Baseball: Spartans still alive in CCL title hunt

In just a few hours on Tuesday, the St. Mary’s baseball team accomplished a great deal with its 10-2 victory over visiting Archbishop Williams. Not only did the Spartans (7-6, 5-5 CCL) avenge an early season loss to the Bishops, but they also stayed afloat in the quest for a conference title.”That was a great win today for us, as we kept hope alive for the CCL championship,” said athletic director Jeff Newhall following the victory. “The guys played well and were able to avenge that loss earlier in the season to a good team.”Sean Buckland tossed a complete game for the Spartans, scattering six hits and striking out eight en route to the victory. The offense backed him up, as St. Mary’s scored three in the fifth, and four in the sixth to break open a tight game.The key hit in the contest came on a pinch-hit double from Brandon Polignone, which scored the go-ahead run. Zach Conti finished the game with three RBI for the Spartans.St. Mary’s got big games from Joe Kasper (3-for-3, 2 runs) and Kurtis White (2-for-3, 1 run).The Spartans don’t have time to savor the victory as they play host to conference rival Cardinal Spellman on Wednesday at Fraser Field.Swampscott 13, Saugus 5At Swampscott, the Big Blue (10-5) qualified for the state tournament with the win. Coach T.J. Baril has held the job for the past seven years and the team has qualified every year.Nick Meninno (5 innings, 8 hits, no walks, 8 strikeouts, 5 runs, 3 earned runs) picked up the win with Evan Rhodes and Sean O’Brien combining to pitch the two final scoreless innings.Saugus led 2-1 heading into the bottom of the fourth inning, but Mike Walsh’s two-run home run put the Big Blue on top for good. Swampscott nailed down the victory with a seven-run fifth inning. Walsh went 2-for-4; Trevor Massey had three hits and four RBI; Sean O’Brien, two hits including a 2-run home run, and Justin Perry had a solo home run.Danny Groark took the loss for Saugus. The Sachems had back-to-back solo home runs from Shane Ripley and Steven Blaney in the fourth inning to give Saugus a 2-1 lead.Marblehead 7, Gloucester 5At Gloucester, the Magicians (9-7) won their sixth straight, recording 10 hits. Colton Dana finished 3-for-3 with three RBI while Tommy Koopman added a 2-run homer. Will Quigley went 3-for-5, scored twice and stole two bases for Marblehead. Braden Engstrom improved to 3-0 on the mound.Lynnfield 8, Hamilton-Wenham 2At Hamilton-Wenham, the visiting Pioneers’ (12-3) balanced offensive attack featured a three-RBI game from Jordan Roper. Chris Lang, Craig Anderson, and B.J. Neil each added RBI singles.Beverly 15, Revere 1At Revere, the Panthers (9-5) enjoyed a solid pitching performance from Alex Toomey, who allowed three hits in a complete game. He also struck out four. Toomey helped himself out at the plate with two hits and two RBI. Kevin Cuneo (2 hits, RBI); Cam Rogers (2 RBI); Brandon Sungy (hit, 3 RBI) and Luke McDonald (RBI) also swung the bat well. Beverly needs one more win to qualify for the state tournament.