Despite an early offensive flurry, Greenfield was unable to keep pace in a Western Mass. Summer Baseball League playoff elimination game on Sunday night. The club led early but ultimately fell to Easthampton, 6-3, in a Junior Division contest.
Greenfield finished its season with the loss, while Easthampton advanced to play Belchertown Black in another elimination game. The other teams remaining in the double-elimination bracket are Northampton and Wilbraham.
“We faced a really good hitting team,” explained Greenfield coach Tom Bresciano of Easthampton. “They put the ball in play throughout their lineup, they put pressure on the defense, and eventually they make you pay. We just couldn’t quite keep up with them offensively. I wouldn’t be surprised if they won it all with the way they swing the bats.”
Greenfield took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning, using four straight hits to open the game. Easthampton cut the deficit in half with a run in the home half, but the visitors struck again in the top of the second to take a 3-1 advantage.
Easthampton responded with two more in the bottom of the second, and the hosts scored three times in the third to take a 6-3 lead that would ultimately hold up.
Greenfield held an 8-7 edge in the hit department, and had a chance to cut into the deficit with two runners in scoring position in the fifth inning. Easthampton evaded further trouble however, and held on to advance.
MJ Paulin continued to swing a hot bat for Greenfield, posting a 3-for-3 night at the dish with two RBIs, while David Carey, Mike Bassett, Jake Whitney, Brody Baird and Alex Gochinski all added a hit.
Carey went the distance on the mound, striking out three while issuing three walks.
GTA Meet & Greet
The Greenfield Tennis Association (GTA) is holding a meet & greet tennis event this Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. at the Highland Park tennis courts.
The format is doubles, and the play level is casual and fun. Players can leave whenever they’d like. If you are new to the area, or if you’ve been meaning to pick up your racket again, this is a great opportunity.
New balls and refreshments will be provided, and social distancing and mask wearing will be practiced when appropriate. Participants may want to bring a portable chair as well.
In Monday’s Recorder, the winners of the Pat Bradley Flight of the Country Club of Greenfield’s Senior Women’s Club Championship were incorrect.
The low gross champion was Diane Carme with a two-round total of 158, and the low net winner was Teresa Varner with a 146.