Lynnfield All-Stars Drop One To Wyoma

PEABODY – It was the tried and true formula that doomed the Lynnfield squad at Thursday night’s District 16 12-13 year old All-Star Tournament.

Wyoma (Lynn), Lynnfield’s opponent, built an early lead and then relied on a splendid pitching performance to control the visiting team, 9-1.

The loss was the first in the tournament for Lynnfield (2-1), while Wyoma remained perfect with a 4-0 mark. Lynnfield next plays Sunday.

“Their pitcher pitched really well for them. He kept us off-balance all day,” Lynnfield coach Kevin Canty said.

Wyoma hurler Herbie Newton twirled a complete-game, two-hitter, striking out four. The only balls hit out of the infield were the two second inning base hits.

“The top of our order has been consistently putting the ball in play and getting hits for us (during this tournament). But not today” Canty added. “That was disappointing.”

Wyoma jumped on starter Joe Veglia for three runs in the bottom of the first inning – on a solo homer by Brendan Powicki and a two-run shot by Newton.

But it appeared Lynnfield would get right back into the game.

Brian Basilesco drew a one-out walk and advanced to third on a pair of wild pitches. Nick Fiorentino drove him home with a single. Louis Ellis followed with a fielder’s choice and Nick Speicher banged a double to the fence to put runners at second and third. However, Newton got Chris Burke on a strikeout to end the threat.

“Newton was on fire today,” said Wyoma coach Steve Mocchia. “He’s pitched in all of our games (in the tournament) so we are riding our horse.”

Canty said that the quick start by his team’s opponent really made it difficult against a strong pitcher like Newton.

“Giving up those two home runs was a little demoralizing,” said Canty.

After the second inning Lynnfield only had base runners in two frames. In the fourth inning Veglia reached on an error, but two fielder’s choice grounders kept Lynnfield at first base before another grounder ended the inning. In the fifth Declan Burt reached on a throwing error with two outs but was stranded when the next batter ground out.

“We knew they are a good offensive team, too, and aggressive on the bases,” Mocchia said. “We held them in check.”

Burt pitched the final two innings allowing three unearned runs.