By Mike Rubin

The Somerville Alibrandis are falling from first place with a tough 10-5 loss to the Al Thomas Athletics last week. Currently, they're seven points behind the Malden Bulldogs, who are in first place in the Stewart Division with 25 points.

After suffering a tough loss to the Malden Bulldogs in a battle for first place in the Bill Stewart Division of the Yawkey League, the Somerville Alibrandis continue to endure some hard times.

Plagued by a six run second inning, the Alibrandis succumbed in a tough 10-5 defeat to the Al Thomas Athletics in last Tuesday night’s match-up. Currently, the Alibrandis are now 12-5-1 overall.

Following a scoreless inning, the A’s erupted for six runs in the second on triples by Mike Niland and James Katsiroubas. Katsiroubas also contributed with a single and three walks.

For the Alibrandis, Justin Crisafulli recorded two hits, including a home run.

Facing a 6-0 deficit, the Alibrandis rallied for two runs in the fourth and fifth innings before the A’s secured the win with another four run surge in the bottom of the fifth. Other offensive contributors for the Alibrandis included George Whitener, Adjatay Nyadjroh along with David Scioli, who recorded three hits apiece while Bernie Driscoll added a hit.

On the mound, Chris Foundas earned the loss, allowing six runs on just one hit while walking eight. Also in relief was Dave Fioretti, who allowed just one hit while allowing three runs, but walked 10. Closing out the contest was Jay Wisner, who allowed one run on two hits.

“We walked a total of (18) walks, and that’s not going to win you many games,’ said coach Ron McDonough. “We didn’t allow many hits, but that’s because we didn’t throw strikes. We just had trouble finding the strike zone.”

Currently, the Alibrandis now stand seven points behind the Bulldogs for first place.

“There’s still plenty of baseball left to be played,’ said McDonough. “We just have to regroup and keep it going. We’ve been playing some great baseball and we’ll be fine.”