Needham High softball team takes two in a row

(Al Shapiro)

The Needham High varsity softball team rode back to back outstanding complete game pitching performances and stellar defense to two victories in a row last week.

On Thursday at home against non-league opponent Waltham, Molly McCleary pitched a one-run game as Needham prevailed 13-1. The game started off close with the score knotted at 1-1 after one inning, but Needham’s offense came alive as they added to their total in almost every inning to reach the final score.

The very next day Stephanie Shapiro hurled another gem, a three hit 13-0 shutout at league rival Brookline. She helped her own cause by going two for three with three RBIs and the Needham defense committed no errors, not allowing a Brookline player to reach third. Emily Moder snuffed out a potential rally by gunning down one of the few Brookline base runners attempting to steal second with a nifty tag by McCleary. It was Shapiro’s second victory against Brookline this season and Needham’s third overall, exceeding the team’s wins for a season for the past six years.

Needham lost to Milton, 13-2 on Monday. The team plays Framingham Wednesday and Norwood Thursday. See the Needham scoreboard here.