By DAN PAWLOWSKI
WAKEFIELD — Five pitchers, six innings, three different types of New England weather, 36 hits, 34 runs and a box score deeper than center field at Moulton Park.
Welcome to Game 3 of the 2025 Twi League Finals.
With the series tied at 1-1, the Brewers and Slappers played through a rainy start last night, embarking on a wild journey that ended with a 24-10 Brew Crew triumph. The Brewers are now one victory away from winning their fifth straight Twi League title.
The two squads combined for five runs through the first two innings, signaling that a slugfest was cooking.
That was nothing.
The Slappers actually took control of this one with a 7-run 3rd inning, seizing what felt like a comfortable 9-3 lead.
That was nothing.
After getting one back in the bottom of the 3rd, the Brewers exploded for 9 runs in the 4th, claiming a 13-9 advantage and crushing the spirits of the Slappers in the process.
The Slap had a chance to cut into that lead trailing 13-10 in the 6th during what would be the last inning due to the 7:30 p.m. cut-off to start a new frame. Brewers reliever Chris Casey instead sat them down in order and the Brew Crew added insult to injury in the bottom half, cranking out 9 hits and 11 runs on their way to a wild Game 3 W.
The Slapper offense had plenty to be proud of. Every player in the lineup had a hit. Benny Tomsyck (2-for-2) reached base in every at-bat; Jake Barresi was 2-for-3 with a 2-run homer; Paul McGunigle was 3-for-4 with an RBI; Brendan Dudman had 2 hits and an RBI; Ryan DiBenedetto had 3 RBI and Matt Mercurio had 2 RBI.
The Brewers? Let’s see: 10 different players with a hit; eight different players with an RBI knock; John Halsey (4-for-5, 6RBI); Brendan Casey (3-for-4, 3RBI); Chris Coombs (3-for-4, 2RBI); Colin Jaena (3-for-5, RBI); Steve Morganelli (2-for-5, 3RBI); Matt Fiore (2-for-5, 3RBI) and Chris Casey (2-for-3, RBI).
Or something like that.
In the end, a familiar mid-August scene at a soggy Moulton: The Brewers dynasty celebrating a win.
The Slappers will now work on delaying that always-rowdy final coronation — first by a day and then maybe for another 365. To force a winner-take-all Game 5 in the Twi League’s 50th season, the Slap will need to beat the Brewers tonight, 5:30 p.m. back at Moulton. If necessary, Game 5 would take place on Sunday at 5 p.m.