Methuen’s Matt Pappalardo fired six innings of one-run ball whereas hanging out 14 hitters whereas Methuen scored three runs within the seventh to come back again and defeat No. 12 Andover, 3-1, within the opening spherical of the MIAA State Tournament.
“Andover’s guys battle one through nine but Matt is nails,” Methuen coach Cam Roper stated. “He dealt with adversity. Made pitches tough spots. Then he saved his best for last with that immaculate sixth inning.”
Trailing 1-0 within the seventh, the Rangers rallied.
A Drew Lachance single and Joey Pride double put runners on second and third with no one out and knocked Andover ace Chris Jaillet from the sport. Two batters later Noah Kneeland lofted a sacrifice fly to tie the sport at 1.
An intentional stroll to Pappalardo put two runners again on, after which Owen Sullivan got here by way of with the go-ahead RBI single to offer the Rangers up 2-1. An infield single by Daremin Escano Vargas prolonged the lead two.
Sullivan struck out the aspect within the seventh in reduction of Pappalardo, working round an error, to seal the win.
“We had runners on base all game but just couldn’t break through,” Roper stated. “It’s a credit to our guys for just staying mentally engaged and toughing it out.”
Andover’s lone run got here within the backside of the 4th on a Chase Lembo sacrifice fly. Jaillet, in the meantime, held the Rangers scoreless by way of the primary six hanging out 10 whereas working round visitors earlier than operating into hassle within the seventh.
Source: www.bostonherald.com