LYNN — One big inning. That’s all it took for the Lynnfield 12-year-old All-Stars to turn what had been a pitchers’ duel into a four-inning, mercy-rule rout over host East Lynn Friday night. It was a 15-2 final at Charlie Reinfuss Field in the District 16 tournament.
With Lynnfield on top, 1-0, after three innings, Lynnfield sent 19 batters to the plate in the top of the fourth with 14 of them scoring – nine with two outs. The big hits were a bases-clearing triple from Justin Migliero (2-for-3, 2 R), RBI doubles from Luke McEwen (1-for-2, 2 R) and Colin Morrison (2-for-3, 2 R), a two-run double and RBI single from Will Shields (2-for-3, 3 RBI, R) and a double from Grady Pavao (1-for-2, R).
“[East Lynn] rolled out three really good pitchers, but I think we had a couple of key hits in that inning. The kids have been hitting well all season,” said Lynnfield coach Mark Hudson. “There were a couple of good, tough at-bats, so it’s a great win as that team is really good. Their kids can play and they were fielding well, so today was a game.”
“We scouted them Sunday and know they are good one through 12 and good every year, but we just fell apart,” said East Lynn coach Andy Lang. “We stressed defense all year because a good team like Lynnfield hits the ball, and if you don’t make good defensive plays, 15-2 is going to happen. Kudos to them. They put the ball into play and had great pitching. They brought it to us.”
McEwen earned the win for Lynnfield. In three innings, he allowed just one hit and one earned run with seven strikeouts and a walk. Grant Hudson pitched one inning in relief, allowing two runs on one hit with three punchouts and two walks.
East Lynn starter Raiden Por cruised through the first three innings, allowing just one unearned run on one hit. Jhorinian Vasquez and Israel Rodriguez closed out the fourth.
Trailing 15-0 in the bottom of the fourth, East Lynn broke up the shutout, the big hit an RBI triple off the bat of Rodriguez (1-for-1, R) that brought home Nico Gallo, who led off the inning with a walk. Dillon Lang (1-for-2) had the only other base hit for East Lynn.
Hudson credited the bottom of the order for keeping the line moving.
“Brady had a big hit and then we had Wes get on base, Keegan get on base, which set the table for the top of the order,” Hudson said. “The second half of our order has been hitting as well – or even outhitting the order – so they are doing great.”
Lynnfield has eight days off before returning to action against Swampscott on July 6 at Pine Hill.
“We haven’t played them since they were 10s, but at this point, every team is going to be what we saw tonight with all good pitchers,” Hudson said. “So, I am sure it’s going to be tough the whole way.”
East Lynn, which had a bye in the opening round, will play Pine Hill Tuesday at Salem in a must-win game at 5:30 p.m.
“They probably have the best kid in Lynn in Jacob Morin and we know what he’s going to do on the mound for them. He throws heat and he smashes the ball at the plate. He’s quick and plays good defense,” Lang said. “The team is well-coached and they’ll bring it to us, but, hopefully, we can give the same effort.”
