MIKE FIORE slaps a tag on the Expos’ John Grossi before throwing to first for a double play in the top of the third inning. (Dan Pawlowski Photo)
Published in the July 17, 2018 edition.
By DAN PAWLOWSKI
WAKEFIELD — The Brewers are too talented and too experienced to let an opportunity like this pass them by.
Looking to tie the Expos for first in the Twi League, the Brew Crew gave the ball to Tom Leahy, (WHS ‘08) who despite spending most of his current time on the sideline as a coach in both the basketball and baseball programs for Wakefield High, proved he can still spin a gem when he needs too.
Leahy pitched a complete game shutout, scattering six hits and four walks while striking out two and getting the big out during every tense moment.
TOM LEAHY pitched a complete game shutout for the Brewers who beat the Expos 4-0 last night at Moulton Field.(Dan Pawlowski Photo)
The Expos entered the game as the clear top dogs, even in a balanced season full of parity. The Expos are still first in runs against with 27 and second in runs for with 44.
Despite being last in runs against and fourth in runs for this year, the Brewers proved they have the intangibles of a winning team.
After Leahy and a solid defense got through the first two innings without much trouble, the Brewers struck first in the bottom of the second when Mike Fiore roped a double and Brian DiRozza found the gap in right center for an RBI single.
The third and fourth were stressful at times for the Brewers but they always got out of trouble. After a lead-off walk to the Expos’ John Grossi in the third, Mike Fiore made a nice play at second on a grounder, tagging the runner and throwing to first on a double play.
After giving up singles to Mike Canatta and Kyle Grossi in the fourth, Leahy got the final out on a ground ball to Matt Fiore who had great day at short, including a busy top of the fifth. With John Grossi at first, Fiore made a sweet play off the bat of a Chris McNall laser as he ranged to his right, and made a leaping, fading throw to get the force at second for the second out. A much easier 6-4 fielders’ choice from Fiore to Fiore ended the frame.
Steve Grasso got into a nice rhythm on the mound for the Expos. The Twi League veteran only allowed one run until the bottom of the fifth when the Brewers picked up some insurance.
Leahy led off with a single to left and Zach Thomas followed with a base hit of his own. Grasso struck out Joe Greer and forced Drew Betts to fly out. Grasso had John Halsey down to one strike, but a passed ball advanced both runners up to second and third and Halsey came through with a rocket down the third base line for two RBIs.
Halsey stole second with Matt Fiore up to bat, where an epic battle took place. Fiore came within inches of an RBI double after pulling a swooping breaking ball just past the third base line, prompting a grin from Grasso who said he “took just enough off it.” One mile per hour faster and it might have hit chalk. Fiore would end up winning the at-bat anyway, hitting an RBI single to make it 4-0.
Leahy sat the Expos down in order in the sixth.
Danny O’Brien entered for the Expos in the bottom of the sixth where he got back-to-back strikeouts, including a close called third strike to DiRozza prompting a few Sopranos’ style “oh’s!” from the Brew Crew bench. The Brewers got a couple of calls of their own earlier in the game, so as usual, it evened out and the best team won this time.
Leahy got back-to-back strikeouts in the seventh against Kyle Grossi and O’Brien, slowing down the momentum of a lead off base hit from Greg Jain, and a fielders’ choice ended the game for a huge Brewers win.
Now officially past the halfway point of the season, the Brewers and Expos are tied for first with 10 points each. The Loafers are lurking one game back with eight points and the Highlife and Slappers are right in the mix with six points each.
The Slappers and Highlife will match up tonight and the Expos and Highlife will meet tomorrow night.
