Latest news with #Worcester
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
'They took us on a journey': Braintree baseball proud of playoff run to state final
WORCESTER -- Don Fredericks still would have been proud. And who knows, maybe he had something to do with it. Fredericks was the head coach for the Braintree High baseball program's first three state crowns (1972, 1984, 1989) -- highlights of a glorious two-decade reign in the dugout that saw him win 337 games and 11 Bay State Conference championships. Fredericks passed away at the age of 79 last spring, and his old team decided to honor him this season with a memorial tournament in his name. Advertisement The Wamps staggered into that four-team get-together in the midst of an injury-riddled slump, but perhaps their old boss sent them some mojo from the Great Ballpark in the Sky. Braintree won the tournament (which was played at BC High due to field conditions), beating Westwood and the hosts, and used that momentum as a springboard into an unexpected playoff run. "When we got to that tournament, that's when all that momentum started," Wamps coach Bill O'Connell said. "We started believing." A four-game romp through the postseason brought them to the precipice of what would have been the program's sixth state crown, the most ever by a Massachusetts high school baseball team, according to MIAA record keeping. In the end, it wasn't to be as Chelmsford busted loose for six runs in the top of the ninth inning Friday night to post an 8-2 win in the Division 1 state final at Polar Park. "Amazing season," O'Connell said near the third-base dugout as the eighth-seeded Wamps (16-9) glumly watched the 14th-seeded Lions (19-8) hoist the trophy. "They took us on a journey. They took the whole community on an unbelievable journey. They played great. That's a very good (Chelmsford) team. They had 15 hits. They were challenging us every inning. We held them off for as long as we could." Advertisement More: 'Another chapter to a great story': Moquin pitches Silver Lake softball into Div. 2 final That Braintree was even here was a victory of sorts as the Wamps had slumped badly late in the regular season, weighed down by injuries that claimed star pitcher Max DeRoche (Tommy John surgery) and Peter Brooks (hamstring tear). Brooks made it back in time for the playoffs and had a big night in the title game, going 3-for-4 with a run scored. More: 'Best feeling in the world': Norwell girls lacrosse captures Div. 4 title from Cohasset With DeRoche sidelined, Braintree went with a two-man pitching rotation down the stretch as senior right-hander Connor Grieve and sophomore lefty Luke Joyce swapped complete games back and forth. Joyce almost made it five CGs in five playoff rounds, but he eventually ran out of gas with one out in the seventh and gave way to Matt Rodgers. Advertisement "Luke made some pitches to get out of some serious jams," O'Connell said. "Luke pitched his butt off. He gave us everything he had on short rest." Braintree's Sean Canavan, center, cheers on Matt Rodgers during a game in the Division 1 state championship at Polar Park in Worcester on Friday, June 13, 2025. Braintree was resilient but just could not take enough advantage of its opportunities in the final. After Rodgers' RBI single in the sixth knotted the score at 2-2, the Wamps had a pair of golden chances to win the title in walk-off style as they got the leadoff runner on in both the seventh and eighth innings. Each time, Chelmsford starter Matt Stuart (bound for Div. 1 Gardner-Webb University in North Carolina) was up to the task, striking out Owen Donnelly (1-for-4, run) to end the seventh with runners on first and second and fanning Joyce to end the eighth with a runner on second. The Wamps went down 1-2-3 in the bottom of ninth, obviously deflated by Chelmsford's knockout blow in the top of the top of the frame. Advertisement "We just couldn't get the big hit," O'Connell lamented. "We had opportunities to score; we just couldn't get it done against a (future) Division 1 (college) pitcher. We battled all day." Braintree jumped out in front 1-0 as Grieve singled home Donnelly in the third, driving an 0-2 pitch the other way to short right field. Grieve was coming off a huge day in the semifinals, having gone 4-for-4 with 4 RBIs in an 8-3 win over King Philip at LeLacheur Park in Lowell earlier in the week. That had prompted O'Connell to dub him the MVP of the playoffs. Braintree's Peter Brooks, right, celebrates with Michael Ryan a game in the Division 1 state championship at Polar Park in Worcester on Friday, June 13, 2025. Chelmsford struck for two fluke runs in the fifth as Braintree let a two-out pop fly along the first-base line fall in as two runners scampered home. Undeterred, the Wamps tied it back up before eventually succumbing in the ninth as Chelmsford strung together four hits, two walks (one intentional), a hit batter and a sac fly to send 10 men to the plate, ending Braintree's dream of its first crown since winning back-to-back Super 8 titles in 2015 and 2016 with O'Connell in the dugout. Advertisement "This is my fourth state championship (appearance)," said