WESTFIELD – The 11-year-old Westfield National team took very little time doing damage offensively. National was able to string together seven home runs over four innings to earn the 25-1 win over Agawam at Paper Mill Field.
The victory was certainly a nice bounce back after a tough loss to city rival Westfield American on Wednesday.
“After a tough loss the other night, we talked about bouncing back, don’t get complacent, and don’t worry about things,” said Manager Shane Collins.
They certainly didn’t have much to worry about. Eleven Westfield National players had at least one hit.
Westfield National huddles around during their contest with Agawam. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
“The bats were unbelievable, we had seven home runs combined out of our top three hitters,” said Collins.
Lead-off hitter Anthony Schabowski led the way with the home run parade as he had three home runs including a three-run blast in the top of the fourth inning. Cody Collins and Cam Lisowski both had two homers apiece with Lisowski smashing one over the fence for a grand slam in the third inning.
Manager Collins was excited about the homers but also complimented the rest of his offense.
“They hit the ball well, right through the lineup, too,” said Colllins. “We were hitting single after single after single after double.”
Being the away team in this particular game, Westfield National was able to quickly produce six runs in the top of the first inning. Three more runs were tacked on in the top of the second, but a good majority of the damage was done in the top of the third.
Westfield National managed to put 11 runs across in that third off of six hits. After Lisowski was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning, Collins belted a two-run homer.
It was all about capitalizing on the baserunners for Westfield National. Later in the inning with the bases loaded, Wyatt Baker singled to make it 12-0. Dylan Gibson then came to the plate with a double to score Ethan Porter and Josh Mayo.
Devin Werbiskis then was hit by a pitch to once again load the bases. It then became Lisowski’s turn to go yard as he hit the ever-so-coveted grand slam. Schabowski then finished off the attack with a two-run shot to extend the lead to 20-0.
Third basemen Anthony Schabowski is getting ready for the next play on defense. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
Westfield National was then able to put five more runs across in the top of the fourth. A pair of fielder’s choice RBI’s came from Jesse Paroline and Collins. Schabowski then did what he was used to doing and hit a three-run bomb to end the scoring for Westfield National.
Josh Mayo started on the mound for Westfield National as he went three strong innings and then Connor Niemic closed out the victory while allowing just one run.
“It was very good pitching on both ends,” said Collins.
Collins was also pleased with Mayo’s low pitch count throughout his three innings as it puts the team in a good spot moving forward.
“He’s still available,” said Collins. “We’ve got everybody available going into the semifinals, no restrictions.”
