MC puts down hammer
Six-run sixth propels Lancers to EMass final
LOWELL - After trailing Westford Academy most of the way in yesterday's Division 1 North final, Malden Catholic scored six runs in the sixth inning and went on to win comfortably at LeLacheur Park, 8-3, to advance to the Division 1 EMass final.
The Lancers trailed, 3-0, after five innings, but came alive after Westford shortstop Luke Mooney couldn't handle a hard grounder by Tony Serino with one out. Five straight batters reached after the error, giving MC a 6-3 advantage it would not relinquish.
"All year we've got hot at the same time and had that big inning," said Robert Machado, who doubled home two in the frame. "We're probably one of the best hitting teams around, so even when we were behind we weren't worried."
Even though he's seen his team come from behind numerous times this season, MC coach Steve Freker did not agree.
"That was the best team we played all year," Freker said. "I usually don't worry about things like that, but I was honestly antsy today. Against a team like them, coming back is a different story."
Sophomore Kevin Gilchrist kept MC in the game, limiting the Grey Ghosts to three runs in 6 2/3 innings. After yielding two runs on a bloop single in the third, Gilchrist settled in and gave up only two singles until he was pulled in the seventh.
"He threw a lot of pitches early," Freker said. "I was going to pull him, but he kept telling me he had one more inning. He came through big."
Trailing by three in the eighth, Westford rallied against Machado, who was brought in the prior inning to shut the door. Sam Shackleton and Derek Klinka began the inning with back-to-back walks, then tournament standout Andrew Moynihan stepped to the plate as the tying run after a fielder's choice. The senior smacked a line drive that looked destined for the gap in right center, but Matt Dicato made a running catch and doubled off Klinka at first, ending the inning.
It wasn't the only time the Grey Ghosts wasted a golden opportunity. Westford stranded 13 runners and left the bases loaded in the third and ninth innings.
Mike Victory started strong for Westford, giving up only two singles and walking none until the fateful sixth.
MC advanced to the state semifinals for the first time since time since winning it all in 2003. They'll play the Division 1 South champion Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Fraser Field in Lynn.
"When you get this close, you can smell it," Freker told his players after the game.
