The Lynnfield and Peabody baseball teams squared off in a scrimmage early Sunday morning, with each program’s regular seasons kicking off this week. While Lynnfield got the better of Peabody (14-2), both teams are heading in with confidence.
Let’s start with the Pioneers, who have impressed throughout the offseason according to head coach John O’Brien.
“We have a great group of kids, and I feel we have a really good mix of experience and youth,” O’Brien said. “We have nine seniors, nine juniors, and two sophomores on this year’s squad, so having a lot of upperclassmen is always a luxury. This group is chomping at the bit to get this season started.”
As for the game, O’Brien was more than pleased with his team’s showing.
“We hit the ball really well today, which is a good sign,” O’Brien said. “Our pitching was good and the pitchers threw a lot of strikes – which is encouraging to see. We also played a solid game defensively.”
Lynnfield used three pitchers in the six-inning exhibition, and O’Brien was happy with all of their performances while still holding his expectations high.
“We have not decided who is going to be the opening day starter yet, but they are all in the mix,” O’Brien said. “Dave Tracy pitched the first three innings, then Dan Dorman threw the next two innings, and then Brendan Manoogian pitched the final inning.”
O’Brien continued on his rotation.
“We are going to pitch the guys who throw strikes,” O’Brien said. “Last year, we struggled to throw strikes at times and that really hurt us. These guys have done pretty well thus far, which excites me.”
O’Brien also feels this could be a special year in the standings.
“The sky’s the limit for this group,” O’Brien said. “All these kids are good players, great kids, and have excellent chemistry. I am looking forward to seeing what this squad achieves.”
Peabody has a much different feel and look to its team – fielding a very young roster. The Tanners lost nine players from last year’s group, and have just three athletes with varsity experience.
Peabody head coach Mark Bettencourt expects his team to face some early-season growing pains.
“We lost a lot of experience this season, but this group is talented and confident,” Bettencourt said. “I expect this team to grow as the season progresses, so I do not think we will be the same team we are now when May comes around.”
The three returning Tanners are senior catcher Ryan Brunet, senior centerfielder Sammy Oliveri, and senior third baseman Giovanni Guglielmo. Bettencourt expects the trio to step up on and off the field.
“Ryan, Sammy and Giovanni are all awesome kids and really good players,” Bettencourt said. “Unfortunately, we will be without Giovanni for an extended time as he tore his ACL during the football season. We hope Giovanni will be back on the field by mid-May, but we will see.”
Peabody has lots of youth up and down the roster, and Bettencourt has already seen the group’s potential.
“We have Cameron Connelly, Mike Pietro, Reymi Andino, Josh Signon, Joey Smith, and Jarielo Tolentino ready to make major impacts once the first real pitch is thrown,” Bettencourt said. “I know when opposing teams are scouting us, there may not be a lot of information about this group, but they will be ready to go and expect to succeed.”
Lynnfield’s season starts with a matchup against Lynn Classical Saturday, while Peabody is scheduled to play Winthrop Thursday.
Jerry DiStefano can be reached at [email protected]
