Westerly Varsity Bulldogs Triumph Over East Greenwich Varsity Avengers
The Westerly Varsity Bulldogs secured a decisive 8-1 victory over the East Greenwich Varsity Avengers on Thursday, thanks to a well-rounded team performance.
The Bulldogs wasted no time taking control of the game, jumping out to an early lead in the bottom of the first inning. Zack Miner’s single drove in two runs, followed by Jayden Parker's single that brought in another. Sean Giannelli then induced a fielder’s choice, allowing another run to score and solidifying Westerly’s early advantage.
Defensively, the Bulldogs were impeccable, committing no errors throughout the game. Grayson Simmons was particularly noteworthy, handling 12 chances in the field with precision.
In addition to Tom Fiore’s standout performance, several other Bulldogs made significant contributions. Jack Tenuta, Josh Ferando, and Miner each drove in two runs, reflecting the depth and balance of Westerly's lineup. Parker also had a productive game, collecting two hits in three at-bats, further bolstering the team's offense.
James Hooper provided reliable relief pitching for Westerly, contributing two innings of scoreless baseball. He allowed just one hit, struck out one batter, and walked two, effectively closing the door on any potential comeback by the Avengers.
The Avengers' pitcher faced difficulties, allowing seven runs on ten hits over two and two-thirds innings, and struggled with control issues, issuing four walks and striking out none. This allowed Westerly to capitalize on scoring opportunities early in the game, building an insurmountable lead.
Westerly's offense continued to press in the subsequent innings. Although they didn’t score in the second, Fiore’s single in that inning still underscored their batting prowess. In the bottom of the third, Tenuta further extended Westerly's lead to 6-1.
The Avengers struggled overall, but they did manage to exhibit some patience at the plate, drawing a total of eight walks. However, these opportunities did not translate into enough runs to challenge Westerly's lead.
Michael Poole, the starting pitcher for Westerly, delivered a stellar performance, striking out ten batters while allowing only three hits and one run over five innings, despite issuing six walks. His dominance on the mound stifled the Avengers' offense, setting a strong foundation for the Bulldogs' win.
Tom Fiore was the standout player, going three-for-four with a double in the fifth inning, and singles in the first and second innings. His consistent hitting provided a solid foundation for Westerly's offensive success.
Overall, the Westerly Varsity Bulldogs showcased a comprehensive and disciplined performance. Led by Tom Fiore’s exceptional hitting and Michael Poole’s dominant pitching, they took control early and maintained it throughout the game. Their collective efforts on both offense and defense secured a commanding 8-1 victory over East Greenwich.
