Chiefs Beat Americans in Play-In Game 12-3, First Round Begins on Thursday

The Andre Chiefs spotted the Melrose Americans a 3-0 first inning lead, then scored 12 unanswered runs, on the way to a 12-3 play-in game win at soggy Maplewood Park on Wednesday night.

With the win the Chiefs advance to the first round of the ICL’s playoffs against the Watertown Reds. Game one of that best of three series will be played on Thursday night at Victory Field at 7:30 PM.

The Reading Bulldogs-Albrandis series will also begin on Thursday night. The first game will be played at Morelli Field in Melrose at 8:00 PM.

The Americans-Chiefs game was twice delayed by rain and lightning. The game started on time at 8:00 PM, was halted twice in the top of the first inning, and finally resumed at 9:50 PM.

The Chiefs got a three-run first inning homer and seven RBI’s from Ben Waldrip, who went 4-4, to lead the win. Tim Dunphy took over for Jared Freni after the the second rain delay and proceeded to throw 6.1 innings of shutout ball. Tony Serino and Matt Nuzzo had two hits each for the Chiefs while Johnny Welch (single, sac fly) and Leivi Ventura (double) each had two RBI’s.

The Americans took a 3-0 lead in the extended first inning on singles from Malcolm Nachmanoff, John Jennings, Dave Center and Charlie Huegi.

2018 INTERCITY LEAGUE PLAYOFF SEEDS
1-Lexington Blue Sox
2-Wakefield Merchants
3-Watertown Reds
4-Alibrandis
5-Reading Bulldogs
6-Andre Chiefs