Athletics Stop Twins, Pirates Tip Padres

(Editor's note: The following information was submitted by the coaches and administration of the Tewksbury Girls Softball League.)

Aurora Salon Athletics 15 – Gateway Car Wash Twins 5

The Athletics were victorious in their season opener on Wed night at the TGSL Field of Dreams.  Lisa Petrowski took the hill and looked sharp striking out four batters and adding 3 put outs in four innings.  Lisa was aided by some solid team defense highlighted by outstanding plays from Melissa Markwarth in RF and Leanne Lozowski at 2B. At the plate, Loren Sullivan reached base 3 times and scored 2 runs,  Chelsea Grant drove a monster hit off the base of the center field fence, and Christina Morris singled, walked, scored a run, and added an RBI.  The Twins flashed some nifty leather of their own that took away what otherwise would have been sure hits off the bats of a few Athletics players.  Great job by both teams on opening night !!

The Twins, sponsored by Gateway Car Wash, looked to shake off the winter rust against the Athletics in the season opener. The Twins fell behind early and just could not get the offense going to stay with the A’s. Erin Walsh, Mariah Wentzell and Andrea Doran toughed it out on the mound for the Twins. Sarah Ward made a nice play on a line drive to 1B and was able to double-up the runner at 1B, while first-timer Caitlin Morris made some nice stops at SS & 3B. Offensively the Twins did not produce much in the way of hits but Amy Sampson was able to tally 2 of the Twins 5 runs scored.

Crystal's Convenience Pirates 21 – J&B Butcher Padres 6

The bats came alive in the Crystal Convenience Pirates opener with good hitting up and down the lineup in a winning effort.  Meredith Lambert and Shalimar Hulme led the way on offense with two hits & two runs apiece.  Madison Ryan came through with a strong performance pitching three innings of no hit ball while striking out eight batters.  Defensively, Alicia Miller made a terrific running shoe top catch to end a threat in the first inning and the final inning included two close putouts at home plate in a row from Hannah Gillis to Carley Scarano to end the game with a bang.

The J & B Butcher Padres had a rough first outing of the season facing a tough Pirates team . Anna Sessa at short and Rachel Kelleher at 3rd teamed up for a Double play in the 3rd inning. Scoring twice for the Padres was Haley Acconcia with Jaqueline Noftle scoring the first team run of the season. Pitching 3 good innings was Taylor Donahoe. A shout out to Amanda Schiavone who came to support her team despite being unable to play.

Custom Iron Craft Mets 5 – Elia's Country Store Diamondbacks 14

The Elia’s Country Store Diamondbacks came out firing on the mound and at the plate in a battle with the Mets on Opening Night, Thursday April 28th. The Diamondbacks won 14-5, led by hurler Sydney Quinn and an impressive defense behind her. Catcher Jennifer Campbell thwarted a run with a block and tag and second baseman Briana Haley’s scoop led to a key force-out.   Diamondback sluggers included Sarah Benson and Brooke Lamothe, both driving in a pair of runs on solid outfield hits.  Tayla Spezzano scored 3 runs and Lauren Crupi also turned in nifty base running after her first hit of the season.

The Custom Iron Craft Mets lost to the Diamondbacks in the first game of the season.  Despite the loss, Jaime Hajjar pitched well for four innings.  Key offensive players for the Mets: Kelsey Kelley, Michelle Maciel and Lauren Whelton with key plays in the field.  Key defensive players: Jaime Hajjar, Michelle Maciel, Hope Splaine with at least two hits each.

Dovetail Construction Corp. Angels 15 – Aubuchon Hardware Royals 0

The Aubuchon Hardware Royals lost their first game of the season, but showed good determination.  Teagan Trant pitched 4 solid innings striking out 9 batters and not giving up any runs.  Defensively, first baseman Marissa Doherty made 2 strong plays, coming up with 2 consecutive outs.  The Royals outfielders had a lot of action and Alyssa Mercurio's speed and good throw, held an Angels' player to only a single.  The Royals' bats were a bit quiet, due to some tough pitching from the Angels, but Molly Hodgson and Amanda Ford both made good contact and swung the bat well. Overall the Royals showed they are ready to play.