Finally! Generals break though, take first ITL crown since 1991

Finally! Generals break though, take first ITL crown since 1991

By Matt Williams | Asst. Sports Editor

Believe it or not, only three players on the current Hamilton Intertown Twilight League baseball team were alive the last time the Generals won the championship in 1991.

That is until this past Saturday, when 25 baseball loving boys from Hamilton stamped out that 31-year championship drought.

The Generals battered defending champion Manchester, 11-1, in Game 4 of the best-of-five set Saturday at Memorial Field in Essex to clinch the ITL championship. The victory capped off a remarkable run through the postseason in which the second-seeded Gens outscored their opponents 47-21 with an incredible 39 runs in the championship series alone.

“It felt incredible to finally break through. These guys worked so hard,” said longtime player/manager Brian Nicoll, who shared the in-game decision making with fellow player/manager Larry Sageese. “We built up a lot of good young players and they’re home grown; 22 of our 25 active guys are Hamilton-Wenham grads and 17 graduated in 2018 or later.”

Looking to avoid a loss and a potential Sunday Game 5, Hamilton jumped ahead 2-0 in the first inning on Saturday thanks to a Harrison O’Brien RBI single and a Hunter Wilichoski steal of home. Manchester got one back in the bottom half on an E.J. Field single but Ryan Hutchinson put out that fire and didn’t allow another run over six solid innings while his Generals added to the lead.

 

Carter Coffey (RBI) had two hits and scored twice while O’Brien finished 2-for-4 with a pair of runs. Catcher Nick Freni had a hit and scored, Tobin Clark Goldfield and Will Frain both collected two RBI and scored, Aidan Cann had a pair of hits and scored and Jake Lanciani collected two RBI and a run scored.

 

Hamilton ballooned the lead to 5-1 after three and then pulled away with three runs each in the fifth and sixth innings, outhitting the Mariners 9-5.

The championship was a longtime coming for a core group of Generals that have come close several times. The ITL traces its roots back to the turn of the century and the Generals’ first recognized title was back in 1932 ... the modern squad sees Chris Huggett, Neil Simons and Luke Painchaud as the only players even alive last time Hamilton won the playoff crown in ‘91.

“The players who came before certainly paved the way,” said Nicoll. “Guys like Mark Ruggerio, Reggie Maidment and our longtime skipper and bona fide leader Bryan Vitale.”

Harry Painter and Field combined for four of Manchester’s five hits on Saturday with Dylan Wilson getting the other. Painter threw four innings with five K’s and three earned allowed before Hamilton pulled away.

Lanciani, the top pitcher with a 1.70 ERA, and slugging catcher Keegan O’Shea were tremendous on-field leaders for this year’s Generals. Hutchinson was the champs’ MVP, blasting three homers with a 2-0 record and three saves plus a 1.70 ERA of his own.

Cann, Hamilton native who played at Governor’s and now slugs for UMass, had a monster season with a .448 average and a team-leading 17 RBI. St. John’s Prep grad Will Frain tied for the team lead in runs with 16 and posted a solid .751 OPS; Coffey, a solid two-way player, helped out with the bat by hitting .318 in addition to his pitching work. Paul Horgan was also one of the squad’s top two-way guys, doing damage with the bat and nearly tying with Coffey for the team lead in innings pitched.

Defensively, O’Brien played at a gold glove level at third while also batting .385. Clark Goldfield was excellent at shortstop, Cam Vautour chipped in at almost every position and Mark Roselli has a solid pitching season with a pair of victories.

It all added up to a satisfying, championship formula for the Generals, who went 20-6 for the summer and 5-1 in the playoffs after sweeping Rockport in the semifinals and then slaying the Mariners for all the marbles.

 

Mariners fight off elimination, force Game 4 of ITL Finals

Mariners fight off elimination, force Game 4 of ITL Finals 

By Nick Curcuru Staff writer 

HAMILTON — When Manchester Essex Mariners lefty Rusty Tucker is on the hill, the magic number for the Mariners lineup is three runs. Tucker, a league veteran, has never allowed more than two runs in an appearance before so a three-run lead is a tough hole for the opponent to crawl out of.

