SAUGUS — Friday night was a special night for the Saugus baseball program, as the Sachems played their first-ever night baseball game under the lights at World Series Park. A packed house crowded the field for the big game, which was played against Greater Lawrence — whose athletic director is Saugus native and former Saugus AD Mike Nelson.
The ceremonial first pitch was thrown out by Dr. Han Soo Lho, Saugus dentist and owner of Saugus Dental Center — who was a major donor to the World Series Park Lighting Fund. Also honored prior to the game was Nelson’s father David Nelson, a former Saugus vice principal and athletic director who passed away in November.
The color guard from Beverly High School Junior Marine Corps ROTC also participated in the raising of the nation’s colors and the national anthem.
As for the game action, the Sachems jumped ahead early and never looked back in a 16-6 win over Greater Lawrence.
Saugus was spurred on by a nine-run second inning, where the Sachems batted through their order almost two full times.
Nathan Ing went 1-for-3 with three RBI to pace the offensive attack for Saugus, while Ryan Anderson went 1-for-4 with a double and two RBI and Matt MacEachern went 1-for-2 with two RBI. Michael Howard (3-for-4, double), Anthony Cicolini (2-for-3, double), Cam Soroko (2-for-3) and Braeden Faiella (2-for-3, double) each had multiple hits to go along with one RBI, while Shane Bourque (1-for-1), Anthony Macone (1-for-2), Ryan Mabee (1-for-1), David Turilli (1-for-1) and Drew Gardner (0-for-0) each had one RBI.
The Sachems used a trio of arms to work through the win, with Mabee getting the start and going the first two innings — allowing just three hits and striking out three. Macone came in and pitched two innings of relief, allowing one run on three hits with five strikeouts. MacEachern finished things off with two innings of work, allowing three runs on three hits with two strikeouts.
Saugus (5-5) plays on the road at Peabody Wednesday (4:30).
