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Boston Globe
3 days ago
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Bridgewater-Raynham's bats and Plymouth South pitching lead South to victory in MBCA Senior All-Star game
Cattogio was named MVP, finishing with two hits, and Ducie struck out five in two scoreless innings to earn Pitcher of the Game honors. Combined, the South fired a four-hit, eight-inning shutout. Dighton-Rehobeth's Ben Miller pitched the sixth inning, contributing to a four-hit shutout for the South staff. Barry Chin/Globe Staff 'It's great getting to show everybody what we can do individually and as a team,' the Assumption-bound Cattoggio said. 'Obviously, we produced. It's a great bunch of kids and I'll miss playing with them a lot.' Advertisement Amid a collaborative pitching duel, Cattaggio's blast stood out — a towering shot on a 3-2, two-out pitch that ricocheted off the field house behind the left-field fence. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Moonshot of a two-run homer to left from — Mike Puzzanghera (@mpuzzanghera) 'He came in before the at-bat and he was like, 'I don't know if I'm going to get one or two at-bats, but I'm going to swing as hard as I can,' said South coach Connor Pratt, an assistant at Plymouth North. 'It was incredible.' Pratt was joined on the South team by three Plymouth North players (Matt Nardone, Will Novak, and Jake Novak) and crosstown foes-turned-friends in Ducie and Plymouth South coach Walter Fust. They enjoyed the opportunity to share a dugout. BC High's Tommy O'Donnell was hoping for a safe call at the plate in the sixth inning, but it wasn't coming. Barry Chin/Globe Staff Ducie and the Novak twins were longtime schoolmates up until high school, when they attended opposing high schools. Advertisement 'It's great to represent your town like that, especially playing with guys from across the town,' Ducie said. 'I don't get to play with them during the high school season so it's cool to come together.' Colin Ducie ( 2 IP, 5 Ks, 1 H, 1 BB. Pretty good. — Mike Puzzanghera (@mpuzzanghera) It's the final of six all-star games put on by the MBCA — with two games for the seniors and juniors, as well as the introduction of a freshman game. 'It's a tradition that should keep going,' Pratt said. 'For the seniors, they love it, it's their finish. It's just a great representation of the whole state. You get all the different regions and all different leagues playing together.' Reading's Ryan Marino, fresh off pitching in the Division 2 state championship game, took the mound for the North All-Stars. Barry Chin/Globe Staff Mike Puzzanghera can be reached at
Boston Globe
4 days ago
- Sport
- Boston Globe
MIAA championship photos: See the best shots from state title showdowns
Boys' volleyball Brookline boys' volleyball ends 33-year championship drought. Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe Brookline's Kristaps Vaivars (right) was one of the stars of Brookline's state title win. Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe Division 1: Brookline 3, Needham 1 Agawam was flying high after taking down Wayland in the Division 2 championship. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff Agawam coach Kevin Pender (right) hugs star player Joe Culhane (left) after they claimed a Division 2 state championship. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff Division 2: Agawam 3, Wayland 1 Girls' flag football The St. Mary's girls' flag football team repeated as champion at BC's Alumni Stadium. Alexa Podalsky St. Mary's 14, Leominster 13 Girls' lacrosse Concord-Carlisle's Karleigh Mutch had somewhere to go with the Division 1 girls' lacrosse state championship trophy. Barry Chin/Globe Staff Westford Academy players and their coach console each other after a title game defeat. Barry Chin/Globe Staff Division 1: Concord-Carlisle 8, Westford 6 Walpole captain Jenna Wong (right) embraces teammate Maran Gallivan (12) after their victory. Heather Diehl for the Boston Glo Walpole players rush onto the field to celebrate their state championship. Heather Diehl for the Boston Glo Division 2: Walpole 16, Reading 11 Medfield celebrates its Division 3 girls' lacrosse title. Heather Diehl for the Boston Glo Medfield captain Michaela McDonald (18) looks to make a pass. Heather Diehl for the Boston Glo Medfield celebrates with fans after a state title win. Heather Diehl for the Boston Glo Division 3: Medfield 18, Newburyport 8 Norwell players storm the field after winning the Division 4 girls' lacrosse title. Barry Chin/Globe Staff Norwell's Margot Bonnevie fights through traffic against Cohasset. Barry Chin/Globe Staff Norwell celebrates after the final whistle. Barry Chin/Globe Staff Division 4: Norwell 9, Cohasset 8 Baseball Chelmsford's Jack Keyo is fired up during the Division 1 title game. Brett Phelps for The Boston Globe Chelmsford's Aidan Brackett could hardly believe it. Brett Phelps for The Boston