In Wednesday’s Game 3 of the Intertown Twilight Baseball League Finals, the Mariners reached their three-run quota in the top of the first inning against the Hamilton Generals and Tucker took care of the rest with a complete game, two-hitter in a 9-1 Mariners win at Patton Park.

Hamilton still holds a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series and needs one more win to clinch its first league title since 1991 while the Mariners need to win the next two games to win their second straight ITL crown. Game 4 of the Finals will be held on Saturday afternoon at Memorial Field in Essex (4 p.m.). If the Mariners can fight off elimination for a second game in a row a winner-take-all final will take place on Sunday back at Patton Park (4 p.m.).

The Mariners scored the decisive runs right away in the top of the first inning, taking a 3-0 lead just three batters into the game. After Caulin Rogers and Luke Leavitt led off the opening frame with back-to-back singles, Harry Painter followed with a three-run homer to put Manchester Essex on top for good.

The three runs were more than enough for Tucker, who only struck out six but forced very few hard-hit balls and did not allow a hit until the bottom of the sixth inning. Tucker was all over the strike zone with his fast ball and his defense was strong behind him, committing only one error.

Already leading 3-0, the Mariners broke the game open with four more runs in the top of the second. E.J. Field made it 4-0 with a RBI single scoring Alex Ray (walk) before Caulin Rogers came in to score on a wild pitch for a 5-0 edge. Mike Quill then singled in Field and Dylan Wilson (walk) for a 7-0 Mariners edge after two innings.

The Mariners added another in the fifth when Ray scored on a Field sacrifice fly. Hamilton got on the board in the bottom of the sixth when Jake Lanciani singled for the team’s first hit of the game and came around to score on an Aidan Cann double. But the Mariners got another in the top of the seventh when Painter singled home Rogers for a 9-1 lead.

Tucker then struck out the side in order to finish off the complete game.

Rogers led the Mariners with three hits and three runs scored. Painter had two hits and drove in four while Quill had a pair of hits and a pair of RBI’s and Wilson had two hits. The Mariners had 13 hits as a team on Wednesday, a team-high for the series.

Mariners Punch Back

Hamilton Generals Can't Catch Up To Man./Essex Mariners

Hamilton Generals watched the game slip away early and couldn't recover in a 9-1 loss to Man./Essex Mariners on Wednesday. Man./Essex Mariners scored on a home run by Harry Painter in the first inning, a single by EJ Field in the second inning, and a single by Mike Quill in the second inning. 

The Hamilton Generals struggled to put runs on the board and had a tough time defensively containing Man./Essex Mariners, giving up nine runs.  Man./Essex Mariners got things moving in the first inning, when Painter homered on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring three runs. 

Man./Essex Mariners scored four runs in the second inning. Field and Quill powered the big inning with RBIs.  Rusty Tucker was the winning pitcher for Man./Essex Mariners. The hurler surrendered one run on two hits over seven innings, striking out seven. 

Luke Painchaud took the loss for Hamilton Generals. The pitcher lasted one inning, allowing four hits and three runs while walking zero.  Aidan Cann and Jake Lanciani each managed one hit to lead Hamilton Generals.  Man./Essex Mariners totaled 11 hits in the game. Dylan Wilson, Caulin Rogers, Painter, and Quill all had multiple hits for Man./Essex Mariners.

GENERALS IN COMMAND

GENERALS IN COMMAND: Hamilton sweeps the weekend, is one win away from ITL title 

By Nick Curcuru

The Hamilton Generals took control of the Intertown Twilight Baseball League Finals over the weekend, sweeping both games to take a commanding lead in the championship series with the Manchester Essex Mariners.

The Generals put an exclamation mark on their weekend performance on Sunday with a 21-6 shellacking at Memorial Field to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series. With Sunday’s win, Hamilton can clinch its first ITL crown since 1991 with a win in Game 3 on Wednesday back at Patton Park (5:30 p.m.).

The defending champion Mariners, on the other hand, have run out of margin for error and need to win each of the next three games to regain the title. If necessary, Game 4 will be played back at Memorial Field on Saturday (4 p.m.) and a potential winner-take-all Game 5 would be played on Sunday at Patton Park (5:30 p.m.).

It was a wild one from the start as the teams combined to score nine runs in the first inning alone with the Generals leading 5-4.

