Malden – For the second consecutive season the Andre Chiefs find themselves atop the Intercity League. The Chiefs edged out Lexington 5-4 in 8 innings Monday night at Pine Banks.
For the Andre Chiefs, this is the first time they have won back-to-back titles.
The first seven innings was a classic Chiefs – Blue Sox battle which saw the two teams end regulation in a 1-1 tie.
The Chiefs broke open the game in the top of the eighth as the Blue Sox defense uncharacteristically made errors at a crucial moment. The inning began with Andrew Caulfield reaching on an error. Nate Witkowski singled, his second of the game, and the Chiefs had runners on first and second. Joe Bova reached on a fielder’s choice with Witkowski forced at second, and pinch-runner Nolan Lopes who was running for Caulfield, going to third. Number nine hitter Nick Valdario dropped down a bunt which Sox first baseman Justin Bosland charged in, fielded, and tossed to catcher Max Dushney, but Lopes slide knocked the ball out of Dushney’s glove and everyone was safe and the Chiefs had a 2-1 lead. After the second out, Tyler Ferdinand singled to right for his third hit to drive in two runs and give the Chiefs a 4-1 lead. Ferdinand scored the final run on a Sox error and it was 5-1 Andre.
Lexington was not done. Chiefs starter, Silas Reed, struck out Anderson Jimenez and Julian Alvarez to put the Chiefs within one out of the championship. Jeff Costello drove a ball down the leftfield line into the corner and dove into third with a triple. It was the first extra-base hit of the game. On a 3-1 pitch, Nick Andersen took the ball the opposite way to left field driving it over the fence for. a two-run home run cutting the lead to 5-3. It was the Blue Sox’s first home run of the postseason. Chiefs manager Anthony Perry replaced Reed with game two starter Paul Frisoli. On another 3 and 1 pitch pinch-hitter Dom Gabardi went deep over the centerfield fence and suddenly it was 5-4 Andre. Frisoli ended the fireworks by striking out pinch hitter Andrew Selima and giving the title to the Chiefs.
“It’s amazing,” stated Chiefs manager Anthony Perry when asked about winning consecutive titles. “It starts with a very special group of guys who believe in the process and our mission.” “It actually starts with Chuck (team owner Chuck Andre) he drives the ship.” Said Perry.
“It is humbling to win with this group, especially coach Dave Caiazzo , who accepted the ICL Les Demarco championship trophy for the Chiefs, and who is retiring after this season,’ said Perry.
“I cannot say enough about the Lexington Blue Sox” stated Perry. “They are a great franchise led by Rick DeAngelis.”
The championship is the eighth Intercity League title for the Andre Chiefs. The Hosmer Chiefs have also won eight ICL titles. Hosmer also won five Suburban Twi-League titles.
The Chiefs scored first in the top of the third. Singles by Ferdinand and Teddy Dzuiba put runners on the corner with one out. Hector Pellot’s infield out brought in Ferdinand for the 1-0 lead.
Lexington knotted the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the fourth. The Sox loaded the bases on singles by Alvarez and Costello, his second of three hits, and a fielder’s choice for Josue Feliciano. After the second out, Dushney was walked on four pitches to force in Alvarez and tie the game at 1-1.
Reed (3-0) gave up seven hits in his 7 and 2/3 innings pitched. Reed finished his night with seven strikeouts, three walks, and three runs allowed.
Matt Draper started for Lexington and gave them four strong innings. He scattered five hits, struck out three, and gave up the lone run.
Ryan O’Rourke entered the game for the Blue Sox in the fifth following a single by Juan Parra. First baseman Bosland stopped the Chiefs threat, runners on the corners, as he made a diving stop on a ball headed to right field for the third out. O’Rourke also left runners stranded in the sixth and seventh innings. The lefty struck out four in his 3 and 2/3 innings of work.
Blue Sox manager stated, “It is never easy against the Chiefs.” They come right at you.”
These two teams battled for the eighth time in the ICL finals with the Chiefs coming out on top for the third time. This was the first time these two longstanding ICL franchises met in the finals since 2016.
Another Intercity League season has come to a close. Again, the ICL provided its fans with some of the best amateur baseball in the area. The players and coaches thank the fans for their support this season.
Looking forward to seeing everyone in 2025.
By Bruce Hack, Lexington Team Historian
