After the Lynnfield baseball team clinched the Cape Ann League – outright – Tuesday evening, coach John O’Brien kept it simple, crediting timely hits, strikes thrown, and good defense.
Well, all three boxes were checked against host Pentucket in a 5-0 win, upping Lynnfield’s record to 14-2 in the CAL and 16-2 overall.
“The kids worked really hard,” O’Brien said. “They had a good winter in the weight room and they’ve earned it.”
Madux Iovinelli registered the no-hit shutout, also connecting on three hits. O’Brien made sure to credit Nick Groussis, too.
“He did a great job at the plate,” O’Brien said. “On defense, shortstop Tyler Adamo made a fabulous play on a pop-up going toward the outfield and first baseman Dave Tracy made a great catch today. … Good overall effort “
The Pioneers return to the diamond Friday to face Burlington.
Lynn English 4
Medford 3
English’s Kenry Manzanillo (2-for-3, RBI) went seven innings in this one, spinning a gem. He punched out 13 batters, allowed no hits, and walked two.
Then, extra innings. Things were knotted, 3-3, in the top of the ninth when Wilfredo Perez of the Bulldogs singled, plating the go-ahead run.
Gamalier Calderon went home with a solo shot in the fifth inning and Gilbert Galva had a pair of hits.
SOFTBALL
Lynn Classical 12
Swampscott 3
In a continuation game from last week (weather), Tuesday’s showdown picked up in the fifth inning with Classical ahead, 7-2.
And from there, the Rams charged. Classical scored five runs in the sixth inning. Brooke Braswell (4-for-4, 5 RBI) hit a three-run homer over the center field fence.
St. Mary’s 15
Concord-Carlisle 2
The Spartans improved to 11-3 after a convincing win on the road. The star of the show was Brooke Moloney, who went 5-for-5 with four runs and a pair of RBI. Gabby Marichal (2-for-4, R, 3 RBI, HR) also impressed for St. Mary’s, which went home with 17 hits under its belt.
Nashoba Valley 10
Lynn Tech 7
After a 10-1 defeat in Game 1 of Tuesday’s double-header – one in which Jianni Benabel picked up the lone RBI in – Tech responded with a much stronger performance in Game 2.
“The second game, Lynn Tech came back stronger,” said Tigers’ coach Beth Mercaldi.
Genevieve McCafferty had four strikeouts, while Camilla Rufino Santos also played well, according to Mercaldi.
Peabody 14
Beverly 2
Host Peabody captured the Northeastern Conference with a thrashing of the Panthers. Abby Bettencourt (2 HR) and Logan Lomasney hit back-to-back shots late, while Gabbi Wickeri led Beverly’s charge with a two-run homer.
Saugus 14
Watertown 2
Saugus (9-9) came out on top in Watertown in a mercy-ruled, five-inning game.
“The kids played well today. The offense did very well with 17 hits,” said Saugus coach Steve Almquist.
Taylor Deleidi (4-for-4, 4 R) got the start in the circle, giving up two hits and two runs, while punching out five. Offensively, the Sachems were led by Kaitlyn Pugh (3-for-4), Sabrina Tamburello (2 RBI), Ava Rogers (2-for-4, RBI, 2 R), Devany Millerick (2-for-4, RBI), and Felicia Alexander (H, 2 RBI).
BOYS LACROSSE
St. Mary’s 9
Tech Boston 7
In a strong finish to the season, St. Mary’s (4-11) edged Tech Boston on Senior Night at Manning Field. Finn Racki led the way with five goals, while Evan Toto (2 goals), Sal Brogna (1) and Cade Cornell (1) also found the back of the net.
GIRLS LACROSSE
Peabody 19
Saugus 0
Ally Bettencourt scored two goals and dished out three helpers, but that was nothing when looking at the entire picture. That’s because she went home with her 200th career point.
Madi Barrett added a pair of goals, while Brooke Lomasney netted four to go with three assists. Katie Amico also scored twice, and 11 Tanners tallied goals. They travel to play Ipswich at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
BOYS TENNIS
Lynn English 3
Everett 2
English jumped to 6-5 and clinched its spot in the state tournament with a one-set win over Everett. Edward and Eric Salazar picked up singles wins, while the doubles team of Ethan Chilel and Bobby Thipavong got the job done, 2-6, 6-2, 6-2.
Swampscott 3
Manchester-Essex 2
Big Blue, big-time win. Swampscott escaped Manchester-Essex to reach an 11-4 record. Charles and Sam Schepens served up singles victories, while Nick Custer and Trevor Talabian teamed up for another in first doubles.
GIRLS TENNIS
Marblehead 3
Lynnfield 2
This one was back and forth, but for those who have watched these programs this spring, they probably weren’t surprised. Ultimately, Marblehead’s magic worked on the Pioneers in a third-set tiebreaker.
The Magicians received a singles win from Sami Dosch. From there, Aoife Bresnahan and Lucia Levin took care of things in first doubles, as did the second doubles team of Lani Gilmore and Reese Friendman.
“Our much-anticipated, last regular season match against Lynnfield did not disappoint,” said Marblehead coach Tracy Ackerman. “It was a back-and-forth battle all afternoon. … This match really prepared us for what is to come in the state tournament next week. If we play with as much heart and grit as we did today, then I have high hopes for doing well next week.”
For Lynnfield, Paige Martino and Lily Alves won first and second singles, respectively.
VOLLEYBALL
Lynn Classical 3
Somerville 2
The Rams (8-6 Greater Boston League) finished the season with a 14-6 record after their tight win against Somerville on enemy hardwood. Set scores were 25-17, 23-25, 26-28, 25-23, and 15-12.
Kenzel Lantano, a sophomore setter, had 47 assists, five digs, and two aces, while junior outside hitter Viet Tran smashed 17 kills.
“I’m really proud of the boys for putting together a 14-6 record and a berth in the state tournament in just our second year as a program,” said Classical coach Christopher LeBlanc. “Now, we have a week to work hard in practice and see who we play in round one.”
