Mustangs Edge Everett, 2-1

Walk-off Run Lifts Medford in Extra Innings

– Allison Goldsberry

The Medford Mustang baseball team squeezed out a win against Everett this afternoon, narrowly edging the Crimson Tide by one run in extra innings.

The game was tied 1-1 in the bottom of the eight inning with the bases loaded for Medford when senior Rich Miller, who started off the inning with a base hit, came home on a walk by senior Sean Foley.

Medford High School Head Baseball Coach Nick Tucci acknowledged it was a well-pitched ball game on both sides right until the very end. Both Everett and Medford pitchers held the opposing offense at bay, with senior Sean O’Brien pitching the entire eight-inning game for the Mustangs.

O’Brien had a stellar outing, throwing ten strikes and allowing only three hits and giving up just one unearned run.

The win leaves the Mustangs with a 3-2 record in the Greater Boston League and 4-5 overall.

The team needs ten wins in the season to qualify for the state tournament for the first time since 2001, when Coach Tucci himself was a star pitcher for the team.

Tucci was pleased with his team’s performance at Playstead Park Wednesday afternoon.

“Anytime you beat Everett it’s a good day,” said Tucci.

The Mustangs face GBL rival Arlington on enemy turf Friday, the first time this season the team will square off against their former coach Paul Mattatall, who currently serves as an assistant varsity coach for Arlington.

Tucci, who served under Mattatall as both a player and assistant coach, is focused on getting another win on Friday.

“It will be a nice day. I’m looking forward to it,” said Tucci.

Junior Rich LeBert will start on the mound against Arlington. LeBert got the win against Cambridge last week.

The game, which is a make-up game from Monday’s rain out, is the last in the first round of GBL match-ups for the Mustangs. Medford now faces each GBL team for a second time, starting with Waltham on Monday.