Published July 9, 2020
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NORTH READING — It was a tough season opener for the North Reading A’s in their North Shore Baseball League opener on Monday evening as they fell 13-2 to the Peabody Champions at North Reading High School.
Last summer, the Champions reached the finals before losing to Kingston.
“They have been a good team every year since I have been in the league,” said A’s manager Joe Dardeno. “They have good pitching and hitting again this year.”
Trailing 4-0 in the bottom of the 3rd inning, the A’s cut the lead to one on an RBI single by Mike Bailey. A Peabody throwing error on the play then allowed the second run to score.
However, the visitors were able to break the game open with eight runs in the top of the 5th.
Due to Covid-19, there are some new safety procedures. Catchers and hitters must wear masks as well as the umpires. The teams are not together in the dugouts but spread at least six feet apart in foul territory when they are not on the field.
Also, the teams must supply their own baseballs and no fans are allowed.
While the regular season is normally 24 games and starting in late May, this summer the teams will play only 12 games. North Reading will play eight at home and six on the road.
“It is quite different this year,” acknowledged Dardeno.
The A’s next game will be on Friday night at 8 p.m. as they travel to Cooney Field to take on host Beverly.
