WESTFIELD – Westfield’s Junior All-Stars started their district pool play on a down note at Hampton Ponds Wednesday night, falling to Easthampton in four and a half innings to fall to 0-1 in the standings.
Easthampton, the home team after the mandated Little League coin flip, batted around twice in the game, scoring seven runs in the first inning and nine runs in the fourth inning to pull away early and respond to any Westfield threat.
Tanner Beebe earned the loss on the mound for Westfield, who was exposed to a powerful Easthampton offense Wednesday evening. (Photo by Robby Veronesi)
All but one Easthampton batter recorded at least one hit and all but two Easthampton batters drove in at least one run in the 21-run, 17-hit offensive explosion. Austin Connley led the way with four RBIs, including a two-run single in the first inning to help the visitors from just up Route 10 jump out to an early lead. Jake Constantine drove in three runs with a double and two singles, while Lance Parrish had two RBIs on a double in the fourth inning.
Drew Caires cruised for Easthampton on the mound, allowing one hit and one earned run in four and two-third innings, with only pitch count preventing Caires from going the distance.
Aaron Muldrew scores the first run of the game off of Kyle Starzyk’s fielder’s choice in the fourth inning. Westfield scored two more runs on an error, but ultimately fell by a score of 21-3 to fall to 0-1 in pool play Wednesday night. (Photo by Robby Veronesi)
The 14-year-old walked four Westfield batters to help put the “home team” on the scoreboard, but struck out seven to squash any further damage.
Westfield scored their three runs in the fourth inning. Pinch-hitter Aaron Muldrow walked in his first at-bat and fellow pinch-hitter Nate Navarro broke up the no-hitter, singling up the middle to record the only hit of the game. After a throwing error and a stolen base moved runners to scoring position, Kyle Starzyk reached on a fielder’s choice, allowing Muldrow to score. Two batters later, Matt Beattie grounded a ball which bounced through the legs of the second basemen, allowing Navarro and Starzyk to score.
Tanner Beebe took the tough loss for Westfield, which will travel north to Southampton Friday for a 5:30 p.m. tilt. Easthampton will open their home portion of pool play at the same time against neighboring Northampton.
