Sophomore Clayton Marengi made the first start of his varsity career a memorable one. He pitched six strong innings to earn the win, giving up three hits, one walk and one unearned run and also struck out four. He threw just 66 pitches. Senior Dan Jameson mopped up with one perfect inning of relief, needing only 10 pitches to set the Clippers in order, one of them on strikes as Lynnfield defeated Newburyport, 8-1, at Newburyport High.
Right fielder Joey Mack led the 13-hit parade for the Pioneers with a huge day at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two RBI, while center fielder Will Garofoli was 2-for-3 with an RBI double and 2-run single. Senior captain and catcher Nick Giammarco was 2-for-3 with a double and RBI. Jameson and first baseman Fernando Gonzalez got in on the action with RBI singles.
Marengi’s older brother, senior captain Cooper Marengi, made a highlight reel catch in left to rob a Clipper of extra bases to help the cause.
“Clay keeps the ball down low and just throws strikes. He’s smart enough to throw the ball in the ball in the dirt if he has to and that’s what you want,” said Lynnfield coach John O’Brien. “Nick did a great job behind the plate as well and got some great defense with only throwing error and the kids did a great job with the bats. It was also good for us to get out on grass for the first time.”
O’Brien singled out third baseman Matt Fiore and Gonzalez for solid defense at the corners as well as Cooper Marengi for making a great catch.
