Westfield pitcher Matt Irzyk winds up for a pitch early in the team’s playoff game against Chicopee Comp Thursday night at Bullens Field. (Photo by Chris Putz)
WESTFIELD – The defending Western Massachusetts Division I baseball champion Westfield Bombers opened up play in the postseason with a narrow victory Thursday.
No. 7 Westfield edged 10th-seeded Chicopee Comprehensive 3-2 in a first round playoff game at Bullens Field. Bombers’ starter Matt Irzyk survived the heat to pitch an efficient four innings (only allowing two runs), and Brent Houle provided solid relief.
Tim Donahue lifted Westfield’s pitching staff by picking up a ball at second base, helping the team pick off Comp in a run down between home plate and third.
Kyle Murphy (single, double), Nate Barnes (2 RBIs), and Sam Blake (RBI) provided the necessary offense for Westfield.
No. 9 Southwick-Tolland 9, No. 8 Hoosac Valley 6
CHESHIRE – No. 9 Southwick rallied from deficits of two and four runs on the road in a Division 2 baseball playoff opener, scoring three runs in the top of the seventh inning to escape with a win over eighth-seeded Hoosac Valley, 9-6.
Nick Fortini hit a key two-run double to tie the game for Southwick 6-6 in the sixth. Rams’ Vinnie Fortini drove in the go-ahead run with a sac-fly in the seventh. Jake Goodreau knocked in two runs with a double.
Southwick pitcher Bob Hamel battled through seven innings to earn the victory. He was helped out by his defense, which committed just two errors.
“To battle back like that up in the Berkshires is a tough thing,” Southwick coach Tim Karetka said. “These kids showed a lot of heart and a lot of character. I am extremely proud of them.”
Cam Felix (2 walks, sacrifice), Hamel (2 hits), Andrew Mitchell (hit by pitch, walk, hit, RBI), and Kyle Manley (2 hits, RBI) also delivered at the plate for Southwick (12-9).
In Division III, No. 4 St. Mary edged No. 13 Lee, 2-1, and No. 7 Easthampton blanked No. 10 Gateway, 7-0. No further details were provided.
