14U Tewksbury Chiefs Turn a Corner in Takeoff Tournament

SATURDAY POOL PLAY GAME 1

TEWKSBURY 13

DIRT DAWGS 9

The young Redmen got off to a quick start in their first contest of the Needham Rockets Takeoff Tournament with a leadoff double by pitcher David Miller. He later came around to score on a ball put in play by third baseman Nick Theodos. Miller went on to go 4-for-4 on the day as he pulled the squad to the first win of their young season. Miller’s battery-mate, Colin Goggins, contributed on both sides of the ball. He reached base three times in the game and recorded one caught stealing. Also chipping in with hits in the winning effort were Adam Favreau, Brady Lane, Jake McDonough, and Cody Mercuri.

SATURDAY POOL PLAY GAME 2

TEWKSBURY 7

NH BOBCATS 8

Game two of the day resulted in a time-limit shortened loss for the Chiefs. Favreau led the way offensively, reaching base in all three plate appearances. Miller and shortstop Michael Sullivan also pitched in a triple each. Sullivan made meaning contributions in the field as well, notching three put outs without being charged with an error. Sullivan also teamed up with second baseman Sean Lane to start a 6-4-3 double play to quell the opposition’s rally in the second inning.

The 1-1 performance earned the team a playoff berth Sunday morning when they squared off in another close battle with the Fury.

SUNDAY PLAYOFF QUARTER FINAL

TEWKSBURY 7

FURY 8

A strong pitching performance from Sullivan kept the young Redmen in the game until the very end. Chasing four runs in the top of the fifth, McDonough, Aaron Connelly, Miller, Theodos, and Sean Lane reached base consecutively to start the inning. All five base runners came around to score in a big fifth to take the lead. The Fury fought back in the bottom of the sixth, putting up three runs to regain their lead. Brady Lane drove in Sullivan in the final frame, but it was too little too late. This spelled the end of tournament bid for the team.

The 14U Tewksbury Chiefs return to action with four games this upcoming weekend. A twin-bill in Chelmsford Saturday morning and a Mother’s Day doubleheader at Tewksbury High School starting at 9AM.