By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NORTH READING — In their District 13 state tournament, the North Reading 13-year old All-Star baseball team went 1-2 in their district. This is a 50-70 league as the team moves from the little league diamond to a slightly larger diamond.
Next year, they will play on a regulation field when they turn 14.
Their first game took place on June 24 as they took on the defending state champions Lincoln-Sudbury at Benevento Field.
Although the game was in town, North Reading was the designated road team.
Lincoln-Sudbury ended up winning, 15-0, in a five-inning mercy-rule game.
“Their pitcher had an overpowering fastball,” recalled North Reading head coach Joe Wells, whose squad was no-hit. “He was their ace and he mowed us down.”
Things went much better for the locals in game two as they defeated host Wilmington, 18-10, in a game that took place over a three-day span at Boutwell Field.
The game started on June 25 and they played 4 1/3 innings before the rains came. They tried to continue the game the next day but couldn’t because of the rain.
Finally, on June 28, they were able to finish the final 2 2/3 innings.
“We bounced back, not only at the plate, but out in the field as well,” said Wells. “It was a total team win.”
North Reading scored four times in the second inning. They then had five in the fourth, six in the fifth and three in the top of the sixth.
Wilmington, meanwhile, scored three in the first, one in the third, four in the fourth and two in the fifth.
The team had nine hits off Wilmington pitching led by Evan Araniz who was 3 for 4 with two runs batted in. He also scored three times.
Andrew Beckwith also had a big game going 2 for 3 as he had a three-run homer
Bryce Fitts was 1 for 3 with an RBI single while Damian Pagliuca went 1 for 4 with one RBI.
Beckwith was the winning pitcher in relief going 3 1/3 innings. He gave up three earned runs, five hits, two walks and he struck out eight.
Hendrik Schomp pitched the final 2 2/3 innings not allowing any runs.
“Hendrik pitched very well,” pointed out Wells.
With only four teams in the district, the top two play for the championship game after the round robin play.
A spot against Lincoln-Sudbury for the district title was on the line on June 27 when North Reading hosted Stoneham..
In a nip-and-tuck contest, Stoneham, who was the designated home team even though the game was played at Benevento, was able to pull out a 10-9 win in eight innings.
“It was heartbreaking,” admitted Wells. “We got down early but fought back.”
Down 9-7 in the bottom of the eighth, Stoneham rallied and plated three runs. They scored the game-winner with one out.
Stoneham scored three in the second and third innings. They then scored once in the seventh to tie the game.
North Reading scored once in second and third. They then scored three in the fourth, two in the sixth and two in the eighth.
They had eight hits in this one as Schomp was 1 for 1 with three walks, and three runs scored as his hit was a homer.
Vincent Pagliuca, Damian’s twin brother, and Beckwith were both 2 for 4 at the dish. Beckwith had one RBI.
Damian had an RBI single in the sixth while Lucas Cabral had a sacrifice fly also in the sixth.
Vincent Pagliuca was the starting pitcher, going six innings before his pitch count was over. He gave up three earned runs, seven hits, one walk and he fanned six.
“These kids have been playing with each other since they were six-years old,” pointed out Wells. “Most of them will be starting the eighth grade in September.”
Next summer, several of these players will be on the Junior Little League team.