Westford Over-30 Slow-Pitch Softball

The playoffs have started and Burton's Grill, Floral Arts, Nashoba Valley Mustangs and Short Cut Landscaping remain.  The three out of five second round has begun and each game has a new level of tension and meaning. Sunday night say Burton's beating Mustangs for an early one-up lead. 

Nashoba Valley Veterinarian Mustangs 21 - Floral Arts 20

In a playoff like contest these teams have waged many times before, the Mustangs battled back from a five run deficit in the bottom of the seventh to tie the game up, then came from one behind in the bottom of the eigth to win it on Jim Ward's walk-off two out, two run single to clinch first place and the lone playoff bye.  Bill Knute led the offensive charge with four hits, including two three-run home runs and four runs scored.  Don Cusano (4-for-4, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 4 RS) and Cormac Bordes (3-for-4, two home runs, three RBI, two runs scored) also added two home run blasts of their own. Ward and Jack Erickson had three hits apiece and Mark Cusano added a home run, as well. Defensively, Mustang second baseman Dan Crogan helped turn two infield double plays that got the Mustangs out of trouble each time.

Burton's Grill 26 - Short Cut Landscaping 13

Burtons won the last game of the regular season in a run-rule 26-13 victory over Short Cut.  Leadoff hitter Brian Collamore went 4-for-5 with four runs scored and an RBI. Tim Scott, 3-for-5 with three runs scored and five RBI, Charlie Chungu 5-for-5, five runs scored, three RBI, and Dave Batchelder with two home runs, four runs scored and seven RBI on his 4-for4 night. Jon Russo was also 4-for-4 with two runs scored a two RBI in this regular season ending affair.  Burton's used five different pitchers in the victory.

PLAY-OFF GAMES 

Burton's Grill 4 - Willis Tent 2

In this first playoff game of the tournament, Burton's edged Willis by just two in what was likely the lowest scoring game of the entire season.  Willis led by two until Dave Batchelder, (2-for-3, two RBI) tied it up for Burtons with a two-run blast.  Jerod Colley continued his excellent pitching against the Willis tent squad.

Burton's Grill 20 - Willis Tent 18

Burton's closed out the series over Willis in a tightly contested game- winning in extra innings on a two-run bomb by Charlie Chungu (3-for-5, four RBI and one run scored). Murph McKeon highlighted the Burton's offense with two home runs, and five RBI on a 4-for-4 night.  Tim Scott was 3-for-5, two RBI and three runs scored, Eric Cataline 2-for5, one RBI and a run scored, Jerry Breen 5-for-5, three RBI, four runs scored and a home run.  Jerod Colley went the distance on the mound and contributed with a 3-for-4night at the plate.  Mike Santiano had three RBI on a first inning home run and was intentionally walked twice. 

Healy Oil 13- Floral Arts 12

On Tuesday night, seventh seeded Healy Oil upset second seeded Floral Arts, 13-12, in the first round best-of-three series. Healy began strong, scoring five runs on three home runs in the first inning. Floral answered with four runs in the bottom of the inning and then five more in the second. But Healy Oil fought back, building a 13-10 lead. Floral scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh, and with only one out could not get the runner on third home to tie the game. Mike Alonardo hit two home runs in the contest and knocked in four. Simon Tripp also homered in the loss. 

Floral Arts 21 - Healy Oil 13

On Wednesday night, Floral Arts avoided elimination by defeating Healy Oil, 21-13. Floral got great defense from Chad Kirby in the outfield and Mark Chambers at second base. Simon Tripp, Geoff Pavao (2), Rob Beaudette (2) and Kenny Delaney homered for Floral. Larry Mardany was masterful on the mound. The win tied the best-of-three series at 1-1. Dave Janowsky continued his hot stretch at the plate, going 4-for-4 and knocking in three. 

Floral Arts 29 - Healy Oil 9

On Friday night, Floral Arts beat Healy Oil, 29-9, and earned a trip to the second round of the playoffs. Larry Mardany pitched extremely well for the second consecutive game, and Ryan Dunn and Matt Critch teamed up to make several great plays in the field. Roger Whittlesey (3-for-3, 2 home runs, five RBI), Dunn (3-for-4, two home runs, five RBI), Frank Lancelotta (3-for-4, home run, three RBI), Simon Tripp (3-for-4, home run), and Jim Peloquin (2-for-4, home run, two RBI) were the offensive stars of the game. Floral will play Shortcuts Landscaping in the best-of-five semifinal round. 

Burton's Grill  16 - Nashoba Valley Mustangs 9

In game one of round two, Burton's scored ten runs in the first inning and that was enough to hold off the number one seed Mustang's squad. Jerod Colley pitched another great game, with support from Kieran Murray, Brian Collamore, Brian Haley, Jerry Breen, Time Scott and Murph McKeon in the field. Murray made a nice stab in right while Collamore turned a double-play at second.  Collamore was also 3-for-4 with a sacrifice fly and two RBI.  Jerry Breen also knocked in two, Jeff Cott and Brian Haley each had an RBI and Jerod Colley helped with two of his own. Jon Russo went 4-for-4 and McKeon 3-for-4 in the victory.