First he put out the fire in the bottom of the sixth inning. Then he started the two-out rally in the top of the seventh. And for an encore, Coe-Brown junior Brady Johnson pitched around an error in the bottom of the seventh to lead the Bears to a 7-4 win at Hollis-Brookline.
“It was a great overall day for Brady, for sure,” Coe-Brown baseball Coach Sean Ashley said.
It was the third win in a row for the Bears (5-6), but before those three wins they had lost four straight, and three of those losses were by just one run. All of those close calls were weighing on the team as it faced a 4-2 deficit with two outs in the seventh.
“They were down a little bit, we had been losing some close games, but they never said die,” Ashley said.
A single to center from Johnson (2-for-3, 2 RBI, run) gave the Bears a spark of hope. That spark grew when Brody Ashley cracked a triple to right center that plated Johnson. The Cavaliers (4-6) tried to get Ashley at third, but the ball skipped away and Ashley came home with the tying run.
Senior Noah Wojtkowski kept the rally going with a single to left. He moved to second when Joel Boulanger was a hit by a pitch, and Wojtkowski scored on a single from Jacob Rich (2-for-4, RBI, run). Max Judge (2-for-4, 2 RBI) delivered the final blow with a single up the middle to score Boulanger and Rich and make it 7-4.
Brody Ashley started for Coe-Brown and went 5 ⅔, striking out 10 and giving up six hits. Johnson staked him to a 2-1 lead with a two-run double in the fifth, and then bailed him out of trouble in the sixth when Ashley started to tire after another great start.
Concord 3, Alvirne 0
Key players: Concord – Griffin Gilbert (6 IP, 4 H, 12 K; 2 doubles), Ethan Dupre (2 hits, run), Ryan Tessier (double, RBI), Jacob Knowles (save)
Highlights/key moments: The Tide scored two runs in the third and added an insurance run in the seventh for its fifth win in its last six games.
Coach’s quote: “Pitching and defense was the story today.” – Concord’s Scott Owen
Records: Concord 8-5; Alvirne 4-6
Oyster River 4, Laconia 0
Key players: Laconia – Jake Nelson (CG, 4 H, 3 ER, 1 K)
Highlights/key moments: Despite another solid outing from Nelson on the mound, the Sachems dropped their fourth straight game.
Records: Laconia 1-7; Oyster River 5-4
Windham 11, MV 1
Key players: MV – Joe Ostrowski (2-for-2, run), Caleb Chevarie (scoreless inning of relief)
Highlights/key moments: The Pride had a hard time slowing down Windham’s offense, falling for the third time in its last four games.
Records: MV 3-7; Windham 10-1
Fall Mtn. 5, H-D 4, 9 inn. (Game 1)
H-D 7, Fall Mtn. 4 (Game 2)
Key players: H-D – Thomas Ferguson (7 ⅓ IP, 7 K), Sawyer Jones (2-for-5, double), Sean Morin (2 RBI), Gunner Hagstrom (2 hits, RBI)
Highlights/key moments: The Hillcats earned a split of a doubleheader, getting a win in the second game for their first of the year.
Coach’s quote: “It was our most exciting game this year. Every team member stepped up with no errors and strong hitting.” – H-D’s Erik Hagstrom
Records: H-D 1-7; Fall Mountain 4-6
Belmont 14, Inter-Lakes 1
Key players: Belmont – Griffin Embree (7 IP, 9 K, 0 ER; 3-for-4, 3 runs, RBI), Corey Derosier (4-for-5, 2 RBI, 3 runs), Doug Price (2-for-3, 4 RBI)
Highlights/key moments: Belmont took a 3-0 lead in the third and then erupted for six runs in the sixth and five in the seventh to cement the road win.
Records: Belmont 7-2; Inter-Lakes 3-4
Winnisquam 6, Bishop Brady 1
Key players: Winnisquam – Bryce Corey (7 IP, 5 K, 3 BB, 2 H; 3 hits, RBI), Mike Lowrey (2 hits, defense), Hunter Tierney (2 hits), Brendon Vaughn (2 hits, defense); Bishop Brady – Nick Grimbilas (2 IP, 0 ER, 3 K), Kaleb Hibbard (RBI)
Coach’s quote: “Bryce came up huge. We finally got some timely hits and played a solid defensive of game.” – Winnisquam’s Fred Caruso
Records: Winnisquam 3-8; Bishop Brady 4-7
Raymond 5, Franklin 3
Key players: Franklin – Harrison Clark (7 IP, 11 K; 2-for3), Taryn Laramie (2-for-4, 2 RBI)
Highlights/key moments: Franklin scored two in the bottom of the first to take a 2-1 lead, which it held until Raymond scored two runs in the sixth and two more in the seventh.
