Adams Field, Quincy, Mass, June 8, 2011- On this day Milton and Somerset would square off in the semi-finals of the MIAA Division 2 South Tournament.
Milton (13-9 - 11th seed) was coming into the game after wins over 6th seed Oliver Ames and 3rd seed Hingham and Somerset had a win over the number 7th seed Dighton-Rehoboth. Somerset (16-5) was seeded number two in the Division 2 South.
On the mound for Milton was Kerrigan Griffiths and for Somerset was Nick Lourenco.
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The first and second inning went scoreless for both teams in the scheduled seven-inning game.
But momentum shifted quickly to Somerset in the 3rd after pitcher Nick Lourenco made a diving catch on a bunt by Milton’s Willie Archibald. Milton would leave two men on base at the end of the inning.
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Somerset would keep the momentum going scoring three times in the 3rd before Coach Ted Curley would retire Kerrigan Griffiths. Willie Archibald would take over the pitching duties and Somerset would score three more runs making the score 6-0 before Milton got out of the inning.
As the game progressed Archibald would settle in until the bottom of the sixth when Somerset scored three more times making the score 9-0.
At the top of the 7th Robbie O’Neil dug deep and hit the ball to left field and a boggled ball by Somerset would allow Jarred DiManno to score Milton’s only run of the game.
“I tried to get on the board in the third inning with a bunt that backfired. Early on we just couldn’t capitalize. It was one of those days - we just couldn’t do anything right,” said Milton’s Head Coach Ted Curley. “Somerset hit the ball very well - they are really a good team and wish them luck in the tournament.”
For the seniors this was their last game for Milton High School. Surely they wanted to go out on top, but as one of the mothers said, “This is baseball and anything can happen. They had a good run we are proud of them.”
Coach Curley, in the end was humble as he always is, but there was a sign of sadness in his voice and special smile as he talked about his team.
Commentary:
As Teddy Roosevelt would have said, “The credit belongs to the athlete who dares to compete.” Congratulations to the Milton Wildcats, their parents and fans. See you next year.
