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."