Records: Franklin 4-5; Raymond 7-3
Hopkinton 11, Hinsdale 1
Key players: Hopkinton – Colby Marshall (3 H, 11 K; hit, RBI), Michael Baer (2 hits, double), Dustin Rose (3-for-4, 3 RBI), Tucker Windhurst (2 hits), Sam Crawford (2 hits, RBI), Ben McManus (2 hits, RBI)
Highlights/key moments: Hinsdale scored its only run on a wild pitch.
Records: Hopkinton 8-3; Hinsdale 2-11
Alvirne 5, Concord 0
Highlights/key moments: The Crimson Tide bats struggled in this one, failing to get a runner to second base until the sixth inning.
Coach’s quote: “Alvirne’s pitcher is a very good player but I’d like to think we’re better than we showed.” – Concord assistant coach Sandy Smith
Records: Alvirne 8-3; Concord 6-6
Milford 10, John Stark 6
Key players: John Stark – Gillian McGirr (triple, 4 RBI), Sydney Nelson (double, run)
Highlights/key moments: The Generals did their best to claw away at a 7-0 deficit, pulling within one run in the fifth, but couldn’t complete the comeback.
Coach’s quote: “A loss is never a great thing, but we got better today on both sides of the ball so we learn and grow and move forward.” – John Stark’s Gerry Morin
Records: John Stark 3-6; Milford 10-0
Windham 5, Merrimack Valley 4
Key players: MV – Haleigh Boutwell (6 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 4K; double), Lauren McLaughlin (2 hits), Miranda Crane (RBI)
Highlights/key moments: The Pride tied the game with solo runs in the third and fourth innings, and did the same with a two-run sixth, but stranded the bases loaded in the seventh.
Records: MV 7-3; Windham 4-4
Belmont 8, Inter-Lakes 3
Key players: Belmont– Jordan Sargent (4-for-5, 5 RBI), Shannon Davies (2-for-5, triple, double), Julianna Estermera (2-for-4, 3 runs); Inter-Lakes – Jordan Durand (2 hits, double, run), BreyAnna Hanson (2 hits, 2 RBI)
Highlights/key moments: Davies pitched the first two innings for Belmont before Lizzie Fleming took over in the circle, allowing just one run on three hits and a walk in five innings of work.
Records: Belmont 6-3; Inter-Lakes 0-9
Newfound 14, Laconia 0
Key players: Newfound – Mackenzie Ryan (5 IP, 1 H, 3 K, 0 R), Julianne Marchand (3-for-3, grand slam, 4 RBI)
Highlights/key moments: Marchand’s grand slam in the second inning was more than enough run support for Ryan in the circle in a shortened game.
Records: Newfound 6-3; Laconia 1-9
Hopkinton 7, Hinsdale 6
Key players: Hopkinton – Gabby Lajeunesse (2-for-3, 2 RBI), Megan Blanchette (7 IP, 7 K, 4 ER; HR, 2 RBI), Maddy Bishop (RBI)
Highlights/key moments: The Hawks turned a 6-2 deficit into a nice win with two runs apiece in the fourth and fifth innings and Blachette’s go-ahead home run in the sixth.
Records: Hopkinton 8-2; Hinsdale 0-11
Gilford 10, Mascoma 1
Key players: Gilford – Brooke Beaudet (3 hits, triple, RBI), Jillian Lachapelle (1 IP, 1 H, 1 K; 2 hits, HR, 5 RBI), Stevie Orton (double), Taryn Breton (double), Colby Butterfield (win, 6 K, 2 H)
Highlights/key moments: Gilford’s offense went to work with eight players combining for 14 hits. Lachapelle hit a three-run homer in the first inning to give Gilford a 4-0 lead. Lachapelle hit a two-run single in the sixth to increase the Golden Eagles’ lead to 8-0.
