HAVERHILL, Mass. ----- Quinsigamond broke a classic pitcher's duel, scoring four times in the bottom of the eighth to claim a 5-2 victory and end the 2018 season for the Massasoit baseball team at the Region 21 Tournament at Trinity Stadium.
Quinsigamond advances to play Northern Essex in the Region 21 Finals on Monday at 9:30 AM.
THE BASICS
Score: Quinsigamond 5, Massasoit 2
Records: #3 Quinsigamond 13-15, #2 Massasoit 17-13
Pitching Decisions:
Win: Matt Ambrosino (1-3)
Loss: Matt McGrath (1-2)
Save:
HOW IT HAPPENED
Massasoit starter Luke DiTondo's outstanding pitching performance was spoiled as Quinsigamond plated four runs in the bottom of the eighth to steal an elimination game, 5-2.
DiTondo went 7+ innings, allowing only two runs (one earned) with eight strikeouts as the righty did not figure in the decision. The eight punch outs tied a career-high for the Marshfield native. Unfortunately his strong effort was not enough, as he was outdueled by QCC lefty Matt Ambrosino.
Ambrosino went the distance, scattering seven hits in a nine-inning complete game. He allowed only two runs, both unearned, walking three and striking out two to earn his first victory of the season.
The game was scoreless until Massasoit pushed across a run in the sixth. Luis Ramirez and Nick Andrews drew back-to-back one-out walks. DiTondo then hit a grounder to third that was booted, allowing Ramirez to scamper home with the game's first run.
QCC tied the game up in the last of the seventh, when Spencer Giorgio laced a two-out RBI single to even the score.
Massasoit pulled ahead in the top of the eighth. Andrews led off the frame, just missing a homer, as he hit a double off the wall in left and moved up to third on a relay throwing error. DiTondo helped his own cause, lacing a base hit to the right side allowing Andrews to score the go ahead run, 2-1.
In the last of the eighth, DiTondo walked the first batter he faced and was lifted for lefty Matt McGrath (Braintree). An infield error and pair of mental mistakes led to four runs scoring, featuring what proved to be a game-winning two-out two-run single by Dylan Lague.
Massasoit went down in order in the ninth as the Wyverns advance to the finals for the second straight season.
DiTondo went 3-for-4 at the plate to pace the Warriors.
QCC's Girogio went 2-for-4 with two RBI.
Massasoit concludes its season at 17-13. It marked the final game for head coach Tom Frizzell. The veteran skipper closes out his NJCAA Hall of Fame career with a record of 724-360 with eight Region 21 Championships and 1993 NJCAA National Championship in 28 seasons with the Warriors.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- Massasoit finishes the season 17-13 overall
- Quinsigamond knocked out Massasoit from the Region 21 Tournament for the second straight season.
- DiTondo hit .615 (8-for-13) for the tournament, posting multi-hits in all three games.
- Tom Frizzell concludes 28-year coaching career with a record of 724-360
- Massasoit made the Region 21 playoffs all 28 seasons with Frizzell as head coach
