 2, HR, 2B, RBI, 3R), Levesque (2 for 4, 3B, 2B), and Chirco (2 for 3, R).

Rockport's Tommy Robertson reached base three times on a single and two walks and scored a run out of the leadoff slot. 

Hamilton 8, Ipswich 0

Hamilton rebounded from a tough loss on Monday at Ipswich by shutting out Ipswich Thursday night at Patton Park.  Mike Drinkwater (7IP, 3H, 0R, 4BB, 7K) was a boss on the mound for the Generals as he earned the win with a complete game effort.

The Generals went up 2-0 in the bottom of the second.  Bryan Vitale and Avon Stewart walked and would come in to score on an RBI groundout by Mark Ruggiero and a two-out RBI single by Jim Love.  In the third, Jim Maloney led off with a double and scored when Justin Tilley (two hits) doubled off the fence in left-center with two-outs, pushing the score to 3-0.  Hamilton would tack on five more runs in the bottom of the sixth.  Love and Reggie Maidement drew walks with the bases loaded and Jered Stewart and Tilley had RBI singles.  Austen Michel turned in a strong effort behind the plate and contributed two hits to the Generals' offensive attack.  But the story was Drinkwater who continued his dominance on the mound in cruising to victory.

Tuesday: Manchester beat Topsfield

Heard thru the ITL grapevine.  The grapevine didn't have the score.

Rams-10, Townies-3

The Rams broke a 3-3 tie in the 5th with a 7 run inning keyed by a bases loaded 3 run double by Jordan Silva. Tim Moore went the distance for the Rams. Rowley hosts Topsfield Sunday night and Rockport hosts Beverly Friday night.

Chiefs 7 Generals 6

Ipswich scored three in the bottom of the seventh to defeat Hamilton on Monday night on Linebrook Road by a score of 7-6.  D. O'Flynn hit a one-out two-run double to secure the walk-off win for the Chiefs.  Mark O'Flynn (7IP, 7H, 6ER, 3BB, 12K)  went the distance to earn the win on the mound and was backed by the big bat of Matt Small who pounded Generals pitching for four extra base hits.  Chris Judd took the loss in relief for the Generals.

 

Matt Small (4-for-4, 2 HR, 2 2B, 3R, 3RBI) put Ipswich up 2-0 in the bottom of the first with a two-run HR.  Hamilton answered in the top of the second with a Matt Greeke two-run double and an RBI groundout by Jim Love to take a 3-2 lead.  Small went deep again in the bottom of the third to tie the game at three.  Ipswich then got to Hamilton starter Luke Painchaud again in the fifth to go ahead 4-3.  Zermbra singled, went to third a double by Small and then scored on a Doucette single.

 

Trailing 4-3 in the top of the seventh, Jim Maloney put the Generals up 6-4 with a three-run HR.  However, Ipswich came out swining in the bottom half of the inning.  Small led off the inning with yet another double and came in to score on a Doucette double.  Tom Radzim then walked before the first out of the inning was recorded on a strikeout.  After a single by Collins loaded the bases, D. O'Flynn ripped a line drive to the fence in left field that scored two, giving the Chiefs a thrilling walk-off win.

Rowley 2 Rockport 0

The Rowley Rams defeated the Rockport Townies 2-0 on a hot and humid Sunday evening at Evans Field.

Beverly - 3, Manchester - 2

The Beverly Giants (12-6) beat the Manchester Mariners (12-5) by the score of 3 to 2 Sunday night at Cooney Field.  Josh Levesque earned the win allowing 2 runs over 7 innings.  Mike Cain was the tough luck loser giving up just 3 runs over 6 innings with 8 strikeouts.

Manchester took a 1 to 0 lead in the first inning when Caulin Rogers led off the game with a triple and was knocked home by a Nate Bertolino single.  In the bottom of the second Paul Drinkwater knocked home Erik Drown with a sac fly to center to tie the game at 1.  Manchester re-took the lead in the top of the fourth on a Pete L'Italien solo homer to go up 2 to 1.

Beverly rallied in the bottom of the 5th.  Sean Mitchell singled, Kevin Harutunian walked, and Ty Besse singled to load the bases.  Jeff Barricelli gave the Giants the lead with a 2 run double.  Cain then bore down and struck out the next 3 batters to keep Manchester in the game.

The Mariners threatened in the top of the seventh.  Frattini led off with a single and was moved to second on a bunt by Ray.  Rogers then singled to center but the runner was held at third by a strong throw from Drown.  Levesque got the next batter to pop up and finished the game with a strikeout.

