Coming up big over ML large teams
Published in the May 11, 2018 edition
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose Red Raider softball team enjoyed two consecutive wins over Middlesex Large teams last week to help improve their record to 6-5 with seven games left on the schedule.
Melrose earned a mercy-rule win over Belmont on May 2 thanks to pitching from Jill Stone and a combined offensive effort from their senior captains at the plate.
Stone was tough on the mound, according to coach Tawney Palmeiri. “She’s just really consistent. Today, she forced a lot of ground ball outs and made it tough for the Belmont batters to come around on her. When she hits her spots no one can touch her.”
Melrose’s 1-5 batters were fierce, starting with their offensive leaders, Saoirse Connolly and Emily Cataldo, who are both batting .500 for Melrose. Meanwhile, Sam Farrell and Jill Stone also are sporting high batting averages. Stone had a key triple against the Marauders that helped end the game early.
Melrose next hosted Reading on Friday and walked away with a convincing 12-6 victory. Stone went the distance on the mound, and Melrose relied on their senior hitters for offensive contributions.
According to the coach, having slugger Collette Skinner back in the lineup (after recovering from an injury) has helped in the batting lineup. “She’s been a huge offensive help.” And the coach also points to the excellent defensive work of Rebecca Skinner a shortstop. “She’s one of the best defensive shortstops I’ve seen in a while and has an excellent on-base percentage.” She also has enjoyed the addition of Adriana Centrella at first base.
Melrose’s bats have proven potent over most of the season, though the coach cautions that slow starts can be dangerous for them. “While we’ve had a tough first five and mercy-rule wins, against some of these tougher teams we need to try to get our bats around a little earlier. We really want to maintain momentum throughout the whole game.”
Their 6-5 record reflects some of the trickier competition they’ve seen this spring, but the coach is glad to have that level of play behind them. “The whole Middlesex League is tough. Even losses to top teams will prepare us for what we hope will be a playoff run.”
Remaining Schedule
Fri 5/11/18 @ Stoneham, 3:45
Wed 5/16/18 @ Wakefield 6
Thu 5/17/18 v. Burlington 3:45
Mon 5/21/18 @ Austin Prep, 3:30
Fri 5/25/18 v. Wilmington, 3:45
Mon 6/4/18 @ Malden, 4