Alibrandis ace pitcher Andrew Babb burns one into the plate in game three of the series match up with the Medford Maddogs. - Photo by Harry Kane

By Harry Kane

Game three of the series between Somerville and Medford began with Bernie Driscol’s walk to first base. This gave David Scioli some impetus to drill an RBI double into center field bringing in Bernie and making it 1-0 in favor of Alibrandis.

In the bottom of the first Medford struck back with multiple hits. In a matter of minutes the score was tied at one and the bases were loaded. Pitcher Andrew Babb dealt the pitch to the next Medford batter who lined the ball to the third baseman Sal Mendonca.  Sal missed the ball and a runner would score, but as the next Maddog runner rounded third base Mendonca redeemed himself by retrieving the ball and throwing out the base runner at home plate.

In the second inning Somerville bounced back, starting with Yondo Nyadjroh’s liner through the shortstop’s legs. Sal returned to the plate and rocketed another base hit into center field. Mike Maguire took four balls and was walked, loading the bases. Bernie knocked in an RBI single making the score tied at two. Then Scioli hit a sacrifice fly bringing in the leading run. Somerville was back on top with a 3-2 lead.

The next round of excitement came in the bottom of the third inning when Medford strove to retake the lead. Babb held the batters on the bases and with a bit of luck and a lot of skill the Alibrandis got out of the inning unscathed and managed to continue their lead.

Then in the top of the fourth the Alibrandis added another point to the board with an RBI single from Driscoll. In the top of the fifth Ted Dzuiba hit a home run into right field to extend the lead to 5-2.

The Maddogs pitched around Mike Maguire once again in the sixth, walking him for the second time. Maguire stole second and then third base. Scioli struck out tying to bring Maguire in, latter cracking an old hickory maple bat over his knee in a fit of rage. Dzuiba drove in the final run with an RBI single into right field making the final score 6-2.

The Alibrandis play the AIThomas Athletics in the next round of the playoffs.

Alibrandis Highlights

Video by Harry Kane