Medford Beats Melrose, Advances to Championships Tonight

Medford All-Star Jake Porrazzo at bat during Sunday night’s win over Melrose.  Porrazzo lifted Medford over Melrose with a walk-off grand slam in the sixth inning with two outs.  Photo courtesy Mike LeBlanc.

It was an exciting weekend at the Medford Invitational Tournament at Columbus Park.  The Medford and Wakefield All-Star teams advanced to tonight’s championship game and the tournament held its very first Challenger Division game for kids with disabilities.

Tournament President Ron Giovino praised Challenger Division competitors for their enthusiasm for the game.

“These young athletes challenged the outer limits of their abilities with a spirit and drive that would match any professional athlete,” Giovino wrote on the tournament’s website.

Two closely fought playoff games between Wakefield and Newton and Medford and Melrose capped off the weekend.  Medford All-Star Jake Porrazzo hit a walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the sixth to hand Medford a 7-5 victory, and Wakefield cranked out a 3-1 win over Newton.

Medford will take on Wakefield in tonight’s championship game at 8PM at Columbus Park.  Runners-up Melrose and Newton will face each other at 5:30PM.