Shorthanded Stoughton Legion Baseball Team Picks up Big Win

The following was submitted to Stoughton Patch:

The Stoughton American Legion baseball team provided their own fireworks on Wednesday night by upsetting Braintree, 8-4. 

The loss dealt a big blow to Braintree Post 86’s hopes of being selected for the National Tournament. 

Due to the school schedules in other regions of the country, the National American Legion Tournament begins on July 7th, prior to crowning a State Champion.  The top team in each District on July 6th earns a bid into the National Tournament while the balance of the teams continue their season and their quest for the State Championship.  

Stoughton Post 89 (now 5-5-1) helped their march to the state playoffs by knocking off Braintree and sit one-half game behind Milton and Canton with several games in hand on both teams. 

“We have put ourselves in a good position as we roll into the last couple of weeks in the season,” explained Manager Jim Derochea.  “If we take care of our own business, we know that we will be there [in the playoffs].”  

Braintree jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead over the first 2 innings before Stoughton began to chip away, scoring a run in the top of the third to cut into Braintree’s lead.

Pat Jackman (3 for 4, 3 runs scored, RBI) and Will McGrath (2 for 4, RBI) singled to start the third then moved up a base on a wild pitch.  With one out, Matt Provost (2 for 4, 2 RBI) grounded out to the right side to plate Jackman.  

McGrath came in to pitch in relief to begin the third inning and stifled Braintree’s attack, hurling 3 scoreless (hitless) innings, opening the door for the Post 89 offense to continue their comeback.  

With runners on first and second with one out, Nic Panasci popped up a bunt down the third base line.  Rather than let it drop and spin foul, the Braintree pitcher dove for the ball, which deflected off of his glove, then rolled out of play to allow Kyle Phillps to score from second.  

Shortstop Pat Jackman followed with an RBI single to knot the game at 3-3.  Two batters later, Kaleb Ballou (2 doubles, 3 RBI) knocked in two runs, ripping a double down the left field line to give Post 89 a 5-3 lead.  

Stoughton extended their lead to 7-3 in the 6th inning as Jackman served as catalyst again, hitting a leadoff single then later swiping second base.  With one out, Kaleb Ballou plated Jackman with another line drive double down the left field line, then rode home on a Matt Provost double to right center.     

Post 89 kept the foot on the pedal in the 7th inning as they loaded the bases with 2 outs.  Jamie Connors singled (3 for 4) sandwiched between walks to Kyle Phillips and Jackman, bringing McGrath to the plate.  McGrath was grazed by a pitch, forcing in Stoughton’s 8th run of the day to stretch their lead to 8-4  

Post 89 turned the game over to closer Mike Gallagher for the 6th and 7th innings.  

After setting down the side in order in the 6th, Gallagher allowed a meaningless run on an opposite field, bloop double to left field but like McGrath before him, was otherwise dominating.  Gallagher ended his 2 innings with 4 strikeouts to preserve the win for Stoughton.  

“This was a huge, hug win for us,” said Derochea.  “Our projected starting pitcher had a last minute obligation, so we had to piece together our pitching today.  Luckily, we had a couple of guys who were in between starts and needed to throw bullpen sessions, so they threw live for us instead.  They did an outstanding job on short notice against a great hitting team.”  

Coach Kevin McCormick added, “We had 9 guys available today, but these guys came to play today!  I am so proud of them!  They could have packed it in when we got down 3-0 early but they just got ticked off instead and took it out on them (Braintree).”   

Stoughton recently lost two pitchers for the season due to injuries.  Both Zach Gibb and Tyler Alford-Getchell are likely out for the remainder of the season with shoulder injuries. 

“Between them, they threw only two innings for us so far, but were projected to be key contributors on the mound down the stretch now that their AAU conflicts were winding down.  That shortens our staff even further, but these guys keep coming up big!” praised Manager Jim Derochea.  

Stoughton hosts Milton at Stoughton High School Friday at 5:45 p.m.