Babe Ruth: Lynn U14 softball wins state tournament

Winning all three of its games, the Lynn Babe Ruth U14 softball squad captured the state tournament in Quincy this past weekend.”Everybody contributed,” manager Paul DeJoie said. “There were 14 girls, and each kid played each game and everybody contributed something, whether it was a defensive play or laying down a great bunt.”In its final game, Lynn defeated Kingston, 7-0, with pitcher Ally Dunnigan recording a no-hitter. She pitched seven innings, fanning three.Dunnigan also pitched the squad’s first game in the tournament, a 12-2 win over Quincy on Friday, a game shortened to five innings due to the mercy rule. Dunnigan pitched all five innings against Quincy, walking three and fanning six.”We were wondering if we would go to her Saturday,” DeJoie said. “It was 100 degrees and we decided to sit her out. She was not feeling well.”Instead, he went with a younger pitcher, Johnna Lee Calder, who struck out eight in seven innings in a 6-1 win over Plymouth. Calder walked two and allowed three hits.On Sunday, DeJoie said, Dunnigan “came out ready to go. She really was a warrior. It was 99 degrees. She pitched a gem of a game.”The game included a 45-minute delay due to lightning after six innings with Lynn up 7-0. When the skies cleared, a Kingston batter reached on an error and a teammate hit a line shot to second. Lynn centerfielder Madison Angelli made a diving catch to preserve the no-hitter.Offensive standouts for Lynn included Shannon Magner (7-11), Michelle Scuzzerella (5-11), Jessica DeJoie (5-10) and Alaina Gridley (1-4, 5 BB).Next up for Lynn is the regional tournament, which begins July 19 in Kingston.BASEBALLLynn 13s win twoAt Cooney Field, the Lynn 13s defeated Swampscott 14-4 Saturday. Yseal Martinez went five innings for Lynn, only allowing two walks. Offensive stars included Briston Maynard (3-3, 3 RS); Travis Ryan (3-4, 3 RS) and Josh Mateo (2-3, 2 RS).On Sunday, Lynn defeated Peabody 5-3. Jonathan Nicosia struck out nine in seven innings. Offensive standouts included Tommy Cash (2 RS), Eric Pedro (2-2) and Maynard (2-3).Lynn next plays today at Cooney Field against Salem-Beverly.Lynn 14s win twoAt Twi Field, Lynn defeated Marblehead, 11-8, on Saturday. Lynn led 6-1, but Marblehead tied things at 6-6 before Lynn pulled out the victory. Herbie Newton pitched well, while Antonio Felix, Tyler Way and Kyle Autilio all helped the cause. Sean Devin made a good catch in left field.On Sunday, Lynn defeated Peabody, 8-7, on Nick Peveri’s RBI single that scored Autilio in the bottom of the seventh. Peabody went up 3-0 before Lynn tied it 3-3. In the bottom of the sixth, Leonardo Ramos hit a 2-run single as Lynn went up 7-3, but Peabody tied the score at 7-7. An inning later, however, Peveri would connect for the game-winner. Lynn went 4-0 in pool play and qualified for the playoffs.Rich Tenorio can be reached at [email protected].