LYNN — History repeated itself Wednesday morning between the Lynn Classical (3-1) and Somerville softball programs – the Lady Rams charged.
Classical – which bested Somerville, 19-1, last spring – won this one in five innings, 21-2.
Hold on, though. For Classical coach Joe Morin, he admitted his girls came out flat to start the game.
“I got on the girls the first few innings because even if we are playing a team that isn’t as strong as us, we still have to do things correctly. Making proper reads, putting the ball in play, and playing with energy,” he said. “We were very flat in the first two innings and I told the girls if they want to be a championship team and win the GBL (Greater Boston League), we have to play with energy every single game. We can’t just get up for big games like (Lynn) English or Medford; we need to bring it to every opponent.”
Though Classical conceded a pair of runs across the first two innings, the girls listened to their coach from start to finish.
Junior Nevaeh Eth (6 RBI) roped an infield single in the first, scoring Lauren Wilson who led things off with a triple. Later in the inning, Morin and the Lady Rams showed their intentions on the base path. Eth and sophomore Brooke Braswell stole home on back-to-back sequences for a 3-1 cushion.
Next thing you know, it was 10-2 in the bottom of the third in favor of the hosts.
But Eth wasn’t done doing damage at the plate. In the bottom of the third with two runners on base, she hit a rocket to left field that reached the fence. Both runners scored and Eth showed her speed around the bases, registering an inside-the-park homer to make it 13-3.
“She’s really good. I think she’s the best player in our league,” Morin said. “I think she has three triples, three doubles, a home run and 14 RBI. She hits the ball really hard and in the field [and] she hasn’t made an error yet playing shortstop. She’s only a junior and is being recruited by some pretty good schools. She’s also a great leader.”
On the mound for the Rams was sophomore Emma Chevalier, making her first varsity start. She recorded three punchouts and allowed just two hits with no earned runs.
“This was Emma’s first time starting. She did a good job throwing strikes. She did well and grew into the game,” Morin said. “She pitched in a couple of games this season. Every time she’s come in to pitch, she’s done well.”
With Classical strolling to victory, Morin used his entire squad. Ava Cahill, McKenna Duncan, and Liliana Parker all recorded their first varsity hits.
“Everyone got in and that’s the second or third time this year we were able to have everyone play,” Morin said. “It’s great, especially because we’re young. I think I started with four sophomores and three freshmen. We’re just going to keep getting better and better, and with a young team, we’ll keep developing throughout the season.”
Then, when Classical needed a pitcher to deal the final few outs, Morin called upon Braswell, who struck out two of the final three batters.
“Brooke is a sophomore, but she throws the ball hard,” Morin said. “She has a lot of potential.”
Speaking of potential, Lynn Classical’s next game is on the road when it travels to Chelsea on Monday. First pitch is slated for 4 p.m.
