Swampscott LL softball takes early lead in state title series

WORCESTER – The Swampscott Little League softball all-star team is one win away from a state title after defeating host Jesse Burkett Little League, 2-0, Friday at Rockwood Field.Swampscott did just about everything right, but the story was pitcher Abby Chung, who tossed a one-hit shutout, striking out 10 and walking only two batters.Jesse Burkett only had three base runners.”She was on tonight,” Swampscott manager Henry Wong said.”The last time she pitched (a 2-1 win over Woburn in the sectionals), I said it was the best game she’s ever pitched. I take it back. This was her best game.”Chung got the job done primarily with the fastball and with her teammates playing flawless defense behind her, she coasted to the win in a game that only last an hour and 11 minutes.”The team played great defense,” Wong said, citing in particular a nice play at short by Tori Thistle throwing out a runner late in the game and another stellar play by first baseman Bridget Genoversa-Wong.The two teams go at it again today at 3 p.m. at Rockwood Field. If Swampscott wins, it takes the state title and advances to the East Regionals in Albany, N.Y. If Jesse Burkett wins, the rubber game will be Sunday.Jesse Burkett pitcher Julie Marshall didn’t make things easy for Swampscott. She struck out six, scattered five hits and for five of the six innings, she held Swampscott scoreless.Swampscott broke the ice in the top of the second inning. Erin Cassidy reached on an error to start the inning and advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Wong.Stephanie Collins moved Cassidy up on a ground ball to short and Cassidy scored on a throwing error for a 1-0 Swampscott lead. Sam Rizzo walked to keep the inning going and Emma Walsh capitalized by shooting a single up the middle, scoring Dawley from second.Chung was untouchable through the first four innings, After allowing the first runner to reach on an error, she set down the next 14 batters before Kelly Plourde finally dinged the armor a bit with a walk. Marshall lofted a single to right field, putting runners on first and third, giving Jesse Burkett’s its first real threat of the game.Chung put an end to any thoughts of a rally by striking out the next batter to escape the inning unscathed.’These were two very well matched teams with a couple of good pitchers,” Burkett manager Jim Marshall said.Third baseman Alexa Steriti had a pair of hits for Swampscott.Chung’s most impressive inning was the second when she struck out the side in order.