ITEM FILE PHOTO
Lynn catcher Zach Elwell makes a nice block to keep the ball in front of him.
BY STEVE KRAUSE
The Lynn 15-year-old Babe Ruth baseball team may have an automatic spot in the New England regionals by virtue of hosting the tournament, but it would much rather play its way onto Fraser Field.
Tuesday, Lynn cleared a major hurdle toward that end by defeating Walpole, 7-2, at Chelmsford’s Volunteer Field.
The victory puts Lynn in the state semifinal, which will be played Thursday at Braintree High School. The opponent has yet to be determined, nor has the time.
As with Saturday’s win over Chelmsford, Dayshon Anderson struck the big blow, hitting a three-run homer in the first inning.
“We lost the other night, but except for that, it’s how we’ve been able to play in this post-season,” said manager Leon Elwell. “We’ve talked about scoring early and putting pressure on the other team.”
Aedan Leydon got things started with a walk, and Christian Burt singled him to third. David Barnard followed with a base hit, with Leydon coming home, and then Anderson hit his homer.
Burt knocked in Danny Lilja, who had singled, in the second inning and Lynn was on its way.
“Aedan has played really well,” said Elwell.
Burt pitched the first three innings, allowing only one hit. A.J. Luciano pitched the fourth and fifth, and Erick Ubri finished up.
Defensively, Elwell said Brett Bucklin played well in right, making two nice plays, and catcher Zach Elwell continued to shine behind the plate.
“He handles the pitchers on his own, and he’s done a good job,” Leon Elwell said. “He sets the tone for us.”
