Strong performance by Shaw puts Warriors at 2-1
TYLER PUGSLEY came up clutch by driving in the game-winning run for a 2-1 Wakefield walk-off against Burlington on Saturday.
(Noah Greif Photo)
Published in the April 23, 2018 edition.
By NOAH GREIF
WAKEFIELD — The Warriors finished off their April vacation on a high note with a big win against Burlington at Walsh Field on Saturday afternoon. The team fought hard until the end, winning on a walk-off by senior Tyler Pugsley.
The entire game featured a pitching duel between southpaw Robert Shaw (senior) and Burlington’s pitcher.
Shaw was dealing for the Warriors, coming off a win against Winchester earlier in the season. He went seven strong innings, only giving up four hits and one run, while striking out six and walking two.
Burlington’s only run came in the first inning, after a double down the right field line, with an error scoring the run. Shaw consistently painted the corners, freezing the Burlington hitters. He also utilized his breaking ball, catching the Red Devils with off speed in close counts. Assistant Coach Jason Zerfas described Shaw’s performance as “gutsy.” On the other side, Burlington’s pitcher was able to hold the Warriors scoreless for the first three innings.
Offense was at a premium for both teams, but the Warriors were able to capitalize on their chances.
One of those opportunities was in the bottom of the 4th. Tyler Pugsley reached base on a bunt after the pitcher couldn’t get to the ball. Jake Nardone singled to right, advancing Pugsley to second. Both runners advanced on a double steal, and Pugsley scored on a passed ball, tying the game at one. In the top of the 7th inning, Burlington had chance to score with two outs, with runners on first and second, after a single and walk. When asked about his decision to leave Shaw in the game, Coach Zerfas responded “[Shaw] worked us out of some tough jams and fought hard.” Shaw shut down Burlington’s opportunity to score after a groundout to first baseman Mike McKean.
With the score tied 1-1 heading into the bottom of the seventh, the Warriors looked to put up one more run to end the game. Sophomore Robbie Fossett pinch hit to lead off the inning and singled to left. Cole Kraus laid down a bunt, but Fossett was out on a close play at second. Erich Hickey singled to right, Kraus advanced to third, while Hickey advanced to second on the throw. With runners on second and third and one out, Burlington tried to change the momentum by switching pitchers. Gabe Sanders was able to draw a walk, loading the bases. Pugsley hit a hard ground ball to second and Kraus was able to score, winning the game for the Warriors. The players quickly exited the dugout and piled onto Kraus in celebration.
Going forward, the Warriors must continue to play solid defense and improve at the plate with better situational at-bats. Led by a lockdown performance by Robert Shaw and taking the opportunities on offense, the Warriors clinched their second victory of the season, putting them at 2-1. Wakefield’s next game is scheduled for Monday against conference opponent Watertown at Victory Field.
