LYNN — Like a near-perfect road trip, other than a minor bump in the road during the fourth inning, Friday evening was a success – and then some – for the Peabody baseball team.
Making their way to Fraser Field for a date with Lynn English, the Tanners (12-2) took care of the Bulldogs (3-7), 11-2, behind a complete game from pitcher Dylan Cunningham.
Better yet, it was the freshman’s first time suiting up at Fraser. The right-hander punched out 11 batters, allowed three hits, and walked just two batters – much to the approval of coach Mark Bettencourt.
“To tell you the truth, the last couple of games, we haven’t really used his change-up, but we knew this was a good fastball-hitting team,” Bettencourt said. “He stayed with the curveball and the slider.”
The flashy strikeouts were one thing, but Bettencourt’s favorite part of Cunningham’s performance – without a doubt – was how he responded from some adversity.
With Peabody ahead, 7-0, in the fourth inning, English started to smash. Gamalier Calderon (2 hits) broke Cunningham’s no-hit bid with a single to right, then Kenry Manzanillo lasered a two-run shot to left (7-2).
English coach Esteban Paula had told his players to just “do their jobs.”
“The game is not about the first inning, second inning, or third inning,” he said. “Play every single inning like you play the whole game… do your job for seven innings.”
Despite the home-team heat on a windy evening, it was short-lived. Cunningham picked up a hard-earned strikeout to snatch momentum right back.
“He didn’t lose his cool; he kept his composure. They were tough on him on the bench and that’s good to see. He’s got to get used to that,” Bettencourt said. “If he wants to be a top-notch pitcher, people are going to try and get under his skin to beat him.”
With Paula’s message in mind, English did its best and even loaded the bases in the sixth, but it was no match for another four Peabody runs.
“Tough season so far,” said Paula, whose Bulldogs check in at No. 57 in the MIAA Division 1 power rankings. “We just need to stay focused on all seven innings.”
While English struggled to bring in runs, the opposition didn’t have that problem. Leading Peabody’s offense were Cunningham (2-for-2, RBI), Jariel Tolentino (3-for-5, 2 runs), Noah Crocker (2-for-4, run, RBI), and Joey Smith (1-for-2, 3 runs).
The Tanners connected on eight hits and didn’t commit an error, to boot.
“It makes you feel like the kids are bought in, and that they understand that hard work pays off,” Bettencourt said. “Last year, we didn’t really get that pay-off… the flower bloomed a little late and we’re starting to see some good things.”
Another victory highlight was a diving, full-effort play at third base from Reymi Andino to save a run in the sixth inning.
“We’re getting some great plays defensively,” said Bettencourt, whose Tanners rank No. 32 in Division 1. “That was a great play. Another thing we’re seeing – guys are wanting the ball to come to them.”
Peabody hosts Saugus at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, while English takes on traditional archrival Lynn Classical Saturday night at 7 p.m.
“We need to make adjustments. We need to pound the strike zone right away and get on top of hitters,” Paula said. “Make them hit the ball, and then we’re going to play defense.”