Four first inning walks put the Generals in a good spot. Nick Freni’s bases loaded free pass opened the scoring and Ryan Hutchinson followed by knocking in two with a hard-hit double off the first baseman’s mitt for a 3-0 lead. Carter Coffey then delivered a RBI single and Tobin Goldfield followed with a base knock to drive in a run for a 5-0 Generals advantage before Manchester Essex even came up to bat.

The Mariners had a big answer in the bottom of the frame as two walks and a hit batsmen loaded the bases with nobody out before E.J. Field delivered a RBI single. Kellen Field then walked with the bases loaded for another run while Mike Quill’s groundout and a Rusty Tucker RBI single cut the deficit to 5-4 after an inning of play.

Hamilton, however, essentially put the game away in the top of the second with seven more runs to take a commanding 12-4 lead.

Hutchinson delivered his second two RBI hit in as many innings to get the rally started with Goldfield and Hunter Wilichoski delivering RBI hits. The other two runs came in on a bases loaded hit by pitch and a fielding error to give the Generals a 12-4 lead after two, a lead they would only build on.

After the Mariners got a run back in the bottom of the fourth, Hamilton responded with six more in the fifth then three more in the seventh to reach the 20-run mark.

There were many offensive stars on the day for the Generals as Hutchinson and Will Frain each drove in four runs on two hits. Frain capped the scoring in the seventh with a two-run shot to left. Wilichoski and Aidan Cann each scored three runs while Goldfield had three hits and two RBI. Jake Lanciani earned the win with four innings of relief, allowing one run.

The Generals also took advantage of seven Mariners errors and a combined 10 walks and hit batsmen.

Dylan Wilson had three hits to lead the Mariners with Caulin Rogers and Luke Leavitt each chipping in a pair of hits.

Hamilton jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the series with a 6-3 win in Game 1 on Saturday at Patton Park. The Generals trailed early but scored six runs in the fourth inning to take the victory.

Carter Coffey picked up the win with 4 1/3 innings of work with Lanciani picking up the save. Harrison O’Brien had two hits for the Generals while Quill led the Mariners with three hits and drove in all three runs.

 

 

 

 

Generals 21 - Mariners 6

 

• Man./Essex Mariners Loses Lead Early In Defeat
• Man./Essex Mariners fell behind early and couldn't come back in a 21-6 loss to Hamilton Generals on Sunday.  Hamilton Generals scored on a walk by Nick Freni in the first inning, a double by Ryan Hutchinsonin the first inning, a single by Carter Coffey in the first inning, a single by Tobin Goldfield in the first inning, a single by Hutchinson in the second inning, a single by Goldfield in the second inning, a error in the second inning, and a groundout by Will Frain in the second inning.
• Despite the loss, Man./Essex Mariners did collect 11 hits in the high-scoring affair. Unfortunately, Hamilton Generals had 16 hits on the way to victory.
• Hamilton Generals got things started in the first inning.  Freni drew a walk, scoring one run.
• Hamilton Generals scored seven runs in the second inning. The big inning for Hamilton Generals came thanks to singles by Hutchinson and Goldfield, by Freni, a groundout by Frain, and an error on a ball put in play by Jake Lanciani.
• Lanciani earned the win for Hamilton Generals. The ace lasted four innings, allowing six hits and two runs while striking out two.  Mark Roselli and Goldfieldentered the game out of the bullpen and helped to close out the game in relief.
• Brett Moore took the loss for Man./Essex Mariners. The pitcher lasted two-thirds of an inning, allowing three hits and five runs while striking out one.
• Paul Horgan started the game for Hamilton Generals. The pitcher allowed zero hits and three runs
• Man./Essex Mariners tallied 11 hits.  Dylan Wilson, Luke Leavitt, and Caulin Rogers each collected multiple hits for Man./Essex Mariners.  Wilson went 3-for-4 at the plate to lead Man./Essex Mariners in hits.
• Hamilton Generals collected 16 hits.  Goldfield, Hutchinson, Frain, Harrison O'Brien, and Huhger Willochoski each managed multiple hits for Hamilton Generals.  Goldfield led Hamilton Generals with three hits in five at bats.  Hamilton Generals was sure-handed in the field and didn't commit a single error. Goldfield had the most chances in the field with seven.

