WVT catcher Chris Boyden catches a fly ball on Tuesday against Smith Tech. (Photo by Liam Sheehan)
WESTFIELD – Another local high school baseball team has punched its postseason ticket.
Westfield Voc-Tech pitcher Nick Clegg tossed a complete game 3-hitter, striking out nine batters, and walking one, and the Tigers battered Smith Voke for eight runs in an 8-0 shutout Tuesday at Bullens Field.
With the win, Voc-Tech qualified for the Western Massachusetts tournament.
“We’re very excited to qualify for Western Mass., and very optimistic that we could be a sleeper no one pays attention to,” Tigers’ coach Kyle Dulude said. “I feel like we could give a quality team a run for their money if our starting pitcher is on and our young bats don’t feel intimidated.”
Westfield Voc. pitcher Nick Clegg delivers on Tuesday. (Photo by Liam Sheehan)
Clegg not only silenced the competition from the mound Tuesday, but struck at the plate. He went 2-for-3 with a double, a triple, and two runs scored.
It was a pitcher’s duel through the first three innings.
Westfield Voc-Tech helped its pitcher out early by playing solid defense. The Tigers turned a double play, and Connor Hebda made a diving catch through the first few frames.
In the fourth, five of the first six Voc-Tech batters produced solid hits and scored five runs.
“Everyone pitched in somewhere,” coach Dulude said. “It was a great team win … I’m very proud of this group for their growth and accomplishment.”
Granby downs Gators
Granby 12, Gateway 2
Tom Ruffo (double, RBI), Tyler Heeter (2-for-4, 2 stolen bases), Josh Baillargeon (1-2, run, 2 SBs), and Walker Lee (1-1, walk, RBI, SB) provided the offense for Gateway. Gators’ Trevor Bruno (2 Ks) allowed just one hit and one run in two innings of relief.