Globe Chelmsford lifts the trophy. Brett Phelps for The Boston Globe Division 1: Chelmsford 8, Braintree 2 (9 innings) Walpole's Richie Hayes (right) lays out but can't make the grab. Brett Phelps for The Boston Globe Walpole's Cole Pileski (center) scored a crucial run during the comeback. Brett Phelps for The Boston Globe Walpole celebrates on the field. Brett Phelps for The Boston Globe Division 2: Walpole 7, Reading 6 Players from North Reading celebrate after their win against Arlington Catholic at the MIAA Division 3 baseball finals at Polar Park in Worcester, MA. North Reading defeated Arlington Catholic 10-3. (Brett Phelps for The Boston Globe) 14SCHBASEBALL Brett Phelps for The Boston Globe North Reading's Jason Curran celebrates at second base. Brett Phelps for The Boston Globe Division 3: North Reading 10, Arlington Catholic 3 Advertisement Millbury players celebrate the school's first baseball title in 41 years. Brett Phelps for The Boston Globe Millbury's Ryan Nikiforow delivers a pitch against Lynnfield. Brett Phelps for The Boston Globe Millbury players embrace after their state title win. Brett Phelps for The Boston Globe Division 4: Millbury 3, Lynnfield 2 Pioneer Valley defeated defending champ English, 6-5, with a walk off in the bottom of the eighth inning. Brett Phelps for The Boston Globe Pioneer Valley Regional's Evan Tsipenyuk stretches for the ball at first base, but the throw is late. Brett Phelps for The Boston Globe Pioneer Valley Regional players pose for photos after winning the state title. Brett Phelps for The Boston Globe Pioneer Valley 6, English 5 (8 innings) Softball Taunton completed a perfect season with its fifth straight Division 1 softball championship. Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe Taunton's Catherine Larson pitches against Wachusett. Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe Nobody can touch Taunton softball. Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe Division 1: Taunton 10, Wachusett 4 Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Silver Lake players show off their new hardware to their fans at Worcester State. Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe Silver Lake players rush the diamond to celebrate their championship. Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe Silver Lake pitcher Delaney Moquin sports an oversized hat in the dugout after shutting out Bedford. Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe Division 2: Silver Lake 4, Bedford 0 Dighton-Rehoboth was overjoyed to go back-to-back in Division 3. Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe Dighton-Rehoboth players celebrate on the field. Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe Dighton-Rehoboth players sported some wigs in the dugout. Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe Division 3: Dighton-Rehoboth 7, Greater New Bedford 0 A third-straight Joseph Case softball season ended by hoisting a Division 4 trophy. Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe Joseph Case center fielder Meghan Pereira made a huge diving catch in the final. Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe Joseph Case's Alyana DeJesus launches a home run. Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe Division 4: Joseph Case 7, Tyngsborough 6 Division 5: Boys' lacrosse For a half decade, St. John's Prep has ruled Division 1 boys' lacrosse. Heather Diehl for the Boston Glo St. John's Prep's Cam McCarthy kisses the trophy. Heather Diehl for the Boston Glo St. John's Prep's Luke Kelly (right) and Owen White (left) celebrate with their team. Heather Diehl for the Boston Glo Division 1: St. John's Prep 8, BC High 7 (OT) Billerica goalie Nolan Heffernan led his team's celebration after the Indians captured their first boys' lacrosse state title since 2001. Heather Diehl for the Boston Glo Billerica attack Braden Martin celebrates a goal against Reading. Heather Diehl for the Boston Glo Billerica celebrates with fans after winning the title. Heather Diehl for the Boston Glo Division 2: Billerica 17, Reading 16 As the final buzzer sounded, the Scituate boys' lacrosse team piled on to celebrate its 9-4 victory over Falmouth for the MIAA Division 3 title at Mass. Maritime Academy. Heather Diehl for the Boston Glo Scituate celebrates at the final buzzer. Heather Diehl for the Boston Glo Scituate captain Willy Robinson celebrates a goal against Falmouth. Heather Diehl for the Boston Glo Division 3: Scituate 9, Falmouth 4 Norwell finished off the 2025 boys' lacrosse season by sending its equipment airborne amid a celebration for winning the Division 4 championship. Heather Diehl for the Boston Glo Norwell's Bret Amorosino protects the ball in the championship game. Heather Diehl for the Boston Glo Norwell senior Joey McCarthy raises the trophy. Heather Diehl for the Boston Glo Division 4: Norwell 11, Cohasset 6 Rugby BC High's Mikey Smith exalts with the trophy after defeating Xaverian, 13-7, in the Division 1 boys' rugby championship. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff BC High and Xaverian contest a line-out. Debee Tlumacki BC High celebrates its title. Debee Tlumacki Division 1 boys: BC High 13, Xaverian 7 Hanover captain Lochlan Garvey (right) is overcome with emotion as he celebrates with teammate Juneau Mofford. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff Hanover Aidan Bourin skips away from a tackle. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff Hanover's Matthew Bellerby tries to escape the grasp of Brookline Benji Brooks. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff Division 2 boys: Hanover 59, Brookline 7 Belmont captain Robyn Tonomura-MacDonald hoisting the trophy with coach Kate McCabe after they defeated Lincoln-Sudbury, 69-21, at Curry College. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff Belmont's Anoush McCarthy scores a try against Lincoln-Sudbury. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff Belmont celebrates with the trophy. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff Girls: Belmont 69, Lincoln-Sudbury 21 Track and field The state championship track meets wrapped up in the final weekend of May. Ainsley Cuthbertson fired Lexington to a state title. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff Westfield Academy's Ryan Daly is pictured moments before setting the state record in the 400-meter hurdles. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff Division 1: Lexington girls, Lowell boys Algonquin senior Benoit Skilton misses his attempt at 14 feet in the pole vault. Laura White/Algonquin High School Dana Lehr of Belmont (right) and Charlotte Tuxbury (left) of Wellesley embrace after finishing first and second, respectively, in the girls' mile. Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe Division 2: North Andover girls, Peabody boys Advertisement With a few seniors prioritizing the state meet over graduation, the Walpole boys' track team won the Division 3 state title at Westfield State. Evan Walsh The Billerica girls' track team finished off a banner weekend with the Division 3 state title at Westfield State. EVAN WALSH Division 3: Billerica girls, Walpole boys Groton-Dunstable's Greyson Duane takes the title in the mile. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff Greater Lawrence Tech's Elizardo Melenciano took home the hurdles. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff Division 4: Amherst-Pelham girls, Wakefield boys The Weston boys handily won the 2025 Division 5 outdoor track and field championship. AJ Traub The North Reading girls' track team captured the 2025 Division 5 title at Westfield State. AJ Traub Division 5: North Reading girls, Weston boys Division 6: Mount Greylock girls, Ayer-Shirley boys New England Championships Girls' golf Wellesley golfers (from left) Jenna Saini, Alika Lavu, Denise Pan and Ruby Savarese won the girls' golf title in May. Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe Wellesley's Ruby Savarese tees off. Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe State champion: Wellesley Boys' tennis St John's Prep's Jack Prokopis celebrates a point against Lexington. Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff Meet Vinny! Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff Division 1: St. John's Prep 3, Lexington 1 | Nicholas Gallagher (left) and Lucas Pratt of Duxbury celebrate a point against Westborough. Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff Division 2: Duxbury 5, Westborough 0 | Bedford's Spencer Goss returns a forehand. Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff Winston Starrett Jr. of Weston stretches for a backhand. Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff Division 3: Bedford 4, Weston 1 | Jack Cummins of Manchester-Essex reaches for a backhand against Lynnfield. Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff Manchester-Essex players celebrate after winning the title. Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff Division 4: Manchester Essex 3, Lynnfield 2 | Girls' tennis Wellesley players celebrate after winning the state title. Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff Wellesley players celebrate the state title. Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff Division 1: Wellesley 3, Lexington 2 | Isabella Camacho of Wayland delivers a serve against Longmeadow. Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff Longmeadow just edged Wayland in Division 2. Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff Division 2: Longmeadow 3, Wayland 2 | Dover-Sherborn celebrates its 5-0 sweep of Martha's Vineyard for its first girls' state championship since 2009. Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff Division 3: Dover-Sherborn 5, Martha's Vineyard 0 | Hamilton-Wenham captain Naomi Provost returns a ball during the final. Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff Hamilton-Wenham team captains Naomi Provost (center) and Olivia Romans (right) hoist the trophy. Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff Division 4: Hamilton-Wenham 5, Manchester Essex 0 | Amin Touri can be reached at
