Gibb's Shutout Helps Stoughton High Baseball Clinch Postseason Berth

Josh Brown contributed reporting.

***

A week after coming on in relief and picking up the final eight outs in what turned out to be a walk-off win against Foxborough, Stoughton freshman Jake Gibb got the start Wednesday at Milford with a chance to qualify for the MIAA state tournament on the line. 

Gibb, who has held down second base and has provided some big hits on offense this season, came through again, this time on the mound, tossing a complete game shutout, with the Stoughton High baseball team winning 10-0.

The Black Knights improve to 10-6, reaching the magic number of victories needed to make the postseason.

"The team is starting to come together, just chemistry-wise, character-wise," Stoughton coach Mike Armour said. "To qualify feels great - it's kind of a weight off our back."

The 10 runs scored are a season-high for Stoughton. Eight players reached base and seven came around to score. Will McGrath and Jovani Pires had 2 RBI each. 

Pat Jackman got the scoring started for Stoughton, doubling to lead off the top of the first, stealing third, and then coming around to score on a Mike Connelly single.

Connelly, Mike Gallagher and Pat Raeke all scored in the third inning to increase the Stoughton lead to 4-0.

The score remained the same until the top of the seventh, when the Black Knights added six insurance runs, as the team batted around, sending 11 to the plate. 

Gibb needed only 77 pitches to get through 7 innings. The freshman allowed just five hits, struck out two, and didn't issue any walks.

"We knew we had an opportunity to clinch today, and we did just that," Jackman said. "We played a great game one to nine, and we made the plays. Gibby worked quick and hit his spots, and most importantly didn't give any free passes. He had a lot of poise and I'm happy for the kid."

Gibb, however, was quick to credit his teammates.

"This game was an overall team effort," he said. "I trusted my teammates and did what I could to help them out."

Armour said Gibb was throwing his fastball and curveball well on Wednesday. 

"To come out in his first varsity start and throw a complete game shutout against a tournament-bound team just kind of gives you the inkling of his makeup and the potential he has ahead of him," Armour said. "[He's] just a big time player. Picked us up today, and got to clinch a win to make the tournament."

Armour added, "[Milford] hit a lot of balls at people and we made plays and I think that the defense has been coming together. A little fortunate some hard hit balls[came right] at our guys, but that's what happens when you throw strikes and challenge guys and don't walk anybody. Good things happen."

With four games left in the regular season, Stoughton will look to improve its tournament seeding. 

The Black Knights next play Brockton Friday on the road. The Black Knights beat the Boxers 4-2 at home earlier this season.