John Stark 2, Hollis-Brookline 1
Key players: John Stark – Anthony Paolicelli (win, 6 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 12 K), Hunter Keim (1-for-2, double, RBI), Joey Dykstra (1-for-3, double, run), Deltyn Williams (1-for-3, double), Chase Philibotte (1 IP, save, 1 K)
Highlights: The two previous Division II champions were locked in a pitchers’ duel all afternoon, but Paolicelli and the Generals were victorious. Stark opened the scoring in the second inning when Hayden Nunley came home on Dykstra’s ground ball that was misplayed by Hollis. The Generals had two runners called out at the plate as the game moved along but added an insurance run in the seventh on doubles by Dykstra and Keim. Philibotte came in to face the Cavaliers’ clean-up hitter with two outs and the tying run on second and won the battle on a high fastball strikeout.
Coach’s quote: “What a game! Two very good teams with outstanding pitchers battled it out today. Huge win for us coming off a couple loses, as it proves we can play with best in the division, who were undefeated and the defending state champs. Proud of how our club battled today.” – John Stark’s Dennis Pelletier
Records: John Stark 4-2; Hollis-Brookline 5-1
Hanover 9, Pembroke 4, susp.
Key players: Pembroke – Owen Stewart (5-plus IP; 1-for-2), Logan Sarrasin (double), Devin Riel (double)
Highlights: The Spartans led 4-3 through four innings, but Hanover plated four runs in the fifth inning and two more in the sixth when the game ended early due to rain.
Records: Hanover 4-0; Pembroke 2-4
Campbell 14, Hopkinton 4, 6 inn.
Key players: Campbell – Noah Marcotte (3-for-4, 3 RBI), Noah Reed (walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the 6th); Hopkinton – Cody Charron (3-for-3, 2 runs, 2 RBI), Mike Pantano (3-for-3, RBI), Jimmy Eaton (squeeze, RBI)
Highlights: The Hawks trailed 4-0 after the first inning, but Eaton’s well-executed squeeze play plated Charron to make the score 4-1, and a two-run single by Charron in the third made it 4-3. Campbell scored four runs in the bottom of the third to make it 8-3, and the Cougars scored six additional runs to end the game in six innings. Liam Bartlett entered the game at first base in the sixth inning and recorded his first varsity putout.
Coach’s quote: “It’s great to see the improvements the guys are making on both sides of the ball. We are making plays defensively were weren’t making two weeks ago, and offensively we had 12 baserunners (eight hits, two HBP, two walks) against a very good Campbell team. Unfortunately, we left seven runners on base, so we will need to get better on producing timely hits and our execution to not strand those runners, but overall very pleased with how this young team is staying energetic and enthusiastic.” – Hopkinton’s Kevin Hill
Records: Campbell 5-1; Hopkinton 0-5
Bow 13, Campbell 4
Key players: Bow – Emma Kelly (3-for-4, 4 RBI), Emily Kiah (4-for-6), Lauren Oppold (4-for-6, 3 RBI), Lilly Wright (2 doubles, 4 RBI), Ella Roos (triple), Hannah McGonigle (3-for-5, 3 runs, 2 RBI, double; 3 IP, 4 K), Caly Poitras (3 IP, 2 K)
Highlights: With a 5-4 lead heading into the fifth inning, Bow strung together four hits with two outs to plate five runs.
Coach’s quote: “The offense made key adjustments after the first inning to help control the strike zone, collecting 15 hits between the third and sixth innings and keeping momentum on our side. The defense played one of its best games so far this season as well, with only one error on a foul pop fly that didn’t do any damage.” – Bow’s Jen Boyden
Records: Bow 3-2; Campbell 1-3
Pembroke 20, Hanover 6
Key players: Pembroke – Eliza Carigan (grand slam, 3 hits), Ally Tessler (3 hits), Tiana Jenkins (2 hits, double), Lily Corbitt (2 hits, double)
Records: Pembroke 3-3; Hanover 0-3
Hanover 17, John Stark/Hillsboro-Deering 4
Key players: JSHD – Kaycie Rhodes (3 goals), Riley Davis (goal)
Records: Hanover 3-0; JSHD 2-3