SALEM — Peabody entered Friday’s game against Danvers National knowing a win was necessary to keep its Section 4 championship hopes alive.
Peabody delivered, defeating Danvers 4-2 behind strong pitching and timely hitting. Declan Peterson pitched well and kept Danvers in check throughout, helping propel Peabody into Saturday’s title game.
Peabody took a 4-2 lead into the fifth inning and never looked back.
Swampscott also did its part Friday night, topping Wakefield 8-2 to stay in contention for a championship berth.
Wakefield struck first in the top of the second inning with an RBI single. Swampscott responded in the bottom half of the frame with a single to center that brought in a run, followed by another RBI hit down the left field line to make it 2-1.
Swampscott added two more runs in the third to extend its lead. The offense stayed hot, tallying 10 hits in the win.
Despite Peabody, Danvers and Swampscott all finishing 2-1 in pool play, tiebreakers favored Peabody and Danvers.
Peabody and Danvers will meet Saturday in the Section 4 championship at Stephen M. O’Grady Field at Forest River Park. First pitch is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.