Ty Besse was 2 for 3 with a double on the night for Beverly.  Caulin Rogers finished 3 for 4 with a triple, double, and run scored for Manchester.

Ipswich - 11, Topsfield - 6

As reported by Ipswich... 

The Chiefs flexed their muscles in the back and forth victory with a scrappy Topsfield team.  Trailing 2 to 1 in the fourth Ipswich scored 5 runs sparked by 2 run homers by Andy Knox and Ryan Montecalvo.  Topsfield fought back scoring 4 runs in the fifth tying it at 6 apiece.  The Chiefs used the long ball again to take control of the game.  Matt Small and Greg Doucette addd 2 more 2 run homers in a 6 run sixth.  The Tories loaded the bases in the seventh but the threat ended there.

Beverly - 10, Rockport - 8

The Beverly Giants (11-6) took a 10 to 2 lead through 5 innings and held on to win 10 to 8 over the Rockport Townies (5-10). Jeff Barricelli (3 for 4, HR, 4RBI), Ty Besse (3 for 4, 2RBI), Sean Mitchell (2 for 3, 2R, 1RBI), and Brian Chirco (2 for 4, R) led the offense for the Giants. Frankie Messina earned the win allowing 7 runs (3 earned) over 5 1/3 innings. Erik Drown pitched a perfect seventh inning for the save.


Rockport got strong performances from Brent Currier (2 for 4, HR, 2RBI) and Dan Greel (3 for 3, 3RBI).

Rowley 5 Hamilton 5

Hamilton and Rowley played to an exciting 5-5 tie in eight innings Thursday night at Patton Park.  Rowley led 5-0 after five and a half innings, but Hamilton scored three in the sixth and two in the seventh to send the game to extra innings.  The teams played a scoreless eighth inning before the game was called due to darkness.

 

Rowley went up 2-0 in the 2nd by scoring two unearned runs off Generals' starter Cam Charette.  The Rams extended their lead to 3-0 in the 3rd when Moore doubled and scored on a Joe White double off the fence in centerfield that narrowly missed being a HR.  Two more runs came in to score in the 6th on a Carter RBI double and a Hunt RBI single.  On Hunt's single, Hamilton leftfielder Justin Tilley made a perfect throw to the plate that appeared to handily beat the base runner, but in a controversial call the runner was called safe, giving Rowley a 5-0 lead.

 

Meanwhile, White cruised through the first five frames for Rowley allowing only two hits.  Hamilton finally got to White in the sixth when Mark Ruggiero and Justin Tilley walked and then with two outs Jim Maloney deposited a three-run HR into the pond, cutting the deficit to 5-3 after six.  In the seventh, Avon Stewart started the rally with a one-out bunt single and advanced to second on a Ruggiero single.  After a wild pitch advanced both runners, Tilley singled to center, cutting the Rowley lead to 5-4.  During the next at-bat, an attempt to pick-off the runner at first got away allowing Ruggiero to dive across the plate, narrowly beating the throw to tie the game.  Reggie Maidment was then hit by a pitch with two outs, bringing up Maloney, whose attempt to give the Generals the win came up just short as the Rowley leftfielder hauled in a long drive against the fence.

 

Matt Greeke retired the side in the top of the 8th thanks to a nice defensive play by Mark Potter at 2B.  Hamilton worked the bases loaded with two outs in the bottom half, but Martin entered the game for Rowley and got the final out on a strikeout, preserving the tie.

Manchester - 1, Rockport - 0 (8 innings)

Heard on the street...

Ipswich - 6, Topsfield - 5

Ipswich beat Topsfield with 2 runs in the bottom of the 7th as heard thru the ITL grapevine.

Generals 5 Rams 1

Generals 5 Rams 1

 

Mike Drinkwater led the Generals to victory Wednesday night in Rowley by turning in another complete game effort.  Drinkwater was in control all night allowing just four hits, striking out three to earn the win for the visitors.

 

Hamilton jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead in the top of the first, providing Drinkwater with all the runs he would need.  Leadoff batter Jim Love reached on an error and Justin Tilley followed with a walk.  Jim Maloney then connected for a three-run HR into the parking lot in left, putting Hamilton up 3-0.  After two outs were recorded, Kash Manzelli crushed a solo shot of his own to right increasing the lead to 4-0 after half an inning.

