Mustang Baseball Defeats Everett, 11-8

Junior pitcher Andrew Ferrazzani took a no hitter into the 6th inning to lead the Mustangs to an 11-8 victory over Everett Thursday afternoon at Playstead Park. Junior pitcher Chris Salvati worked a scoreless inning and a third to earn his first save of the year to close out the Mustang victory.

The Mustangs were led offensively by senior captain Greg Wilson (2-3, double, walk), senior John Mangiasi (2-4, double), junior Rob Deluca (2-4, double), junior Danny Gilchrist (2-4, double), and senior Andrew Waldrip (2-4).

“Andrew Ferrazanni gave us a huge performance today with a great quality start when we needed one most. He was able to silence the Everett bats by hitting his spots, a little tail on his fastball, and effectively changing speeds. Andrew worked very hard in the offseason and when he got his chance to shine, he performed on the big stage. I am very proud of his performance,” said Head Coach Nick Tucci.

“Andrew and I spent time the day before his start working on getting a better differential, velocity wise, between his fastball and changeup. A pitcher should throw his changeup anywhere between 10-15 miles per hour slower than the fastball. Andrew showed how effective a good changeup can be today on the hill,” said Coach Tucci.

“I preach to my pitchers that the changeup should be thrown with confidence and can ultimately be the most effective pitch in your arsenal. I was told by my former coaches in the Padres organization that a good changeup, combined with a fastball that you can spot effectively, can earn you an automatic ticket to Double A. And Double A is a springboard to the big leagues,” said Tucci.

The win improves the Mustangs record to 12-4 (5-3 GBL). The Mustangs head to South Boston on Wednesday, May 26 and will compete in the Arlington Holovak and Coughlin tournament over Memorial Day weekend.

The junior varsity baseball team also defeated Everett on Thursday afternoon.

Freshman John Lavoie led the Mustang JV Baseball Team to an 8-1 victory over the Everett to avenge a loss earlier in the season.

The JV Mustangs lost their only game of the season thus far in a rain-shortened five inning game against Everett earlier in the season. Thursday’s win against Everett improves Medford to 14-1 overall and 7-1 in the GBL.

Lavoie pitched a complete game, allowing only one run in the seventh inning, giving up three hits and striking out three. His combination of breaking balls and command of his fastball kept the Everett batters frustrated all day, said JV Coach Vin Macone. Lavoie also went 3 for 4 at the plate and scored a run.

Steve Scire was 2 for 4, scored a run and had four RBI’s. Bob Milner had two hits, a walk and scored twice. Mike Pizzi went 1 for 2, was walked twice and scored twice. Grant Martignetti went 3 for 4 and scored a run.

The Mustang JV defense was outstanding with multiple players contributing. Center fielder Milner, right fielder Brian Enos, first baseman Scire, shortstop Sean Doncaster, third baseman Lavoie, and catcher Nick Rocco all contributed with superb defensive plays to stifle the Crimson Tide’s offense.

The final game of the season is scheduled for Tuesday, May 25 at Winchester 4:00PM.

– Submitted by Coach Tucci and Coach Macone