Matt Irzyk went the distance for Westfield Post 124, allowing just three hits while striking out seven Northampton Post 28 batters Monday night at Westfield State University. (Photo by Robby Veronesi)
WESTFIELD – For the first time this summer, the weather held up to allow Westfield Post 124 to begin its home schedule at Bud and Jim Hagan Field on the campus of Westfield State University.
Even in a new ballpark, the Westfield bats awoke late in the game to support another complete-game performance from Matt Irzyk and give Post 124 (4-0) another 6-1 victory, this time over Northampton Post 28.
“It seemed like we had the opportunities (at first), but couldn’t come up with the big hit, especially the two-out hit,” said Irzyk. “We were on it, it was a matter of coming around, but obviously I’m happy with it.”
Northampton starting pitcher Kevin Ganas controlled the potent lineup through the first at-bats, but Westfield started making solid contact the second and third time around. Down 1-0 in the third inning with two outs, Nate Barnes, playing on his home field, hit one of Westfield’s four doubles. Cam Donahue followed with another scorching double over the centerfielder’s head to tie the score at one.
With the top of the order batting to start the fifth inning, a costly misplay by the Northampton shortstop on a hit-and-run positioned runners at first and third base with no outs. Barnes drove in the go-ahead run on a sacrifice fly and the Westfield offense came alive after that.
“The second time through we were really trying to square up and make solid contact,” said Barnes. “We have a lot of talented guys and we’re blessed with a great team with a lot of guys that work hard for it.”
Post 124’s two-out hitting proved to be the difference. After a walk, single and hit by pitch loaded the bases for Connor Sas, the WNEU infielder crushed a bases-clearing double to the right-centerfield gap to break the game open.
The postgraduates accounted for four of Post 124’s six runs, much to the excitement of Head Coach Don Irzyk.
“The postgrads that really haven’t played are hitting (and) I’m really happy with it,” said Irzyk. “We’re just going to be persistent. We figure the second and third time around, they’re going to be there.”
The offensive explosion was plenty for pitcher Matt Irzyk, who earned his second win of the summer by pitching his second complete game. The recent graduate of Westfield High School struck out seven while allowing three hits and just four opposing batters to reach.
The complete game is the fourth in four games for Post 124 pitching, which has allowed just 11 hits over the past three games and four runs during that time span.
“I didn’t feel that great at the beginning,” said Irzyk. “As the game went on, I felt like I had more command and locating. I hate coming out, so I always want to finish it.”
Post 124 returns to the road Thursday and Friday night, when they will play 5:45 p.m. games at South Hadley and Easthampton. The squad comes back to Westfield State Saturday for a 1:30 p.m. matinee against Aldenville.
