Berinato, DiFazio, Kent home runs power offense
MATT ELWELL makes a play to first. Elwell had an RBI in the fourth inning during Wakefield’s 11-2 victory over Parkway last week. (Donna Larsson Photo)
Published in the July 16, 2018 edition.
By NOAH GREIF
WEST ROXBURY — As longtime Orioles manager Earl Weaver once said, “Pitching and three-run homers are a manager’s best friend.”
On Monday at West Roxbury High School, the Division B Townies did just that, posting another solid win with an 11-2 victory over Parkway.
Wakefield didn’t take long to put the pressure on Parkway, scoring a run on an RBI single by Jeff DiFazio. Jack Berinato drew a walk and stole second, and advanced to third by Matt Elwell, setting up the RBI opportunity for DiFazio.
Parkway was able to strike back in the bottom of the inning, with two runs off of three singles and three stolen bases. However, starting pitcher Jeff DiFazio was able to settle down and shut down Parkway for the rest of the game. DiFazio pitched a complete game giving up three hits and two earned runs while walking three and striking out one.
“We got a good pitching performance from Jeff DiFazio, as he pitched well after a tough first inning. He only had one strikeout but pitched to contact and our infield made all the plays,” said head coach Joseph DiFazio of his son.
In the top of the second, the Townies went on a two-out rally, and it would pay off in the end. Jake Dubuque walked, Ryan McGann hustled out an infield single, and John Bennett walked. With the bases loaded, Jack Berinato hit a home run, putting Wakefield up 5-2. Berinato had a great game in the leadoff spot with the grand slam and was walked each at-bat for the rest of the game, and scored every time.
Jeff DiFazio was able to help himself out again in the third with a solo shot to center. DiFazio went 3-for-4 at the plate, with two RBIs. The righty also had help from his teammates, as Zach Kent had an outstanding catch in right-center in the bottom of the third.
The Townies continued the offensive push in the fourth, as McGann singled to center and advanced on a fielder’s choice, putting a runner in scoring position. Berinato walked, and Elwell drove in McGann from second. Wakefield hit its third and final home run on a three-run shot into left by Kent.
“That was the biggest blow, and it helped us put the game away,” stressed Coach DiFazio of Kent’s home run, which made the score 10-2.
DiFazio continued his dominance on the mound, and after the fifth, he had sat down twelve in a row. The Townies tacked on their final run in the sixth, after Kent hit a sac fly that brought Berinato home, after he walked and advanced on a wild pitch. DiFazio’s consecutive retired batter streak ended at thirteen but he was able to get out of the inning on a classic 6-4-3 double play, by Kent to John Bennett to Matt Cinelli. DiFazio would finish strong in the seventh despite a one-out walk to seal the victory.
Wakefield moved to 3-1 on the season and will play a 5-3 Salem-Beverly team tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Cooney Field in Beverly.
