LYNNFIELD — Lynnfield’s 9-year-old All-Star team ran the table at the Battle by the Lake tournament at Newhall Park, defeating Saugus, 9-5, to win the championship and finish with a perfect 6-0 record.
Justin Dorsky had a big day at the plate with a triple, four RBI, and one run scored. Domenic Varone (2-for-3, R, RBI) and Calvin Dooley (1-for-3, R, RBI) smashed solo home runs. Tucker O’Hara (2-for-3, 2 R) also had a big day. Walter Neal (1-for-2, R), Owen Lawler (1-for-2, R, RBI), Peter Brooks (1-for-2, R, RBI), Shaia Donahue (1-for-2, RBI) and William Bransfield (1-for-2, R) also compiled hits.
Dorsky (4 ⅓ IP, 3 R, 6 H, 5 K, 2 BB) got the start for Lynnfield, while Dooley (1 ⅓ IP, 2 R, 3 H, BB) mopped up in relief.
Craig Cole (2-for-2, 2 R, BB) and Mark Benoit (2-for-3, 2 RBI, R, 2B) led Saugus’ offense. JJ Benoit (1-for-2, R), Copper Salamone (1-for-2, RBI), Ben Metelus (1-for-2, RBI), Jameson Valley (1-for-2, 2B), and AJ Merlina (1-for-1, BB) also collected hits.
Ryan Kane (1 IP) and JJ Benoit (4 IP, 5 R, 5 H, 8 K) split time on the mound for Saugus.
Entering the game, Lynnfield outscored opponents by a whopping 61-12 margin. It opened with a 10-0 win against Marblehead, then followed with an 11-5 triumph against Peabody. From there, a 14-4 win against Peabody West, 14-1 smashing of Winthrop, and 12-2 win against Saugus.
“The offense has been relentless throughout the tournament, with contributions from the entire lineup,” said manager Rob O’Hara. “Just as impressive has been Lynnfield’s defense and pitching staff, while consistently making the routine plays and throwing strikes.”
Saugus opened the tournament with four consecutive wins before falling to the champs. Saugus defeated Winthrop, 14-4, followed by a 9-7 win against Peabody West, a 10-6 win against Marblehead, and a narrow 7-6 escape against Peabody.
Peabody finished third in pool play with a 3-2 record, while Peabody West (2-3), Winthrop (1-4), and Marblehead (0-5) also participated.
Dorsky finished the six-game tournament with an .889 batting average, while Tucker O’Hara (.750) and Varone (.750) also sported red-hot bats. Rob O’Hara said Bransfield (.667), Dooley (.538), Ben Gentile (.500), Donahue (.429), and Greyson Meyer (.429) delivered key hits in big moments.