O'Connell, whose 2014 team lost in the Super 8 championship game. "Those other teams were loaded. I told the guys in the locker room today, 'I'm so proud of you guys because you're just a bunch of sandlot players. Just a bunch of guys who battle together.' The teams in the past had ridiculous talent. These guys just battled and it's amazing what they did this year." "We're not the most talented team," agreed senior first baseman Sean Canavan, who will play at UMass-Lowell, "but we had great chemistry and we just wanted it more." A talented senior class -- Grieve, Canavan, Donnelly, Rodgers, Cam Crook and Colin Kacey -- will be hard to replace, but the Wamps will bring back a slew of talent next spring to try again. "The future is very bright here," sophomore shortstop Michael Ryan said. "We'll be back next year." This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Braintree baseball falls to Chelmsford in MIAA state championship
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Silver Lake softball wins first ever Division 2 state championship
WORCESTER -- Just when it seemed like Delaney Moquin's softball career at Silver Lake couldn't have gotten any better, it did. Her 12-strikeout shutout and first-inning two-run home run powered No. 1 Silver Lake to a 4-0 win over No. 3 Bedford in the MIAA Division 2 state championship at Worcester State University on Saturday, June 14. It was the program's first-ever state title in its second ever appearance. Advertisement Fittingly, Moquin recorded the final out of her career after getting a ground ball hit back to her, throwing to first to seal the victory. More: FOLLOW LIVE: Dighton-Rehoboth vs. Greater New Bedford in Division 3 softball championship "She is the greatest. She is the greatest," Silver Lake coach Tony Pina said after being asked where Moquin ranks amongst players he's coached. Silver Lake softball hoists its championship trophy after beating Bedford 4-0 in the Div. 2 state title game. Moquin became the 40th player in state championship game history to record 10 strikeouts. The 39th was also playing in Saturday's title game: Alyx Rossi. The Bedford pitcher was named the Massachusetts Gatorade Softball Player of the Year for the 2025 season. Entering the postseason, Rossi had recorded 917 career strikeouts. Advertisement The Boston College commit struck out 14 Silver Lake batters, but Moquin got the better of her. With two outs in the bottom of the first, Anna Craft hit a ball up the middle for a single. That allowed Moquin, hitting clean up, to get up to bat. Wasting no time, Moquin crushed the first pitch she saw from Rossi over the left field fence to put Silver Lake up 2-0. "I just went in there and was like, 'First pitch I see, if it's good I'm swinging,'" Moquin said. "I play her in club. I know how good she is. I know how hard she spins it. So, I just needed to make sure that if it was in my lane I'm taking it for a ride." More: Scituate boys lacrosse's long journey ends with a Div. 3 state title Advertisement Moquin was intentionally walked on her next two plate appearances. "I know I'm going to bet on Delaney ever single time," Pina said. "We kind of joked around and said 'Congratulations, you won that trophy, we're going to win this one.' That was Delaney's motivation as well." The Silver Lake softball team celebrates its MIAA Division 2 state championship win over Bedford on Saturday at Worcester State University. Moquin, a Fairfield University commit, ends her high school career as the program's all-time strikeouts leader, home run leader, and now, a state champion. "It definitely hasn't set in yet," Moquin said after the game. "The whole game I had a stomach ache, but afterwards it was like a relief." As expected, the rest of the game was a pitcher's duel, with Moquin's first-inning home run being the only runs scored until the bottom of the sixth inning. Madyson Bryan put the ball in play and drove in two runs on a Bedford error to put the Lakers up 4-0 heading to the final inning. Advertisement In the top of the seventh, Bedford put runners on first and second with two outs, but Moquin sealed the deal with the throw out to first. Silver Lake finally finished the job after some disappointing exits in the state tournament over the last few years. Last spring, the Lakers were also the No. 1 seed, and were upset by No. 9 Marblehead in the Elite Eight. In 2022, Silver Lake made the Elite Eight as the No. 9 seed, but fell to Westfield. So Saturday's storybook ending was three years in the making, and according to Pina, it made it all worth it. "The seniors this year made it a point to get to that next level," Pina said. "To see them, grow and evolve and culminate into something like this. If Lifetime is looking for a movie idea, tell them to give me a call." This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Silver Lake softball beats Bedford in Division 2 state championship
BBC News
10 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
Worcester land flagged for student housing up for sale