Generals Take Game 1

Hamilton Generals Takes the Win Over Man./Essex Mariners

Hamilton Generals took home a 6-3 victory over Man./Essex Mariners on Saturday.  Man./Essex Mariners opened up scoring in the first inning, when EJ Field singled on a 0-1 count, scoring one run. 

Hamilton Generals pulled away for good with six runs in the fourth inning. In the fourth Paul Horgan drew a walk, scoring one run, Carter Coffey doubled on a 1-0 count, scoring two runs, Harrison O'Brien singled on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring one run, and an error scored one run for Hamilton Generals. 

Coffey got the win for Hamilton Generals. The bulldog went four and a third innings, allowing two runs on three hits, striking out two and walking one. Jake Lanciani threw two-thirds of an inning in relief out of the bullpen. Lanciani recorded the last two outs to earn the save for Hamilton Generals. 

Harry Painter took the loss for Man./Essex Mariners. The hurler surrendered four runs on two hits over three innings, striking out two. Luke Mclintock started the game for Hamilton Generals. The pitcher went two innings, allowing one run on one hit and striking out one. O'Brien went 2-for-4 at the plate to lead Hamilton Generals in hits.  Mike Quill led Man./Essex Mariners with two hits in three at bats.

Mariners advance to ITL Finals with Game 3 win over Rowley

Mariners advance to ITL Finals with Game 3 win over Rowley 

By Nick Curcuru Sports Editor

ROWLEY — The Intertown Twilight Baseball League Finals are finally set, and it will be a rematch of the 2021 championship series.

With a 5-3 win on Thursday in Game 3 of the Semifinals at Eiras Park, the Manchester Essex Mariners have clinched a berth in the ITL Finals for the 11th straight season. The defending ITL champion Mariners will now take on the Hamilton Generals in the best-of-five finals. Game 1 will be played on Saturday at Patton Park in Hamilton (4 p.m.). The series shifts to Memorial Field in Essex for Game 2 on Sunday (4 p.m.) with Game 3 back at Patton Park on Wednesday (5:30 p.m.). If necessary, Game 4 will be next Saturday at Memorial Field and Game 5 next Sunday at Patton Park.

The Mariners knocked off the Generals in the finals a year ago in four games.

Manchester Essex led from start to finish in Thursday’s winner-take-all game three a day after the first attempt at a Game 3 was halted due to darkness with the score tied after seven. League rules state that the game must re-start in that situation.

The Mariners took a 1-0 lead before Rowley even came to bat as Caulin Rogers led off the game with a single and came in to score on a two-out double from E.J. Field down the left field line to make it 1-0.

Manchester Essex took control for good with a three-run rally in the top of the third. Harry Painter doubled in Luke Leavitt for a 2-0 lead and later came in to score on a Dylan Wilson base knock. Field also came in to score in the inning on a fielding error to give the Mariners a 4-0 edge.

Rowley cut that lead in half in the bottom of the third with a Justin Bolla sacrifice fly and a fielding error putting the Rams on the board to make it 4-2.

The Mariners, however, would not let the Rams get any closer. Painter delivered another RBI hit in the sixth to make it 5-2. Rowley did not go down without a fight, putting the tying run on base in the bottom of the seventh after a Tim Cashman RBI single made it 5-3. But the Mariners got the final out on a fly ball to left to clinch the series.

Jack Shaw picked up the win for the Mariners, going 4 2/3 innings and allowing one earned run. Rusty Tucker earned the save, allowing an unearned run in 2 1/3 innings of work, striking out three and picking off a baserunner for the first out of the seventh.

Rogers led the Mariners at the plate with three hits and two runs scored. Painter and Wilson had two hits each while Field and Tucker each had a hit. Cashman led the Rams with two hits.

DARKNESS FALLS: ITL Semis Game 3 halted due to darkness, Mariners and Rams to re-start game on Thursday 

By Nick Curcuru Sports Editor

ROWLEY — Wednesday’s game between the Manchester Essex Mariners and the Rowley Rams was well on its way to being another classic contest between the two rival teams. Instead, it ended up being the most high stakes scrimmage in the history of the Intertown League.