 

The Generals increased their lead to 5-0 in the third when Avon Stewart doubled with one out and came in to score on a RBI single by Love with two outs.  Rowley got a run back in the fourth when D'Agostino was hit by a pitch the lead off the inning and scored on a Bolla RBI double.  However, Drinkwater shut down the Rams the rest of the way and the Generals took the victory.

 

Maloney and Avon Stewart had multiple hit games for Hamilton, while Jered Stewart recorded his first hit of the season in his much anticipated return to the Generals line-up.  Steve McInnis notched his first career ITL hit in a pinch-hitting role in the 7th.  D'Agostino reached base in all three plate appearences for Rowley with a walk, HBP and single.  The two teams go at it again Thursday night in Hamilton.

Manchester - 6, Beverly - 0

The first place Manchester Mariners (11-4) beat the second place Beverly Giants (10-6) 6 to 0 behind a strong pitching performance from Rory Gentile. Gentile pitched 5 shutout innings with 6 strikeouts. Gentile was also 2 for 3 with an RBI and 2 runs scored. Adam Philpott hit a 2 run homer and also pitched 2 scoreless innings in relief. Nate Bertolino was 2 for 3 with an RBI.

For Beverly, Brian Chirco was 3 for 3 and Jeff Barricelli was 2 for 3.

Topsfield - 4, Ipswich - 2

Heard thru the ITL grapevine.

Manchester - 5, Ipswich - 2

Details to follow...

Beverly - 10, Hamilton - 4

The Beverly Giants (10-5) scored the first 10 runs of the game on their way to a 10 to 4 victory over the Hamilton Generals (6-6) Sunday night at Cooney Field. Josh Levesque pitched 4 shutout innings with 7 strikeouts for the win. Sean Martin added 2 scoreless innings in relief. Offensively, John Boyle delivered the big blow with a 3 run homer in the third inning. Boyle also added an RBI on a sacrifice fly. Kevin Harutunian (3 for 4, 2 doubles, 2RBI), Ty Besse (2 for 2, RBI, SB), Derek Scialdone (2 for 3, SB), and Connor Walsh (2 for 3, 2R) all contributed with the bats. 

Hamilton scored all four runs on a 7th inning grand slam by Avon Stewart. Jim Love reached base 5 times with 3 hits and 2 walks out of the leadoff spot

Rams Over Tories

Rowley beat Topsfield last Friday night at Proctor Field.

Friday: Manchester - 7, Rockport - 1

Details to follow...

Beverly - 5, Rowley - 3

The Beverly Giants (9-5) used a four run fourth inning to defeat the Rowley Rams (5-8) by the score of 5 to 3 Thursday night at Eiras Park. Ty Besse's two run triple and John Boyle's RBI double keyed the rally for the Giants. Besse and Erik Drown had two hits apiece for the winners. Frankie Messina earned the win allowing 3 runs over 4 innings with 5 strikeouts. Steve Palladino was stellar in relief with three shutout inings for the save.


For Rowley, Ralph Renzulli was 3 for 4 with two doubles and an RBI.

Generals 3 Townies 2

Generals 3 Townies 2

 

Hamilton nipped Rockport by a score of 3-2 Thursday night at Patton Park.  Michael Drinkwater proved to be a horse for Hamilton going the distance giving up just five hits, while striking out three.  McDonell pitched well for Rockport in a losing effort while also pitching a complete game, yielding just three hits and striking out four.

 

Hamilton took a 1-0 lead in the first.  A Reginald J. Maidment HBP and a Jim Maloney single set the table for Kash Manzelli who delivered an RBI single in his first career ITL at-bat.  Rockport answered in the top of the second.  Dan Greel led off with a single and later scored on a fielder's choice.  Hamilton again went ahead in the top of the second when Matt Greeke walked with one out and scored on a two-out RBI single by Maidment.

 

The score would remain 2-1 in favor of Hamilton until the bottom of the sixth when the Generals would add an insurance run.  Manzelli walked and would score when the Rockport infield booted a groundball with two-outs.  The run would prove to be important as Rockport would not go down without a fight in the top of the seventh.  Chuck Anderson (2 hits) singled with one out and came in to score on a Tommy Robertson single.  However, with runners at first and third and two outs, Drinkwater was able to get the final out on a fly ball to close out the game.

Friday June 29: Rockport - 12, Topsfield - 4

Details to follow...

Ipswich - 4, Manchester - 3 (8 innings)

Details to follow...

Topsfield Forfeits Game at Beverly

Topsfield forfeited tonight's game.  Too many guys are away for the holiday weekend.