By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
MELROSE — It was a good run for the Melrose 10-year old Little League All-Star team this summer as they captured the District 12 title going 4-0.
Although they were 0-3 in the sectionals the team still finished above the .500 mark overall.
“I had a blast coaching them,” said Melrose manager Nic Sarata. “They were a great bunch of kids and I would enjoy being their coach next year when they turn 11.”
In their final game of the sectionals back on July 13, Melrose lost to the host team, Parkway, 12-1, in a four-inning mercy-rule game at Prauch Field in West Roxbury.
Prauch Field was the host for all of the sectional game.
“They ended up winning the sectionals,” pointed out Sarata, about Parkway. “They have a good team and hit the ball very well against us.”
Parkway took command from the start scoring eight times in the first inning. They then scored their other five runs in the second.
Drew Giaropelli scored the lone Melrose run as he singled and eventually scored on an error.
On July 12, Melrose fell to Norwood, 7-4, in the second game of the sectionals.
Just like the Parkway game, Melrose dug themselves a hole early on as Norwood plated three runs in the first inning.
Melrose was able to tie the score at three in the third and the game was knotted at four heading into the sixth inning. In that sixth, Norwood scored three times.
“They had some big hits in that inning,” recalled Sarata.
Grayden Sarata had two runs batted in on a pair of sacrifice bunts. Jack Tierney had a single, while his twin brother, Ryan had an RBI single.
Henry Stewart also had an RBI single.
“We came back twice but it was a tough sixth inning,” admitted Sarata.
In the opening game of the sectionals, Melrose lost to Waltham by a final of 8-3.
Melrose scored the game’s first run but Waltham took the lead for good with four runs in the second frame.
“We had eight hits but left too many runners stranded,” said Sararta, as Melrose left 12 runners on base.
Sarata and Rowan Cote each had RBI singles while Giaropelli stole home on a double-steal play.
Melrose clinched the District 12 title back on July 1 as they beat Dorchester, 5-1, at Sacramone Field in Everett.
Noah Rowe was the winning pitcher going four innings. He gave up one run, two hits, two walks and he struck out eight.
Jack Tierney notched the save pitching the final two innings. He gave up one hit, two walks and he struck out two.
Nick Arria was the hitting star going 2 for 3 with one RBI and three steals.
“Nick had a really good game,” said Sarrata.
Sarata had another RBI on a squeeze bunt.
Two runs scored on passed balls while the other run came on an error.
“The pitching and defense were awesome,” said Sarata.
Liam McCarthy also had a big day with two walks and he tied Arria in for team-high in steals with three. McCarthy also scored twice.
On June 28, Melrose shut out guest South Boston, 15-0, at Lewis Monk Field. This was a four-inning mercy-rule game.
Row was the winning pitcher going the first three innings. Jack Tierney preserved the shutout in the fourth.
The offense was red-hot with 17 hits. Giaropelli and Ryan Tierney led the way as each player was a perfect 3 for 3 at the dish. Giaropelli scored three times and had one RBI while Tierney had two RBI and scored three times.
Grayden Sarata went 2 for 3 with a team-high three RBI.
Finn Flaherty also was 2 for 3 and had an inside-the-park home run.
On June 25, Melrose blanked Charlestown, 15-0, in a three-inning mercy-rule game. That game took place at Memorial Field in East Boston.
Row pitched a no-hitter for the three frames aided by a diving coach in right field by Max Colazzo.
Rowe gave up no walks and fanned six.
The Melrose offense had eight hits as Sarata was the team’s lone multiple hitter going 2 for 2 with two RBI. He also scored twice.
“We showed a lot of patience at the plate,” pointed out coach Sarata, as the team drew nine walks.
In the first game of the Districts on June 23, Melrose beat Dorchester, 10-0, at Lewis Monk Field. This game was a five-inning mercy-rule game.
Cote was the winning pitcher going all five innings. He gave up two hits, one walk and he struck out ten.
“We had a lot of steals that game,” pointed out Sarata, as his squad stole 14 bases.
The offense had seven hits Jack Tierney was 2 for 3 with two runs while Luke Dooley added an RBI single.
Coach Sarata wanted to thank his two assistant coaches Greg Giaropelli and Dan Flaherty for all of their help this summer.