Baseball, Softball Topple Somerville

– Allison Goldsberry

The Medford High School baseball and softball teams put away Greater Boston League rival Somerville on Wednesday, as both teams continue to march toward potential state tournament berths.

The Medford Lady Mustangs exploded for 10 runs in the first inning to put the ball game out of reach early on against a shocked Somerville nine, defeating the Highlanders 15-4. Junior captain Nicole Lopilato had two hits in the inning, including a three run home run and an RBI single, while freshman Emily Welch banged a bases-clearing triple.

Sophomore pitcher Kristina Bove pitched a fine game, allowing seven hits in the victory. Lopilato finished the game with two hits, four RBI’s, three runs scored and two walks, while senior captains Jen Bove, (two for four with a home run, double and three RBI’s), and Kim Perault (three hits and two RBI’s) contributed to a solid Mustang offense.

Junior Katie Smith kept up her hot hitting with three singles, two RBI’s, and two runs scored. Seniors Lisa Furtardo and Tory Deasy and junior Jess Mortelite each had a pair of hits. Sophomores Kasey Moran and Sarah Moulton, senior Tory Conlon, and Welch chipped in with one hit each.

The Lady Mustangs improved to 5 wins and 3 losses in the GBL and are 5-8 overall. The next two games are against undefeated Malden in a home and home series with the first game at Malden on Monday, May 18 and in Medford at Tufts Park on Tuesday. Both games are at 4PM.

The Mustang baseball team has powered through a long week, with games Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.

The team started out the week well with a key 3-1 victory over Everett on Monday. Junior Al Krasco gave up just one run in his first pitching start of the season and Kyle Heath went two for three with a double for the Mustangs.

On Tuesday the Mustangs headed to Everett for another match-up and unfortunately came home with a loss despite battling back from a seven-run deficit to tie the game.

On Wednesday Medford took on Somerville on the road and held them off with a 4-2 victory. Junior Mike Sullivan pitched 6-plus innings, giving up only two runs in six innings to improve to 2-0 on the year. Sophomore CJ Bourque came in during the seventh inning to earn his first varsity save as he struck out the side.

The Mustangs are currently 8-6 overall and 6-4 in the GBL. They head to Boston English on Friday.