April 25, Acton-Boxborough Regional High School: The Rev’s jumped right out of the gate in the first inning, scoring their first three batters, but had to rely on pitching by Tia Gillespie (nine strikeouts) and tight defense to hang on for a 3-2 win over Bay State League opponent Natick.
AB’s Alice Rosecan led off with a single, and advanced on an error, which allowed Alexis Haff to reach base. Next up, Cassidy Ford reached after getting hit by a pitch, to load the bases. Another error plated Rosecan, followed by Haff on a fielder’s choice, and Ford, who then tagged up on Aislinn Ryan’s sac fly.
The Red Hawks’ bats were quiet until the sixth inning when, after a flyout, they scored two runs on three hits, with the help of a stolen base and two errors. But Gillespie ended the threat via a strikeout. In the bottom of the frame, the Revs were retired in order, opening the door for a Natick comeback. But it was not to be. Their leadoff batter struck out, and the next hitter, who singled, was caught stealing with a fine throw by Rev’s catcher Georgia Ammendolia to erase the potential tying run. Right fielder Margot Abeele closed the door for good by catching a deep fly ball.
Natick’s record fell to 2-5 with the loss. AB, now 5-2, traveled to Wayland on the 28th, Shrewsbury on the 30th, and hosted Wellesley on May 1. On May 5, they’ll travel to Dual-County League rival Boston Latin.
Correction: May 6 – Photos for the wrong game were inadvertently published. The photos and captions have been corrected.
James Conboy played in the Acton Adult Softball League for seventeen years, and now plays in the EMASS Senior Softball League. He covers many sports games for the Acton Exchange.