Land earmarked for a controversial student housing scheme has been put up for sale, sparking suggestions it may not go to demolish St Clement's Church Hall, off Henwick Road in Worcester, and build 54 student flats were approved by the city council in 2023 despite local church hall and land around it is now up for sale with Savills, which is advertising the plot as a "consented student development opportunity".The estate agent is asking for offers for the freehold of the site by 31 July. Before the initial plans were approved, people living nearby and local councillors had described the scheme as a "substantial overdevelopment" which would overshadow existing sheltered housing schemes in the also raised concerns about "generational conflict" between students and elderly residents. Richard Udall, a local Labour councillor, said he was not surprised the plot was up for sale."The proposal was going to be very difficult for anyone to achieve," he said. "The area is very tight and the restrictions imposed would make construction very difficult."The planning conditions also required the developer to fund a pedestrian crossing on Henwick Road and to ensure the building is staffed 24 hours, seven days a week."The developers have clearly decided the scheme is not viable."He added that "virtually the entire local community" was against the plans and suggested the site would be better suited to community said the 54 student beds in the development would be in clusters of three, four and five-bedroom apartments, with facilities such as an indoor cycle store, laundry, bin store and reception on the ground attached to the planning approval mean the developer would need to pay Worcester City Council £87,500 in Section 106 contributions, which would help fund infrastructure and community projects. This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
'Dog owners should take off their shoes and walk on a hot surface all day'
THERE should be a ban on walking dogs in hot weather. I see people walking their dogs when it's 27 degrees Celsius or higher. More: Class of 2025 primary school leavers - send us your photos More: 'Fitting recognition to one of Worcestershire's finest sons' More: Enchanting cottage in picturesque village up for sale It's not fair on the dog. Their paws get burned from walking on a hot surface. The dog owners should take off their shoes and walk on a hot surface all day. If this could not happen then that would be great. It's upsetting. Leah Worrall Worcester
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Severe thunderstorm watch for 4 Massachusetts counties until Thursday night
On Thursday at 1:23 p.m. a severe thunderstorm watch was issued by the National Weather Service valid between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. in effect until 9 p.m. for Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire and Worcester counties. Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away. To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, consider the following recommendations: Lightning safety plan: When venturing outdoors, it's crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place. Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it's a clear indication of nearby lightning. Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors. Indoors safety measures: Once you're indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors. These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways. Wait for the all-clear: After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities. It's important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution. When indoor shelter isn't available: If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety: Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk. Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees. If you're in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people. Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It's crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning. Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. While water and metal don't attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks. In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety. When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the weather service to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards: Beware of rapid water flow: Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away. Maintain safe driving distances: Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain. Slow down and drive with care: If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid. Choose your lane wisely: Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes. Prioritize visibility Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them. Watch out for slippery roads: Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery. Keep a safe distance from large vehicles: Don't follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely. Mind your windshield wipers: Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas. When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position. In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey. Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service. Read the original article on MassLive.