The Mariners and Rams traded off momentum for seven innings in a winner-take-all Game 3 of the ITL Semifinals and found themselves tied, 5-5 heading into the eighth. After the completion of the seventh inning, the sun was just about to set at Eiras Park and the umpires called a stop to the game due to the impending darkness. League rules state that the game must now start over. That means the Rams and Mariners will re-start Game 3 of the ITL Semifinals on Thursday back at Eiras Park (5:30 p.m.).

If a winner is finally decided on Thursday, it will advance to the ITL Finals against the waiting Hamilton Generals, who swept the Rockport Townies in their playoff series.

Although it didn’t count, Wednesday’s game was a great contest between two of the league’s best teams.

 

The Mariners jumped out to a 1-0 lead right away when Harry Painter doubled in Caulin Rogers (single). The Rams, however, took momentum in the bottom of the frame with a four-run, two-out rally to take a 4-1 edge into the second. Dimitri Hunt drove in a run with a base hit and Colby ingraham singled in two more with another run coming in on an error.

The Rams momentum did not last long as the Mariners plated three more in another two-out rally. Luke Leavitt singled in a pair and Caulin Rogers later came in to score on an error to tie it up at 4-4.

Rowley took the lead back in the fourth when Cam Gilroy delivered a two-out single to score Colby Ingraham (single). But the Mariners again had an answer as E.J. Field delivered a two-out RBI single in the sixth to score Rogers to make it 5-5.

Both teams got out of the seventh unscathed before darkness fell on Eiras Park.

Generals sweep Townies, advance to ITL Finals

Generals sweep Townies, advance to ITL Finals 

By Nick Curcuru Sports Editor 

For the second season in a row, the Hamilton Generals are heading to the Intertown Baseball League championship series.

The second-seeded Generals punched their ticket to the finals with a 4-1 win over the third-seeded Rockport Townies Tuesday night at Evans Field.

With the victory, Hamilton sweeps the best-of-three series with back-to-back 4-1 wins. The Generals will now take on the winner of Wednesday’s Game 3 semifinal series between the defending champion Manchester Essex Mariners and top-seeded Rowley Rams.

The Generals advanced to the championship series on the back of a standout pitching performance. Starter Luke Painchaud and relievers Carter Coffey and Ryan Hutchinson combined to allow a mere two hits, both coming in the first inning, and just one unearned run.

Rockport starter MacKenzie Quinn was also on his game, allowing one earned run in five-plus innings of work. But the Generals were able to build an early 2-0 lead and hold onto it for the clinching win.

Hamilton opened the scoring in the top of the second inning when Ryan Hutchinson scored from second on an infield single up the middle from Paul Horgan. Tobin Goldfield added a second run in the top of the third, coming around to score on an Aidan Cann grounder to second after reaching on a single to make it 2-0.

That run support was enough for the Generals’ pitchers. Painchaud allowed a pair of first inning hits to Jack Sperry and Keady Segel, but pitched out of a bases loaded jam. From there, the Townies did not get another hit but had four batters reach on errors and two more hit by a pitch. Rockport, however, could only muster up one hit with runners on base.

Coffey got the win with 2 1/3 scoreless innings out of the bullpen.

The Generals tacked on two insurance runs in the top of the seventh when Harrison O’Brien singled in Golfdfield and Jake Lanciani came in to score on a throwing error. Rockport scored its lone run in the bottom of the seventh when Brett Bouchie (walk) scored on a Jack Sperry groundout.

Goldfield had two hits to lead the Generals, with Hutchinson and Hunter Wilichoski delivering the other two hits.

Hamilton now awaits its finals opponent. If the Rams win on Wednesday, Game 1 of the Finals will be at Rowley on Saturday. If the Mariners win, Hamilton will host Game 1 and have home field advantage in the best-of-five series.

Rowley evens up ITL semis with Manchester Essex

Rowley evens up ITL semis with Manchester Essex 

By NIck Curcuru Sports Editor

The Rowley Rams needed a win to stay alive on Monday in Game 2 of its Intertown Twilight Baseball League Semifinal against the Manchester Essex Mariners.

Rams starter Colby Ingraham made sure his team would live to fight another day. The right hander tossed a complete game shutout, allowing only two hits in the Rams' 2-0 win at Memorial Park.

