Published August 8, 2019
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NORTH READING — Going into its final game of the regular season on July 30, the North Reading A’s knew they not only needed to win but also get some help the next night if they were going to qualify for the North Shore Baseball League playoffs.
However, things did not go well as the A’s lost to the host Manchester Marlins 17-2 at O’Malley Field in a five-inning mercy-rule game.
With that defeat, the A’s finished the season at 5-19 as they finished tied for ninth in the league with Marblehead. Manchester, meanwhile, improved to 12-11.
The Marlins then fell to Beverly in the first round of the playoffs two games to one as they lost 6-2 in game three on Sunday afternoon.
“They are an underrated team,” said A’s player-manager Joe Dardeno. “They hit the ball really well and got off to a great start.”
The A’s had eight hits overall with Tristan Latham going 2 for 2 while Anthony Capuano went 2 for 3 as they were the two multiple hitters. Matt Divecchia had a hit and a walk in his two at bats as he had one run batted in. Ellido Reyes had the other RBI as he drew a pair of walks.
The A’s scored both of their runs in the top of the fifth inning as they were able to avoid the shutout.
Spencer DiVirgilio (0-1) was the losing pitcher as he lasted just one inning. He gave up five runs (two earned), four hits, one walk and he struck out two.
“We had a big error in the first that was costly,” pointed out Dardeno.
