Peabody West 11's Surge Past Saugus National In Tourney Opener

LYNN — The Peabody West Little League 11-year-old All Star Team topped Saugus National, 11-1, to open the District 16 10-11 All Star Tournament on Friday night.

Peabody West starter Danati Fronduto kept the game close before PWLL's bats exploded in the fifth and sixth innings. Fronduto tossed four innings before reaching the max on his pitch count, allowing just one run. Fronduto was also aggressive at the plate as Peabody West's No. 3 hitter, reaching base in three out of four at-bats.

Peabody West got on the board in the third inning. Jaydan Vargas singled with one out and stole second base. Joey Sinabaldi walked and Fronduto was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Joe Keka grounded up the middle and was thrown out at first, but his contact at the plate scored Vargas from third.

The bats really came alive for Peabody West in the fifth inning. Keka singled with one out and he came across the plate on a triple by Michael Petromelis. Dylan Annese walked to keep the momentum going and Petromelis would score when Chris Martinello singled. Anthony Patti worked a walk and Vargas singled to score some more, giving Peabody West a 5-1 lead through five innings.

Already with a healthy lead, the bats gave Peabody West plenty of breathing room in the sixth inning. Fronduto started the inning with a single and he stole second. Keka singled (he also stole second) to score Fronduto. Petromelis was hit by a pitch and Keka took home on a passed ball as Martinello and Patti kept the inning alive with a single and walk. Vargas then cleared the bases with a triple.

Sinabaldi took over the pitching duties for Fronduto in the fifth and Dylan Jurczyk moved to take his spot in right field. Sinabaldi and used just 13 pitches, total, over his two innings of work to help secure the win. Sinabaldi's first three batters all grounded out in the fifth inning and he drew two infield flyouts and then a strikeout to end the game in the sixth.

Peabody West will play next on Sunday against Saugus American. The game will effectively be a home game for PWLL, which hosts the game beginning at noon.