THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 4, 2021 Page 11 Malden High baseball tops Everett, 7-4, for first GBL win Everett’s Gibbs brothers teamed-up in stolen bases By Jason Mazzilli T here were two game balls to be bestowed on a pair of players following Malden High baseball's 7-4 win over visiting Everett at Kezer Field in Malden Tuesday. That was due to a superb, "tag team" pitching performance by Golden Tornado junior right-hander Shai Cohen and sophomore righty Brandon McMahon. Cohen hurled the first four innings and scattered four hits. A few walks and some great base running by the Everett Gibbs brothers (Brandon, 2-for-4, 5 stolen bases and Brian, 1-for-3, 4 stolen bases) led to some Everett scoring after Malden had taken a 3-0 lead after two innings. Cohen pitched tough and escaped a pair of situations in the first four innings where Everett could have potentially tacked on more runs. "Shai (Cohen) has done an excellent job in both of his two starts," said Malden High 5thyear head coach Steve Freker. "Today we backed him up with some scoring and all-around excellent defense." McMahon came on in relief to start the top of the fifth inning and was simply dominating. The big 6-2, 200 righty tossed all zeroes over three complete innings, allowing just one hit, walked two and struck out seven. "What a job Brandon did, but it's really no surprise, because he's been doing it all year," Coach Freker said. "His earned run average is 1.25 and he has allowed only five hits in 12 innings of relief so far. He's really given us a chance to win in all of the games he's appeared on the mound." With the win, Malden improved to 2-4 overall, 1-2 in the Greater Boston League (GBL). Everett is still seeking its first win. A big reason for the victory on Wednesday was the standout defense Malden played. It has been a rough patch until then for the Tornados, who have gotten very good pitching each time out, but a poor defensive showing nearly every game, with too many errors. On Wednesday, there was only one defensive error and plenty of great defensive plays. Malden fans got a glimpse of what to expect in the very first inning when senior captain Mike Mathes made a spectacular catch in centerfield, on a full run and dive, going to his right. "Mike (Mathes) saved two runs right there," Coach Freker said. "That was one of the best outfield catches ever made by anyone I've ever coached," added Coach Freker, who has coached over 600 high school games in all. Malden's middle infield of senior captain and shortstop Liam Jordan and junior second baseman Shawn Bartholomew also played strong all game, making every play on a succession of hard-hit balls by Everett batters. Senior captain Clifton Noelsaint made one of the plays of the game when he nailed an Everett runner at the plate with s perfect throw from left field For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 617-387-2200 or Info@advocatenews.net 3RD ANNUAL FRANK MASTROCOLA KIWANIS BOCCE TOURNAMENT FOR THE ERSILIA CUP TO BENEFIT EVERETT KIWANIS, SCHOLARSHIPS AND CHARITY Everett Kiwanis is proud to announce the Third Annual Frank Mastrocola Bocce Tournament to be held on Saturday, June 12 at the Methuen Sons of Italy, 459 Merrimack St, Methuen. First place team wins The Ersilia Cup and a $1000 cash prize. Second place team wins a $450 cash prize. All proceeds will go to Kiwanis Club of Everett, Scholarships and Charity Fund. Please join our fun competition and worthy cause! It is a great time with great people! Enter a Team of four for $250 or as an individual for $75. Cost includes a souvenir t-shirt! $5 all you can eat all day! Table Rafes including a Brick of Lottery Tickets! Please consider playing, being a sponsor or donating a rafe prize! SPONSORED BY SABATINO INSURANCE Mastrocola Management Mayor Carlo DeMaria Ersilia’s Family Everett Aluminum Eagle Bank EverettBank Members Plus Credit Union East Cambridge Savings Bank Stratford Insurance & Financial Services Teamwork Cleaning Everett Advocate everettkiwanis@gmail.com Rocco Longo Marlene Zizza 781-789-2121 to junior catcher Aidan Jordan, who applied the tag and stamped out a Crimson Tide rally, "That was a huge play. They (Everett) had just taken the lead (4-3) for the first time and that run would have given them a bigger lead," Coach Freker said. Malden came right back with a big rally in the bottom of the fourth inning, scoring three times with two out to re-take the lead at 6-4. After junior Luke Zubryzicki and Mathes drew key walks to start the inning, junior Sam Ortega (2-for-3) laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt to move up the runners. Junior Solarzano mashed an RBI single into centerfield to score both runners, and Liam Jordan then hit a bomb triple way over everything to onehop the fence in deep left field to Malden ahead, 6-4. Malden added an insurance run in the sixth inning when Mathes walked, stole second and then stole third, scoring when the throw down went into left field making it 7-4 Malden. McMahon took the reins and steered Malden to the win, striking out four of the last five batters he faced. Malden dropped a 5-2 nonleague game on the road to Greater Lawrence on Tuesday and now faces one of the busiest schedules in the state. On Friday, Malden is on the road for a GBL game at Somerville (Trum Field, 4:00 p.m.). On Saturday, Malden hosts Greater Lawrence at Maplewood Park at 9:30 a.m. Back in action next week: Malden plays at Chelsea in a GBL game Monday, June 7 at 4:00 p.m. On Tuesday, June 8 Malden stays on the road with a non-league game in Brighton against St. Joseph's Prep. Malden hosts GBL opponent Lynn Classical at Kezer Field/ Pine Banks on Wednesday, June 9 at 4:00 p.m. WHEN Saturday, June 12 2021 TIME –––– 8 AM – 5PM –––– WHERE Methuen Sons of Italy 459 Merrimack St Methuen –––– COST $250/team $75/player CONTACT
12 Publizr Home