Records: Gilford 7-4; Mascoma 3-6
H-D 7, Fall Mtn. 4 (Game 1)
Fall Mtn. 10, H-D 2 (Game 2)
Key players: H-D – Gina Costello (3-for-4), Nicole Mooney (2-for-4, 2 doubles), Nicole Lillis (2-for-4, strong play at first base), Jess Peschel (2 key bunts), Madison O’Brien (single, 2 stolen bases), Maggie Atkins (13 IP, 14 K; 4-for-6)
Highlights/key moments: The Hillcats were strong offensively in Game 1 but could not replicate their performance from the batter’s box in Game 2 of Wednesday’s doubleheader. Atkins was strong in circle through both games.
Coach’s quote: “We came out flat in the second game and didn’t come alive until the sixth inning. Our pitching was outstanding.” – H-D’s Shawn Atkins
Records: H-D 6-3; Fall Mountain 5-4
Bow 16, Pembroke Academy 2
Key players: Bow – Mason Grasso (4 goals, 2 assists), Jared Reynolds (3 goals), Ryan Tobeler (goal, 3 assists), Alex Killion (goal, 2 assists), John Colquitt (won 9 of 10 face-offs)
Highlights/key moments: After a close first quarter, Bow scored seven goals in the second to take a 10-2 halftime lead on its way to the win.
Coach’s quote: “Top to bottom, the kids are responding and we are starting to play better lacrosse.” – Bow’s Chris Gaudreau
Records: Bow 4-3; Pembroke 4-4
Kearsage 8, ConVal 7
Key players: Kearsarge – Justin Norris (3 goals, assist), Leland Heckel (2 goals, assist), Tate Nurme (goal, 3 assists)
Highlights/key moments: Trailing 5-1 at halftime, the Cougars outscored ConVal,7-2, down the stretch.
Coach’s quote: “Our effort and energy were great in the second half. We need to be more consistent moving forward.” – Kearsarge’s Zach Matthews
Records: Kearsarge 8-1; ConVal 3-4
Bishop Brady 9, Gilford 1
Key players: Brady – Bryce Johnson (4 goals, 2 assists), Danny Bryck (2 goals, 3 assists), Rich Sullivan (2 goals, 3 assists), Craig Newcomb (26 saves)
Highlights/key moments: The Green Giants netted three goals in each of the first two quarters for a 6-1 lead and let the defense do the rest.
Coach’s quote: “We put an emphasis on ball movement and allowing other offensive players to shoot today.” – Brady’s Justin Loring
Records: Brady 3-3; Gilford 3-5
Hopkinton 12, Laconia 5
Key players: Hopkinton – Joe Cullinan (5 goals, 2 assists), Sam Schuster (3 goals, 2 assists), Henry Yianakopolos (2 assists, 12 groundballs); Laconia – Jakob Steele (2 goals, assists), Cole Reid (2 goals), Riley Roy (2 assists)
Highlights/key moments: The Hawks scored five goals in the first six minutes and led 5-3 at the half. Hopkinton used a four-goal third quarter and some timely defense to turn back the defending champs.
Coach’s quote: “Laconia always has a great team and we knew had to play tough to pull out a win.” – Hopkinton’s Deacon Blue
Records: Hopkinton 9-0; Laconia 6-4
Trinity 7, Coe-Brown 3
Key players: Coe-Brown – Zach Sheehan (12 saves), Ben Watson (goal), Daniel Strum (goal), Sam Godwin (goal)
Highlights/key moments: The Bears had a tough time stringing passes together and took too many penalties late in the game.
Records: Coe-Brown 2-7; Trinity 5-3
John Stark 15, Oyster River 9
Key players: Stark – Rylee Ledoux (6 goals, assist), Piper MacLean (3goals, 2 assists), Cady Loos (3 goals, assist)
Highlights/key moments: After trading scores early, the Generals fired off seven unanswered goals that ultimately swung the game in their favor.
Coach’s quote: “I told the girls that it was going to be a challenging game, but they rose to the occasion.” – Stark’s John Warner
Records: Stark 5-3; Oyster River 4-5
Bow 10, Campbell 3
Key players: Bow – Taylor Darrell (2 goals, assist), Zoe Jukoski (goal, assist), Jeanine Roy (first varsity goal), Pinky Fleury (5 saves)
Records: Bow 7-1; Campbell 0-7
Gilford 17, Bishop Brady 12
Key players: Bishop Brady – Sam Will (5 goals), Abby Tremblay (4 goals), Molly Levesque (defense), Allie Savage (defense)
Highlights/key moments: Gilford built a 13-3 halftime lead and then withstood the second-half rally from Brady to earn its third straight win.
