West Springfield Can't Recreate Results of 2010, Falls to Woodson 7-5

David Rozner hit a three-run home run to key a big third inning, and Woodson avenged losses in both the 2010 Patriot District semifinals and Northern Region finals with a 7-5 win over West Springfield on Tuesday.

There was some extracurricular activity after the game as players from both teams exchanged words, evidence that last year's results may not be completely forgotten.

"I think it was emotions a little bit," Woodson Coach Chris Warren said. "You can see there's a little bit of a rivalry between us."

The Spartans looked sharp early, as J.T. Williamson struck out two in the first inning and Garrett Wooddell added a two-run shot in the bottom half to open the scoring. Williamson pitched a perfect second inning before allowing consecutive singles. That's when Rozner struck.

"David put a good swing on it, and it worked out for us, but it was a big momentum play," Warren said. "They got up early and it was kind of a punch, counterpunch thing."

John McGillicuddy gave up seven hits and struck out four in five innings before giving way to his brother Joe, who closed out the final two innings. The duo kept the West Springfield offense at bay just enough that the Cavaliers never relinquished the lead.

Bryson Hough gave the Cavs some insurance with a two run bloop single to centerfield, and Joe McGillicuddy struck out four over the final two innings, despite struggling with his control at times and allowing two runs.

Trevor Snook didn't give up a run in the final 2.2 innings for the Spartans, striking out one. Jacob Trump finished 3-for-4 with two RBI, his last hit a two-out, run-scoring double in the bottom of the seventh inning that left runners on second and third before McGillicuddy got Nick Stevens for the final out. Tyler Basse went 1-for-2 at the plate, but made his presence felt in the field when his leaping catch at the wall robbed Mitch Prosperi of a home run.

West Springfield suffered a scary moment in the third inning when David Pyon was hit in the helmet with a pitch. Pyon never appeared to lose consciousness, but remained on the ground for a few minutes as trainers tended to him before he was helped to his feet and able to walk off the field.

The Spartans picked up their second loss earlier than any season in recent memory. Last year, West Springfield didn't lose its second game until April 28, when it was the Cavaliers who dealt them a 6-4 setback.