Bulldogs Win Opener 6-3, Chiefs Edge Royals 2-1

Northern Essex standout Kyle Hawes (Lynnfield, MA) went 2-4 with a double and three RBI’s to lead the Reading Bulldogs to an opening night win over the Malden Maddogs 6-3 in an all canine battle at Maplewood Park in Malden. Mike Taylor and Mark DeBenedetto each chipped in with RBI’s as the Bulldogs took advantage of eight walks issued by the Malden pitching staff. Sean O’Neill (1-0) picked up the win for the Bulldogs going the final four innings in relief of Connor Root.

In Somerville, the Andre Chiefs rode the left arm of veteran Tim Dunphy, who went six innings, to turn back the Somerville Royals 2-1 at Trum Field. The Chiefs’ Matt Nuzzo and the Royals’ Brady Chant matched solo homers until the Chiefs pushed across the winning run on a doubleplay ball in the top of the fourth. Dunphy struck out seven on the way to recording his 47th career win for the Chiefs. David Kerns chalked up the save striking out two in the bottom of the seventh. Luke Gustavson (0-1) took the loss in relief of starter Paul Covelle.

Three games are on tap for Wednesday. The Merchants host the Melrose Americans at Walsh Field in Wakefield at 6:00 PM, the Bulldogs and Chiefs battle at Maplewood/Malden Catholic at 8:00 PM, and the Royals visit Alibrandis at Trum at 8:30 PM.

Chiefs & Americans Both Take 6-4 Monday Night Wins

Righty Zach Kirby (1-0) went the distance, scattering three hits and striking out eight, when the Andre Chiefs beat the Wakefield Merchants 6-4 on Monday night at Maplewood. Tony Serino had a two RBI single in the second inning and Steve Passatempo, Mike Gedman and Matt Nuzzo drove in a run each for the Chiefs. The three hits Kirby allowed were all doubles from Dillon Koster, Ryan Collins and Jake Nardone. James McNamara (0-1) worked into the sixth inning and took the loss.

In Lexington, Dave Center had two hits and three RBI’s, Elias Verinos chipped in with two RBI’s, Dennis Crowley added a couple of singles, and Austin Masel, Nick Cordeau and Nick Rath all doubled when the Melrose Americans beat the Blue Sox 6-4.  Ronnie Luke (1-0) went 5.1 innings to get the win while Anthony DeSouza picked up the save. Sean Mahan (0-1) went four innings but took the loss for Lexington.

On Tuesday, the Reading Bulldogs travel to Maplewood to meet the Malden Maddogs at 7:45 PM and the Somerville Royals host the Chiefs at Trum Field starting at 8:30 PM.

Royals, Blue Sox Take Openers, Late Game at Morelli PPD Rain

Alden Park had three hits, including a home run and two RBI’s, to lead the Somerville Royals to a 4-2 opening day win over the Americans in Melrose. John Collette with two hits and a home run and Adam Johnson with three hits paced a Royals’ 13 hit offense that picked up all of its runs in the top of the fourth inning. Dave Center had two hits and drove in both of the Melrose runs. Lefty Jonathan Richard (1-0) went six innings to get the win while Luke Gustavson picked up the save.

The Lexington Blue Sox began their title defense on a high note beating Alibrandis 8-4 at Trum Field in Somerville. The Blue Sox scored five times in the top of the fifth inning to erase a 4-2 Alibrandis lead. Richie Burgos two-run single gave Lexington the lead for good at 5-4. Alex Voitik went 4-4 with a run and RBI and Josue Feliciano scored three runs for Lexington. Jake Miller hit a solo homer to left in the third for Alibrandis. Kelvin Guzman (1-0) chalked up the win.

The Wakefield Merchants-Reading Bulldogs game was washed out due to yesterday’s late day rain.

On Monday the Merchants visit the Andre Chiefs at Maplewood and the Blue Sox host the Americans at Lexington High. Both games will start at 8:00 PM.

2019 ICL Season Opens Today

The 2019 Intercity League season will kick off on Sunday with three games on the schedule.

The Melrose Americans and Somerville Royals with get things underway at Morelli Field at 4:00 PM, the defending champion Lexington Blue Sox will travel to meet Alibrandis at 5:00 PM at Trum Field, and the Reading Bulldogs will host the Wakefield Merchants at Morelli Field at 7:30 PM.

On Monday, the Andre Chiefs open their campaign when they entertain the Merchants at Maplewood at 8:00 PM and the Blue Sox will have their home opener when they host the Americans at Lexington High at 8:00 PM.

The Malden Maddogs will open on Tuesday.  The Maddogs play Reading at Maplewood at 7:45 PM while the Royals will meet the Chiefs in the other Tuesday game at Trum Field at 8:30 PM.