Updates after press time:
North Reading defeats Triton 15-6 (May 3)
North Reading defeats Essex Tech 7-5 (May 1)
North Reading defeats Rockport 18-2 (April 29)
By DAN ZIMMERMAN
WEST ROXBURY — Last Wednesday afternoon, the North Reading Hornets boarded a bus destined for West Roxbury to face non-league opponent Boston English. What was slated as a baseball game looked more like a track meet to many observers.
In a 14-1 rout of previously undefeated English, North Reading stole 25 bases in all, circling virtually nonstop. Once aboard, Hornet baserunners seldom remained stationary for long. The lopsided win, coupled with a similar defeat of Newburyport a day earlier, marked a return to winning ways for North Reading, after the season’s first defeat in Lynnfield.
“I actually thought we played a good game against Lynnfield,” said North Reading coach Eric Archambault, who is currently 7-1 overall. “We had one bad inning that got away from us. But over the last couple of days, we’ve assembled 11-innings of fantastic baseball.”
Archambault was referring to a pair of mercy-abbreviated drubbings last week. First up was a visit to Carey Park by Cape Ann League foe Newburyport, which has uncharacteristically faltered recently, dropping 4-of-5 coming in. Hornet junior Nick Torra fanned 3 batters while allowing just 1 run on 3 hits.
“Nick pitched a tremendous game,” said Archambault. “It was great to see him battle against a league rival. Every time he’s on the mound, he gives us a chance to win and he loves pitching in the big games.”
“It felt great to be in a position where people were counting on me,” said Torra, understanding the importance of his role in a bounce-back game. “The team has been working so hard and I didn’t want to let them down.”
Ethan Quan, who leads the pitching staff with a 3-0 record had, for the most part, been deployed as a reliever.
Archambault gave him the nod against Boston English and the junior delivered, giving up just 1 run off 4 hits while striking out 4. Quan went the distance.
“I don’t think we were intimidated,” said Quan when asked if the Hornets had concerns about facing a 7-0 Boston English squad. “So far, our season has been great, both defensively and offensively. As a group, we have a winning mentality. We’re back intact from last year, we’re bought in, and our attitude is that we’re going to win it all.”
“Our pitching staff is completely bought-in,” agreed Archambault. “We try to get ahead of hitters early and make them earn everything. Our staff is pitching to contact and they are trusting their teammates. Our defense is one of the strengths of this team.”
Over the two-game set, catcher Matt Mancinelli added a trio of hits to his team-leading 12 and is currently batting .500. He also leads the Hornets with a dozen RBI. Centerfielder Gavin Brady (.417) scored 6 runs between the two contests, and leads the team in that category with 11. Shortstop Jason Curran (.393) cranked out 5 hits and 5 runs scored while leftfielder Christian Lava (.379) added 4 hits, 4 RBI, and 2 runs in the two-day offensive barrage.
“It has been a full team effort,” said Archambault. “Boston English is a well-coached team but our kids came here on a mission. We were not intimidated. I’m really proud of their effort and the results speak for themselves.”
After a weeklong hiatus, North Reading resumed play Tuesday, hosting Rockport (results in after press time). This afternoon, the Hornets travel to Essex Tech in the first rematch of the season.