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Danvers pitcher Kendall Meehan throws first perfect game

Print | Comments () Posted by Anthony Gulizia, Globe Correspondent April 24, 2013 08:08 PM

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By Anthony Gulizia, Globe Correspondent

Junior Kendall Meehan needed just 43 pitches to throw a perfect game over six innings, as Danvers beat host Lynn English, 13-0, Wednesday.

After flirting with no-hitters in her last two starts -- they were broken up in the fifth and six innings -- she refused to let this one slip away.

"She was very impressive, and she hit her spots well," said Danvers coach Tara Petrocelli. "She had great command and mound presence and looked comfortable."

Danvers held a 3-0 lead in the fifth inning, then exploded for 10 runs in the top of the sixth to induce the mercy rule.

Caitlin McBride, who hammered a three-run homer to make it 13-0, went 4 for 5 with three runs and five RBIs.

"We've struggled hitting-wise lately, and we hit the ball hard," Petrocelli said. "We kept it going."

In the bottom of the third, senior second baseman Chrissy Gikas made a stellar defensive play to preserve Meehan's perfect game. Lynn English pitcher Molly Cullen scorched a one-hopper up the middle, but Gikas made a diving stop and threw out Cullen from her knees.

"It was one of the best plays I've seen in high school," Petrocelli said.

No. 11 Danvers improved to 6-0, and Meehan has earned all six wins in the circle.

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Bob Holmes: A Reading resident (Go Rockets!) and Boston College graduate, Holmes is the Boston Globe High School Sports Editor. We remind you now that his weekly picks are often made in jest so everyone just calm down when he picks against Everett for 11 straight weeks. Contact him at rholmes@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @GlobeHolmes.
Craig Larson: A native of West Springfield (Leo Durocher anyone? Tim Daggett?) and Curry College graduate (a proud Colonel!), Larson is the sports editor for the Globe's regional sections: South, West and North, as well as a frequent contributor on the college beat. Abington to Xaverian: it all starts with the schools. Have a compelling story idea? Contact him at clarson@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @GlobeLars.
Zuri Berry: Berry attended the same high school as sports legends O.J. Simpson and Joe DiMaggio. (Guess which one is his hero.) He's a South Boston resident (formerly of Eastie) and the editor of the High School Sports blog as well as the go-to-guy for everything high school sports on Boston.com. Contact him at zberry@boston.com and follow him on Twitter @ZuriBerry for all of the latest updates.

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