Records: Gilford 5-3; Bishop Brady 2-5
Kearsarge 13, ConVal 5
Key players: Kearsarge – Anya Nowicki (8 saves), Emilie Webster (3 goals, 2 assists), Jackie DeAngelis (3 goals), Maicy Hansen (2 goals, 2 assists)
Highlights/key moments: The Cougars recorded double-digit goals for the seventh time this season for the win.
Records: Kearsarge 6-3; ConVal 3-5
Laconia 19, Hopkinton 13
Key players: Hopkinton – Lyndon Flanagan (8 goals, 3 assists), Amelia Bassett (5 goals, 2 assists), Ellie Morrall (2 assists); Laconia – Skyler Tautkus (7 goals, 4 assists), Abby Crowell (4 goals), Hannah Dow (2 goals, assist)
Highlights/key moments: Despite strong play from the midfield, the Hawks couldn’t find a way to beat the two-time defending champs.
Records: Hopkinton 6-3; Laconia 7-2
Concord 9, Salem 0
Key players: Concord – Aidan Connor (8-6 win at No. 1 singles), Adam Bryant (8-1 win at No. 2), Sebastian Hart-Meyer (8-0 win at No. 3), Matt Chorlian (8-0 win at No. 4), Ethan Crandlemire (8-0 win at No. 5), Anders Norton (8-1 win at No. 6)
Highlights/key moments: Connor rallied from down 3-0 and the Tide bounced back nicely from Monday’s loss against Derryfield to sweep the Blue Devils.
Records: Concord 7-3; Salem 2-8
Gilford 7, Inter-Lakes 2
Key players: Gilford – Christian Workman (8-2 win at No. 2), Tyler Hanf (8-0 win at No. 3), Connor Craigie (8-3 win at No. 4), Kyle Davies (8-3 win at No. 5), Alden Blais (8-5 win at No. 6); Inter-Lakes – Noah Sullivan (8-1 win at No. 1)
Highlights/key moments: Gilford won every singles match except at No. 1, where Grant Workman lost a well-played match to Sullivan.
Records: Inter-Lakes 7-4; Gilford 12-0
Bow 8, Kearsarge 1
Key players: Bow – Brayden Binder (8-5 win at No. 1), Caleb Olson (8-2 win at No. 3), Michael Mullen (8-2 win at No. 4), Dillon D’Allesandro (8-2 win at No. 5), Zach Mullen (8-1 win at No. 6); Kearsarge – Tucker Valovic (9-8, 7-4 win at No. 2)
Highlights/key moments: The Falcons handed the Cougars their first loss in four matches, sweeping all three doubles matches in the process.
Records: Bow 9-2; Kearsarge 9-2
Concord 7, Salem 2
Key players: Concord – Alex Killinger (8-1 win at No. 1 singles), Becky Cistulli (8-5 win at No. 2), Abby Pope (8-2 win), Sabrina Hart-Meyer (8-3 win), Lidia Yen (8-3 win)
Highlights/key moments: The Crimson Tide grabbed five singles wins and Cistulli and Killinger won at No. 1 doubles to clinch the match.
Coach’s quote: “It was a good test of wills that should help the team close the season solidly.” – Concord’s PJ Cistulli
Records: Concord 7-4; Salem 3-3
Pinkerton Academy 6,
Bishop Brady 3
Key players: Bishop Brady – Sydney Herrington (8-0 win at No. 1), Rachel Achong (8-2 win at No. 3)
Highlights/key moments: Herrington teamed with Ravalika Damerla for an 8-1 win at first doubles.
Records: Bishop Brady 2-7; Pinkerton 7-4
Bow 9, Wilton-Lyndeborough 0
Key players: Bow – Nandita Kasireddy (8-4 win at No. 1 singles), Claire Mulvaney (8-0 win at No. 2), Isabella Urbina (8-1 win at No. 3), Gwen Molind (8-1 win at No. 4), Lara Chern (8-2 win at No. 5), Emma Conley (8-1 win at No. 6)
Highlights/key moments: The Falcons won every match to stay undefeated.
Records: Bow 10-0; Wilton 2-7
Sanborn 7, Kearsarge 2
Key players: Kearsarge – Som Sapharee (8-4 win at No. 6), Elise Paquette and Sarah Long (9-8 win at first doubles)
Coach’s quote: “So proud of the team today. With two of our top six players missing, players moved up and played excellent competitive matches.” – Kearsarge’s Laura Joslin-King
Records: Kearsarge 2-8; Sanborn 5-3