Boston Globe
5 days ago
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Like it or not, Red Sox have major flexibility on several levels after trading Rafael Devers
⋅ Alex Cora has a full DH spot to play with. Devers — by virtue of being moved off third base by team decision-makers in favor of Alex Bregman and his Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Maybe that means Advertisement Masataka Yoshida could make a return to the Red Sox with the DH spot open. Barry Chin/Globe Staff Advertisement Having DH open also makes it easier to continue to give the rookie triumvirate — Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer, and Kristian Campbell — regular reps, even when Then there are the likes of Romy Gonzalez and Rob Refsnyder, who have earned a special place in Cora's heart and lineup by beating up lefthanded pitchers. They had been playing at the expense of Mayer and Anthony recently, but now there are more at-bats to go around. Related : Cora already had been managing a mix-and-match, platoon-heavy group of position players. That will be the case even more so without one of the best hitters in baseball. ⋅ Craig Breslow can take on major money at the trade deadline. Contending teams often earmark a certain amount of cash to add salary come July. With the rest of Devers's $27.5 million load for this season off the books, that is even more true for the Red Sox. Of course, whether the Sox actually are buyers at the July 31 deadline is to be decided. It will depend on how they play the next six weeks, and the front office, to be sure, have greatly raised the degree of difficulty for those on the field. Advertisement Entering this week, though, they are only a half-game back of the last American League wild-card spot. By ripping off five wins in a row (and seven of eight and 10 of 15), they put themselves right back in the mix — part of why the timing of dealing Devers is so curious. With the Giants picking up all of the remaining money owed to Rafael Devers, Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow can take on additional contracts. Barry Chin/Globe Staff The Sox' biggest needs are TBD, but any of a bona fide No. 2 starter behind Garrett Crochet, a full-time first baseman, and high-leverage bullpen options figure to be on the list. If club officials still view winning as a priority in 2025, their actions will mean a lot more than their words, and they should be able to flex significant financial might in making difference-making midseason additions, not ⋅ John Henry and ownership get another shot at signing a franchise cornerstone. This time, maybe they will prioritize a player more comfortable with the leadership and off-field responsibilities receiving a mega-deal entails, the sort of expected extras that Devers expressed reservations about almost immediately upon Divorced, the Sox can find another high-end suitor — even if it means waiting for the right player. A complicating factor: In the mere 29 months since Devers signed, the going rate for truly elite talent has gone up. Consider the Advertisement The Mets forked over $765 million to Juan Soto in December, more than double what the Red Sox gave Rafael Devers to be their cornerstone player. Barry Chin/Globe Staff The Sox could funnel some of these funds to early-career long-term deals for the likes of Anthony and Mayer, along the lines of But without Devers, they have room for another established star. Bregman, who can opt out of his contract after this season, may well be at the top of the list. Kyle Tucker is probably the headliner in this offseason's free-agent class; we'll see if the Sox deem themselves set in the outfield. Ace When the Sox take another shot, they will need to be sure it's with the right guy. Tim Healey can be reached at
Boston Globe
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
The culmination for Concord-Carlisle girls' lacrosse: history, and a Division 1 title to cherish
The Patriots' 8-6 victory over Westford Academy on Thursday at Babson College was the culmination of a steady climb toward high school lacrosse supremacy. For players like Denver-bound senior Karleigh Mutch, who elected to stay and play for their hometown, it was a milestone that felt like destiny. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up 'This is literally what I've dreamed of since stepping foot at Concord-Carlisle High School,' Mutch said. 'It's everything I could have imagined and more. I said to my coach, this is literally why I played here. This is why I went to public school.' Advertisement Sophomore Lindsay Cain paced the No. 1 Patriots (23-2) with three goals, and Mutch and sophomore Scarlett Mirak added two apiece. Alissa Bono anchored a strong defensive effort, and freshman goalie Mamie Kosicki fared admirably in the spotlight. 