Post publication updates:
#22 Melrose defeats #11 Milton 3-1 to advance to the Sweet 16 of the MIAA Division 2 State Tournament. (June 2)
Melrose travels to Somerset Berkeley on Wednesday, June 4. First pitch will be at 3:30 p.m.
Follow the latest MIAA state tournament updates and view the bracket here.
Published May 30, 2025
Local nine concludes strong regular season, gets ready for tournament
By CORY THOMAS
CAMBRIDGE — After defeating Watertown on Tuesday, May 20 and extending their winning streak to four games, Melrose ventured out of the Middlesex League for their final two games of the season. First up was a visit to St. Peters Field in Cambridge to take on Division 1 Cambridge Rindge & Latin. Cambridge has their site set on the D1 state tournament and the Falcons needed to beat visiting Melrose to clinch their berth in the tournament. Cambridge showed talent on offense and defense as they were in command against Melrose for most of the game.
Melrose Junior Brian Capodilupo battled all game against the steady Cambridge hitting attack. But Melrose’s offense couldn’t muster much of an attack. Their best chance came in the top of the 3rd behind hits from seniors Michael Thomas, Jaiden Aquino and a two-out hit to right by senior catcher Jaiden Aquino. Thomas was off and running with the hit and Cambridge made a strong outfield relay to erase Thomas at the plate to keep the score 2-0 in Cambridge’s favor. Cambridge went on to win 8-1.
Melrose then turned their attention to Masconomet on a game that was rained out on Friday and finally played on Sunday in the middle of the holiday weekend. Melrose Senior Captain Jaiden Aquino got the start against Masco and there was a pitchers duel between Aquino and Davis Gustafson of Masco. Lots of quality pitching on display at Morelli Field as these two battled inning by inning, keeping their respective opponents off the scoreboard for five innings each.
Masco, fighting for their tournament lives needed to beat Melrose to clinch a state playoff berth and they played like a desperate team late as they got the lead in the sixth on the game’s first run, taking a 1-0 lead. Masco was able to thwart a Melrose rally in the 7th inning, to hang on for the victory.
After a four-game winning streak, which culminated in a Senior Night Middlesex League-clinching victory, Melrose now with an overall record of 12-8, the team earned the No. 22 seed in the Div. 2 tournament. Melrose will need to be road warriors in the state tournament as they will visit No. 11 Milton in the first round likely on Sunday or Monday.
The winner will advance to the Round of 16 where they will play the winner of No. 6 Somerset Berkley vs. No. 27 Longmeadow/No. 38 Wayland.