Tewksbury National 12s Beat Billerica National, 3-1

There was a homer, multiples singles, stolen bases and a  at Poulin field in Tewksbury Thursday evening when the Tewksbury National met Billerica National in pool play of the District 14 12-year old Tournament. 

Tewksbury was looking for their first win in the tournament after losing to North Andover earlier this week. They found it against Billerica. The final score was 3-1. 

Tewksbury first got on the scoreboard in the first inning when shortstop Chad Oliveira singled to left, then scored on a remarkable piece of baserunning.

Billerica Catcher Brendan Hughes tried to pick Oliveira off first but his throw sailed into right field and rolled to the fence. Oliveira seized the opportunity and circled the bases.

The relay from left field was on time, but Oliveira made it his business to score. Hughes, expecting Oliveira to slide home, went for the swipe tag.

It wouldn't be the last time Oliveira rounded the bases.

In the bottom of the third, after a single from second baseman Domenic Raneri, Oliveira sent one out over the centerfield fence, making it 3-0. Tewksbury would remain scoreless after that, but it was enough. 

Billerica had many chances to score, stranding runners in the second and third innings. 

It wasn't until the fourth inning that they finally got on the board. A tough inning for Tewksbury's pitcher, Damian Dugan, he allowed two singles, a walk and a steal. 

First Basemen Alex Cruwys singled and pinch runner Marc McLaughlin stole second. Ben Marasco walked and Center Fielder Cam O'Brien singled, leaving the bases loaded. 

But Damian was able to get out of the inning, allowing only one run, making the final score 3-1. 

"That's the Tewks's team we were looking for," said one spectator. 

Raneri said he believed the reason they won was because of their defense and "having Damian on the hill."

For team Manager Jim Catanzano, it was a sweet victory, having lost to Billerica a year ago.

"This year we came back," Catanzano said. "Damian had a great season. He'd be the only guy to be able to beat them."

For Damian, this was his best outing.

"It was the best I've ever done," he said.

Rob Dugan agreed. Dugan could not be prouder of his son.

“It was the best he’s ever played,” Dugan said. “He usually doesn’t make it the whole game.”

For Billerica Coach Steve Pajak, this was a pitcher’s game.

“It was a well-played game by both pitchers,” Pajak said.

Billerica National won their first outing making their record 1-1. Their next game is on Saturday against North Andover West.

Tewksbury National (1-1) hosts Andover American, Saturday at 5:30 p.m. at Poulin Field. National will need a win to advance to the semifinals.