Medford Baseball Tops Cambridge, 9-7

Mustangs Upset GBL Leader After Ten Solid Innings

Story Updated 2:10PM Thursday, April 24, 2008

– Allison Goldsberry

The Medford Mustang baseball team improved their record to 3-4 Wednesday morning after snatching a victory on Cambridge’s home turf, defeating the Greater Boston League leader 9-7 after ten innings.

Sophomore Ian Fitzgerald and junior Richie LeBert dominated on the mound, with each pitching roughly half of the extra-long game. LeBert threw six strikeouts, no walks, and gave up only two unearned runs. Fitzgerald started for the Mustangs and LeBert got the victory.

Senior captain Ben Waldrip led the offense for the Mustangs, going three for four- all doubles. Sophomore catcher Danny Gunn was also a key contributor with two base hits.

The team is pumped after beating Cambridge, 4-0 before today’s game and the top team in the GBL, on Cambridge’s home field.

“We’re hoping this can be a turning point in the season. The morale’s pretty high now,” said Head Coach Nick Tucci.

The Mustangs are now 2-1 in the GBL after pulling out victories over Cambridge and Somerville and losing one game to Waltham.

Tucci said the team is looking to build on Wednesday’s key win as they face more competition in the coming weeks. They are focusing on one game at a time and have their eye on earning ten wins for the season, enough to qualify for the state tournament.

The Mustangs face another GBL contender on Thursday morning when they take on Malden at home. The game begins at 10AM at Playstead Park, with Waldrip slated as the starting pitcher.

Medford Falls to Malden, 4-1, Thursday

Thursday morning’s disappointing loss to Malden took just under two hours, as the usually hot Mustang offense scored only one run the entire seven-inning game.

Medford’s sole run came in the third inning after senior Shawn Foley came in from third when junior Steve Mearn grounded out. The lone run is the lowest score so far this season for the Mustangs, who have seen some high-scoring games over the past few weeks, including yesterday’s 9 run win over Cambridge.

Medford had a chance at the bottom of the seventh inning to edge Malden when two Mustangs were walked and a base hit by sophomore Danny Gunn loaded the bases with no outs. But three outs came in quick succession after two pop-up’s and a ground out ended the game and the Mustangs’ chance for a victory.

Senior captain Ben Waldrip, the Mustang’s leading offensive player with a .500 average (13-26) and sophomore Mike Sullivan pitched for the Mustangs, each pitching half of the game.

The Mustangs are now 3-5 overall and 2-2 in the Greater Boston League. They head to Arlington on Monday afternoon and then face Everett at home on Wednesday.