Lynn 13s unable to get bats going against Newton

LYNN – With problems getting their offense going, the Lynn Babe Ruth 13s were topped by Newton, 9-2, in the Eastern Mass. tournament Friday at the Bowser Complex in Lynn.
Lynn will try to right the ship quickly when they take on Peabody Saturday morning at 11 back at Bowser.
“Tomorrow, we’re really going to see what we’re made of,” said Lynn coach John Nerich. “That game will be the difference between moving on and having the rest of the summer off. We have to regroup.”
The Newton offense got started early, putting a three-spot on the board in the first inning. Newton third baseman Seb Pike, who reached base in all four of his at-bats and had four RBIs, drove in two with a two-out single.
The Lynn squad answered when Jomar Moreta got things started with a leadoff walk and proceeded to steal second and third. Andy Duverge followed with a walk and Will Hunter drove in a run with a single. The rally was short-lived, however, as Newton starter Luke Silva settled in and retired the next three batters in order.
From that point on, Lynn had trouble putting the bat on the ball. While it scored once more in the fourth as Hunter led off with a single and Matt Devin drew a bases-loaded walk, hits were hard to come by for much of the game.
“We were timid at the plate,” said Nerich. “They made the plays, but it’s easy to make the plays when we’re hitting the ball right at them. We’re trying to teach them that every pitch matters, and having an aggressive approach makes all the difference. Whether you’re 13 years old or in the Major Leagues, an aggressive approach makes the difference.”
Lynn starter Brendan Lannon lasted five innings, allowing seven runs, but fought hard against a solid Newton lineup.
“I thought Lannon did an admirable job, stepping in and doing what needed to be done,” said Nerich. “He battled, and we chipped away, but that was about it.”
Duverge relieved Lannon and allowed two runs on a hit and two walks. Neither of the runs were earned.
Nerich says that the team will have to come to Saturday’s game focused and ready to play.
“With 13-year-olds, you never know what you’re going to get,” said Nerich. “Two nights ago, we were world beaters, and they came in thinking like that tonight. We’re a much better team than (we showed tonight).”Katie Morrison can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter at @KatieMo61.