CHICOPEE – Behind a complete-game effort from starting pitcher James Lavallee that featured three hits and eight strikeouts, the Northampton Post 28 legion baseball team defeated Aldenville (Chicopee) Post 337 by a final score of 3-0 at Szot Park on Monday evening.
“Despite the curveball not quite hitting the mark tonight, my fastball and slider were on point,” Lavallee said. “It’s all part of the game. We all have those days when every pitch isn’t working. But what matters is that everyone on our team gave their all and made contact with the ball.”
Andrew Gagne scored the eventual go-ahead run in the second inning to ensure Northampton improved to 4-2 and maintain second place behind Belchertown Post 239 in the Senior Division.
“Every game is a different process,” Post 28 coach Adam Krol said. “We always have to find a different way to win, and the guys did today – I couldn’t be more proud of them.”
It didn’t take long for either side to make things interesting, as Northampton stranded one runner at third base to begin the game. Now fast-forward to the frame’s bottom half as Brady Balint and Nathan Carillon reached first and second base following an infield error.
The momentum was shortlived, though, as Lavalle earned a strikeout and flyout before Christopher Gallagher entered the plate with one runner in scoring position and two outs.
But the No. 5 hitter failed to connect, as Gallagher went down swinging to ensure both sides left three combined runners on base during a scoreless first inning.
It didn’t remain that way for long, though, as Gagne stroked a single down the third-base line. Harrison LaFlamme then found some green in right-center field to give Post 28 runners on the corners. Matthew Baird then earned a one-out walk to load the bases.
For a moment, it seemed like Aldenville starting pitcher Christopher Reardon might escape the jam after catching No. 9 hitter Jamie Fowler looking on a 3-2 pitch for the inning’s second out. But that wasn’t enough, as Gagne scored the game’s first run on a passed ball from third base to make it 1-0 entering the bottom two.
“Getting the first run is a huge confidence booster,” Lavallee said. “Nonetheless, I thought (Reardon) did a great job because he was dealing tonight.”
Reardon allowed five hits, two runs (one earned), and struck out eight in a losing effort as Aldenville moved to 1-2 on the season. Carillon relinquished one unearned run and struck out three in two innings of relief.
The home team also combined for three hits and three errors.
“We made some mistakes in the field,” Reardon said. “And I let up some pretty essential runs. There were a few errors, missed throws, and a passed ball. But if we got the bats going, it would have been a closer game.
“We win games from defense, so if we get our bats going, score some runs, and use our legs … we’ll be good. We just have to correct those errors because our pitching was good.”
One of those miscues came at the top of the third inning, as Ethan Bouley reached second base to begin things. Following another passed ball, Lavallee walked to ensure runners on the corners with no outs.
Before the frame started, Krol echoed the importance for his team to improve from the plate. The message was received, as Flynn connected for a run-scoring single to double Northampton’s lead to 2-0 through three innings of action.
“That was a huge moment, especially when you have pitching like this where you have to play strong defense,” Krol said. “We must take advantage of these opportunities when we have runners on base. And so we’re less concerned about the guys we don’t get in because we care about those who score.
“And we scored enough to win today and did the job … I’m very proud of them.”
Despite an impressive diving catch from Balint in center field to keep it a two-run deficit entering bottom five, LaFlamme ultimately scored an insurance run to seal Northampton an impressive victory against Aldenville.
Northampton Post 28 will continue its two-game road trip against Monson Post 241 from Legion Field on Wednesday at 7 p.m., while Aldenville (Chicopee) Post 337 is scheduled to face North Adams Post 125 from Alcombright Field on the same date at 5:45 p.m.