'It's amazing,' said Concord-Carlisle coach Erin Cash. 'It's better than the vision. It's better because I get to see all these guys and hear all these guys, that it's meant so much to them throughout the years.' Advertisement Ohio State-bound standout senior Kassidy Carmichael led the No. 6 Ghosts (19-4) with three goals, and sophomore Mia Cullen tallied two. The teams were tied, 4-4, at halftime, then Concord-Carlisle built a 7-5 edge through three. Westford, fresh off thrilling comebacks against No. 3 Lincoln-Sudbury and No. 2 Wellesley, cut it to 8-6 on a Cullen goal with 1:47 left. 'This team has heart,' said Westford coach Julie Olivier. 'I couldn't be more proud of them. I said this experience will serve you well in life. It's a game right now. You'll remember this in life.' It felt like maybe, for a fleeting second, another comeback could be on the horizon. But Concord-Carlisle forced a critical turnover and Mutch ran out the clock, chucking the ball in the air. For a program that continued to inch closer and closer year by year, this was the final step. 'This is just such a magical moment,' Bono said. 'It feels so great to win it, especially as a senior. I'm so proud of our team.' Westford's Kassidy Carmichael (19) and Concord-Carlisle's Karleigh Mutch (22) chase a loose ball in the championship game. Barry Chin/Globe Staff With unbridled joy and tears, Concord-Carlisle celebrated its banner night. Barry Chin/Globe Staff Concord-Carlisle's Karleigh Mutch (22) carried the state championship trophy to the faithful. Barry Chin/Globe Staff A proud Westford coach Julie Olivier (right) told her players, "this experience will serve you well in life. It's a game right now. You'll remember this in life.' Barry Chin/Globe Staff Trevor Hass can be reached at
Boston Globe
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Walpole baseball flips the script on Plymouth North, avenging title game loss with Division 2 semifinal victory
In the bottom of the fourth inning, St. Martin delivered a strikeout to escape a bases-loaded jam and maintain a 2-2 tie. 'Huge moment,' said St. Martin. 'We had the momentum. I had to keep the energy going.' Walpole's Cash Cantrell dives across the plate during a 10-2 semifinal win over top-seeded Plymouth North. Barry Chin/Globe Staff The Timberwolves (14-9) capitalized on that momentum, batting around and plating five in the top of the fifth to take a commanding 7-2 lead. With runners at second and third, Junior Cole Pilieski (2 for 3 with a walk) grounded a ball up the middle, which was fumbled by the Eagles' shortstop, allowing two runs to score. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Junior Ryan McDonald delivered a two-run single three batters later and sophomore Shane Harrington scored the fifth run on a wild pitch. Advertisement The Timberwolves only struck out three times, putting pressure on a Plymouth North (19-5) defense that committed six errors. 'You have to put pressure on the defense,' said Walpole coach Chris Costello. 'There's gonna be a miscue in there, and then it's up to you to make it hurt.' Walpole's Quinn MacNeil steals second ahead of the throw to Plymouth North's Henry Novick in the fourth inning. Barry Chin/Globe Staff Walpole scored one more run in the sixth and two in the seventh, highlighted by an RBI single from senior outfielder Cash Cantrell. The Timberwolves will face the winner of No. 2 Reading (20-3) and No. 6 Somerset Berkley (17-6) at Polar Park. Advertisement 'It really means something to us, and it's a tribute to the team we had last year,' said St. Martin. Walpole's Richie Hayes (center) and Cole Pileski (right) celebrate after they both scored in a 10-2 win over Plymouth North. Barry Chin/Globe Staff Division 1 state Braintree 8, King Philip 3 — Three weeks ago, Connor Grieve hadn't made a start on the mound for Braintree. The senior was thrust into a new role in the final week of the regular season during the Don Fredericks Memorial Tournament. Since then, he has been a revelation. Behind a complete game on the mound and a three-hit, four-RBI day at the plate, Grieve powered the eighth-seeded Wamps past No. 4 King Philip, 8-3, at Lowell's LeLacheur Park, and into the title game. 'He's been the MVP of this tournament,' Braintree coach Bill O'Connell said. 