Monday's result sets up a winner-take-all Game 3 on Wednesday at Eiras Park in Rowley (5:30 p.m.). The winner advances to the ITL Finals against the winner of the other semifinal series between the Hamilton Generals and Rockport Townies. The Generals lead that series 1-0 heading into Tuesday's Game 2.

The Rams had only one hit in Monday's victory as Mariners right hander Harry Painter was also on top of his game, allowing one earned run on one hit in a complete game effort.

Rowley was opportunistic with runners on base early on, scoring its two runs on no hits in the second and third innings. Cole Gilroy came in to score on a ground ball on the infield after reaching on a walk, stealing second and moving to third on a groundout. Tommy Connors scored in the top of the third inning, coming in to score on an overthrow at third base after tagging up from second on a fly ball to right.

That was all the run support Ingraham needed. The Mariners best chance came in the second, loading the bases with one down on base hits from Cory Burnham and Alex Ray along with a Bennett O'Leary walk. But a fly ball to shallow center and a ground ball back to the pitcher ended the threat.

The Mariners had only four base runners the rest of the way. They did put the tying run on base in the bottom of the seventh with only one down, but Ingraham got a pop up and a strikeout to end the game. While Ingraham struck out only two in the win, he mixed up his pitches and kept the Mariners bats off balance, inducing a bunch of routine fly ball and ground ball outs.

Tim Cashman had the lone Rowley hit, a fourth inning single.

The Mariners took the lead in the series on Sunday afternoon at Eiras Park in a 6-1 win. 

Rusty Tucker fanned nine in six innings to earn the win with Kellen Field picking up the save.

 

ITL playoffs set, begin this weekend

 ITL playoffs set, begin this weekend

 

The Intertown Twilight Baseball League playoffs are set, and both Cape Ann squads are once again in the semifinal field. The best-of-three semifinals begin on Sunday with the top four teams competing.

The Rowley Rams earned the top seed in the regular season and have earned home field advantage throughout. The Rams take on the defending ITL champion Manchester Essex Mariners, the No. 4 seed in the playoffs. Game 1 is on Sunday at Eiras Park in Rowley (5 p.m.) with Game 2 on Monday at Memorial Park in Essex (5:30 p.m.) and Game 3 back at Eiras Park on Wednesday (5:30 p.m.) if necessary.

The Hamilton Generals earned the No. 2 seed and will take on the third-seeded Rockport Townies in the other best-of-three semifinal. That series begins on Sunday at Patton Park in Hamilton (5 p.m.) with Game 2 on Tuesday at Evans Field in Rockport (7 p.m.) and Game 3 back at Patton Park on Wednesday (5:30 p.m.) if necessary.

The Manchester Essex Mariners and Rockport Townies have combined to win 35 of the last 40 ITL titles, but this year both teams will have to go on the road in the semifinals to reach the finals.

The Mariners finished the regular season with a record of 10-7-2 and will be facing the Rowley Rams in the semifinals for the second season in a row. The Mariners won the 2021 series en route to the ITL title. The Rams, on the other hand, won the 2020 ITL crown over the Mariners and finished the regular season with a league best record of 16-4. The two teams met just last week and split a home-and-home series.

Rockport, on the other hand, is looking to get back to the ITL Finals for the first time since winning the championship in 2018. The Townies enter the playoffs with a record of 13-6-1 and will be playing the Generals in the semifinals for the second season in a row. Hamilton won the best-of-three series in three games last season. The Generals finished the regular season with a 14-5 record, good enough to earn home field advantage in the opening round. Hamilton is searching for its first ITL crown since 1991.

The best-of-five ITL Finals are set to open up next weekend.

Hamilton Generals Downs Rockport Townies, 4-1

Hamilton Generals took home a 4-1 victory over Rockport Townies on Sunday.  In the second inning, Hamilton Generals got their offense started. Nick Freni was hit by a pitch, driving in a run. 

Luke Mclintock pitched Hamilton Generals to victory. Mclintock went six innings, allowing one run on five hits and striking out five. Jake Lanciani threw one inning in relief out of the bullpen. Lanciani recorded the last three outs to earn the save for Hamilton Generals. 

Derick MacDowell took the loss for Rockport Townies. The hurler lasted six innings, allowing seven hits and four runs while striking out four. 

