Westfield battled Longmeadow in high school baseball action this past week. While the Bombers are seeking a “Super Eight” seeding, several other local teams are jockeying for the postseason. (Photo by Chris Putz)
WESTFIELD – The Westfield High School baseball team’s stretch run just got a bit tougher.
Saturday’s game between the Westfield and Southwick-Tolland Regional high school baseball games was postponed Friday due to inclement weather conditions. The game has been rescheduled for Tuesday, May 20. First pitch is set to take place at Bullens Field at 3:30 p.m.
That creates a big week of games on tap for Westfield – vs. Agawam (May 19), vs. Southwick (May 19), and at East Longmeadow (May 22). The Bombers were scheduled to take on Amherst Friday night.
With recent key wins over Cathedral and Longmeadow (a game which Westfield resumed in the 14th inning Thursday), the Bombers appeared to have the inside track for one of eight spots in the state’s new “Super Eight” tourney, beginning later this month.
The final week may bring that answer though.
“We need to win every game from here on out,” said Westfield’s Chris Riga, who delivered the game-winner against Longmeadow.
Other games postponed Friday, included: Southwick softball at Sabis (moved to 05/19), Westfield boys’ tennis at Holyoke (now 05/19), and Westfield Voc-Tech softball at Smith Voke (no makeup date).
The full slate of sporting events next week is sure to spice up the final week of the regular season.
“We have hit the home stretch and things are getting very exciting,” Southwick-Tolland Regional High School athletic director Frank Montagna said. “(Our) baseball, softball, and boys’ track teams all have a shot at a league championship.”
The school’s varsity baseball team stood at 13-2, while softball held a 12-3 mark, and boys’ track remained unbeaten at 5-0, all good for first-place standings in their respective leagues heading into the season’s final week.
Also, of note, the Rams’ JV boys’ volleyball team held a 9-0 record.
In Westfield, the school’s varsity squad has just one match remaining – at Ware (May 19) at 5:15 p.m.
The Bombers are coming off a 3-0 loss to Agawam late Thursday. The Brownies won 25-14, 25-15, 25-22.
In that match, Ryan Bucko (8 kills, 3 blocks), Manny Golob (8 kills, 6 digs, 1 ace), and Ivan Zuev (19 digs) delivered solid efforts for Westfield (9-6, 5-5). Agawam was led by setter Zach Goggin, who surpassed 1,000 career assists with a 3-kill, 3-block, 38-assist night.
Westfield softball (17-0) is seeking an undefeated regular season, and more. The Lady Bombers play at Amherst (May 19), host Minnechaug (May 21), and travel to Agawam (May 23).
At Voke, the school’s baseball program is hoping to continue its surprising run despite losing its long-time head coach Clem Fucci to retirement this past offseason. New Tigers head coach Kyle Dulude (a familiar face seen coaching on the sidelines at soccer and basketball games) has the Tigers poised to make some noise.
Tournament-bound Gateway, and St. Mary are also looking for continued success this week.
Get out and support your local teams!