'Pitching and the way he's been hitting, I can't say enough about what he did . . . Connor Grieve has been the difference.' The Wamps (18-8) will face the winner of No. 2 St. John's (Shrewsbury) and No. 14 Chelmsford at Polar Park in Worcester. After knocking an RBI triple in the top of the first to put the Wamps on the board, Grieve surrendered a pair of runs to the Warriors (20-5) in the bottom half. He needeAfter the Wamps tied it on a Max King single, Grieve gave them the lead once again with a third-inning single. M3 - second RBI hit of the day for Connor Grieve, who helps himself by knocking one up the middle to score Owen Donnelly for the second time. Nice throw by KP's Johnny Prater from center, but not in time. 3-2 Braintree — Mike Puzzanghera (@mpuzzanghera) But his biggest hit came in the fifth — with the bases loaded and the game knotted at 3-3, Grieve ripped a two-run single down the left-field line to put Braintree in front. A Matt Rogers two-run triple followed to extend the lead. T5 - Connor Grieve comes through AGAIN, with this two-run single giving him four RBI and three hits - and more importantly, giving Braintree a 5-3 lead. — Mike Puzzanghera (@mpuzzanghera) The Wamps lost five of eight games in early May after injuries to ace Max DeRoche and Peter Brooks. But they caught fire at the end of the year – and Grieve is a big reason why. Advertisement 'He didn't even pitch much in the regular season,' Brooks said of Grieve. 'Then out of nowhere, he's just been unbelievable. On the mound, at the plate, he literally can't do any better.' Owen Donnelly collected three hits and scored four runs for Braintree. Luke Joyce tallied two hits and Brooks, back in the lineup after what was thought to be a season-ending injury, added an RBI single. 'A month ago, if you asked me where we'd end up, I'd say probably a first- or second-round exit, just with all the adversity we were fighting,' Grieve said. 'These guys are my family . . . Knowing the town's behind me, it felt amazing.' Division 3 State North Reading 6, Wakefield 0 — North Reading starting pitcher Ethan Quan felt shaky. His curveball wasn't turning. His changeup wouldn't dip. But he trusted his gut through a bases-loaded jam in the top of the first, and completed all seven innings in shutout fashion, clinching the ninth-seeded Hornets (20-4) a spot in the state championship at Polar Park. 'My arm couldn't feel any better,' Quan said. 'Wasn't the best start, had the bases loaded, but I have a great staff. My pitching coach over there, my coaches and my teammates, they helped me keep the ball low and that seemed to be effective.' The North Reading baseball team is headed to the Division 3 championship game after taking down Wakefield, 6-0. Graham Dietz Quan only registered two strikeouts but limited No. 13 Wakefield (18-6) to zero runs on four walks and five hits. 'Honestly, the key to the game for him was those first three innings,' North Reading coach Eric Archambault said. 'I think they had base runners in all three innings, and for him to be able to work out of those jams — I mean, if they rip a double there it's a completely different game.' Advertisement Christian Lava scooted a two-run single through the right side of the infield to put the Hornets on the board in the top of the third inning. A Glenn Mello moonshot scored Nick Torra in the top of the fifth, and effective baserunning led to two more North Reading runs. Jason Curran scored on a passed ball, and Gavin Brady raced home on a sacrifice bunt by Max Forristall. Archambault wisely chose to intentionally walk Wakefield junior Jack Pennacchia whenever he stepped up to bat. Andrew Nemec led the Warriors with a single and a double. 'We just weren't going to let [Pennacchia] beat us,' Archambault said. 'He is such a phenomenal player. I've seen him in person, seen his highlights, talked to a few people and I know he's a key cog when he gets going.' Arlington Catholic 5, Sandwich 4 — With Tyler Valente singling home Matt Toland with the winning run in the top of the eighth, the 11th-seeded Cougars (16-6) clawed past No. 7 Sandwich (18-6) and into the championship game. Toland finished with two hits and two RBIs, and Patrick Clair pitched three hitless, scoreless innings of relief with two strikeouts after starter Tyler Nelson went five innings, allowing four runs on six hits and three walks with six strikeouts. Division 5 state English 9, Drury 7 — Down five runs before coming to the plate, the second-seeded Blue & Blue caught up before the first inning was over and held on late for a 9-7 victory over third-seeded Drury (20-4) to return to the state championship game. Advertisement However, defending champion English (21-5) likely will be without senior Armanis Romero, who was ejected in the sixth inning after he flipped his bat following a single — which then proceeded to take a bad hop into the visitor's dugout at Worcester's Fitton Field. 'His emotions got the best of him,' English coach Christian Ortiz said. The MIAA rule (49.3.1) is that a player ejected from a game must sit out the next game. Romero had been 3 for 4 with a pair of RBI singles. After starting the game at shortstop, Romero pitched four innings in relief, giving up just one run. The Eagles will take on top-seeded Pioneer Valley this weekend in their quest for a repeat after the Panthers knocked off No. 4 Hopedale in the other Division 4 semifinal, 12-2. Mike Puzzanghera reported from Lowell, Graham Dietz reported from Lynn, and Jake Levin reported from Henry Dinh-Price can be reached at