Hamilton Generals tallied one home run on the day. Huhger Willochoski had a dinger in the fifth inning.
Willochoski went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead Hamilton Generals in hits.  Jack Guelli led Rockport Townies with two hits in three at bats. Rockport Townies didn't commit a single error in the field. Will Cahill had the most chances in the field with four.

Mariners 6 Rams 1

Manchester/Essex jumped out to a 6 to 1 lead after two and held on for the Game 1 win.

Rusty Tucker struck out 9 through 6 innings to pick up the win. In the 7th, Kellen Field worked out of a bases loaded and no out situation to end the game.

EJ Field, Cory Burnham and Caulin Rogers had multiple hits for the Mariners.

Bolla, Cashman and Joe White all had 2 hits for the Rams. 

2022 Regular Season in the Books

 

2022 ITL Standings

• TEAM - W-L-T - POINTS
• Rowley 16-4 (32)
• Hamilton 15-5 (30)
• Rockport 13-6-1 (27)
• Man./Essex 10-8-2 (22)
• Ipswich 2-17-1 (4)*
• Beverly 2-18 (2)**

Man./Essex Mariners Almost Erases 4-Run Deficit in Loss to Hamilton Generals

Man./Essex Mariners Almost Erases 4-Run Deficit in Loss to Hamilton Generals

Despite seeing its four-run lead whittled down by the end, Hamilton Generals still held off Man./Essex Mariners for a 4-3 victory on Thursday. Man./Essex Mariners scored three runs in the failed comeback on a home run by EJ Field in the fourth and a home run by Harry Painter in the sixth. 

In the first inning, Hamilton Generals got their offense started when Will Frain singled on a 3-2 count, scoring one run.  Sal Guarino led the Hamilton Generals to victory on the hill. Guarino went two innings, allowing two runs on two hits, striking out three and walking one. Paul Horgan and Keegan O’Shea entered the game out of the bullpen and helped to close out the game in relief. O’Shea recorded the last three outs to earn the save for Hamilton Generals. 

Ryan Marques took the loss for Man./Essex Mariners. The hurler went two and two-thirds innings, allowing three runs on six hits, striking out three and walking zero. Luke Painchaud started the game for Hamilton Generals. The lefthander went two innings, allowing zero runs on zero hits, striking out one and walking zero.

Man./Essex Mariners launched two home runs on the day. Field went deep in the fourth inning. Painter had a four bagger in the sixth inning.  Nick Freni went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead Hamilton Generals in hits. Hamilton Generals was sure-handed and didn't commit a single error. Larry Saggese made the most plays with four.

First Round Playoff Schedule

Sun, Aug 7th 

(4) Man./Essex Mariners @ (1) Rowley Rams 5:30PM  Erias Park

(3) Rockport Townies @ (2) Hamilton Generals 5:00PM Patton Park

Mon, Aug 8th 

(1) Rowley Rams @ (4) Man./Essex Mariners 5:30PM  Memorial Park

Tue, Aug 9th 

(2) Hamilton Generals @ Rockport Townies 7:00PM  Evans Field

Wed, Aug 10th 

(4) Man./Essex Mariners @ (1) Rowley Rams 5:30PM  Erias Park

(3) Rockport Townies @ (2) Hamilton Generals 5:30PM Patton Park

Playoff Matchups Set

 

2022 ITL PLAYOFFS

• SEMI-FINALS
• (4) M/E vs. (1) Rowley
• series tied 0-0
• (3) Rockport vs. (2) Hamilton
• series tied 0-0

Mariners 6 Generals 1

Mariners Win 6-1, 5 runs in the first, Bennet O’Leary with a bases clearing triple. Scored 1 more in the 2nd, back to back doubles by Dylan Wilson and Harry Painter. Rusty Tucker went 2ip, Vaughn O’Leary 3ip, and Jack Shaw 2ip.

Dylan Wilson shattered the official all-time blue marlin potato skins record with 10 skins. Ian Buckley described the event as “Truly impressive”

Rams - 4, Chiefs -2

 Zach Adamopoulos went 5 innings for Rowley giving up just a Sam Blizard solo shot in the 3rd and Colby Ingraham stranded the tying run on 2nd to end the game. Justin Bolla homered and Cam Gilroy added a pair of doubles for Rowley. Jake Greaney pitched well in a complete game effort for Ipswich .