WVT First baseman Jake Parsons stretches for the throw from an infielder to make an out. (Photo by Liam Sheehan)
WESTFIELD – The Westfield Vocational-Technical High School baseball team had a blast, for sure, on Monday.
Nick Clegg blew away the competition, striking out 10 batters and walking just one, and Jake Parsons blasted a home run to propel Westfield Voc-Tech past Pioneer Valley Christian School 9-2 Monday at Bullens Field.
Westfield Voc. Tech’s Nick Clegg delivers on Monday to his PVCS batter. (Photo by Liam Sheehan)
Clegg went the distance on the mound. He also made a phenomenal double play with an all-out diving catch off a bunt and doubling up a PVCS base runner in the fourth inning.
Parson’s homer was a deep two-run blast over the right center field fence.
“(That) home run was … a legitimate bomb,” Voc-Tech coach Kyle Dulude said.
Alex Sparks, Andrew Daniels, and Chris Boyden delivered RBI singles. Tanner Hart kept innings alive for the Tigers, walking three times and scoring once. Alex Sparks and Tyler French made key defensive plays.
“We have a tough road ahead of us,” said coach Dulude, whose team is currently sitting at .500. “We need to play like we did today the rest of the way if we want to make the Western Mass. tournament.”
Teams qualify for the postseason with a .500 or better record, or by placing first or second in their respective leagues.
Hamel, Southwick silence Mustangs
Southwick 9, Monson 2
Bob Hamel spun a solid complete game, striking out 10 batters, and allowing just two runs for Southwick.
Rams’ Vinnie Fortini (2 RBIs), Travis Pirello (2 runs), and Dan McClellan collected two hits apiece to lead the Rams’ at the dish.
JUNIOR VARSITY
Southwick 6, Monson 2
The Rams’ JV squad improved to 7-7 after a hard-fought and competitive win over visiting Monson Monday.
Southwick pitcher Sam Parker scattered two hits over five innings, yielding just two earned runs and striking out two. Bart Shea struck out six in two innings of relief.
Brand Seymour (single, double, 2 RBIs) and Josh Lis (single, double) led Southwick. Tyler Orban, Bart Shea, Richie Alimberte, Sam Mizanoglu, and Tyler Keeney helped drive in runs for the Rams.
Southwick catcher Brandon Seymour provided an excellent defensive game behind the plate.
