Mustang Baseball Knocks Off Arlington, 3-1

– Allison Goldsberry

Chilly rain served as the backdrop for a pitcher’s duel in Arlington when Medford took on the Spy Ponders Friday afternoon.

Junior right-handed pitcher Richie LeBert started on the mound for Medford and got the win for the Mustangs, out-pitching Arlington left-hander Justin Mansfield (not to be confused with Arlington’s right-handed pitcher by the same name).

LeBert pitched six complete innings, holding the Arlington offense at bay with a healthy set of fastballs and curveballs. Arlington didn’t get their first hit until the bottom of the fourth inning, a line drive triple down the right field line that put a runner into position to come home on a line drive single to center, the Spy Ponders’ only run of the game.

The Medford offense got rolling in the top of the second with a base hit by senior Rich Miller. Two more base hits by sophomore Ian Fitzgerald and senior David Milner loaded the bases and set up the perfect opportunity for sophomore Greg Wilson, who proceeded to drive in two runs for the Mustangs.

Wilson also proved valuable on defense, making several clutch catches in centerfield, including an incredible diving catch in the bottom of the third that shut down a potential Arlington rally.

Medford scored again in the sixth inning off an RBI single by Miller to left field with the bases loaded. Junior Steve Mearn started it off with a walk after he was hit by a pitch, followed by a base hit by senior captain Ben Waldrip and a bunt single by senior Shawn O’Brien.

Medford loaded the bases again in the sixth with no outs but was shut down by a key double play by Arlington.

Head Coach Nick Tucci was very pleased with his team’s performance, as the win leaves Medford with a 4-2 record in the Greater Boston League and a 5-5 record overall.

“It was a good victory to get. We came out with great heart and intensity,” said Tucci.

Waldrip said the team has been working hard all season and has been picking up the intensity over the past few weeks. He is happy with how the team worked together to get the win against Arlington.

“It was a great team win. Everyone played a huge part in the win,” said Waldrip.

The win also has additional significance for the team, as former Mustang baseball coach Paul Mattatall now serves as an assistant coach for Arlington. Tucci was coached by Mattatall and was his assistant last season, and the two still remain close.

“I think Coach Mattatall is proud, and likes the way we played,” said Tucci.

Waldrip, who was coached by Mattatall for the better part of his high school career, said it was weird to see Mattatall on the other side of the diamond, and called the game a “heartfelt reunion” for some of the players.

The Mustangs head to Waltham on Monday and Somerville on Wednesday, and don’t come home until they face Arlington for the second time on May 14.