Baseball: Foxboro Legion Gets Big Win Over Norfolk

Foxboro continued their drive to the playoffs Wednesday night with a big win over Norfolk. Getting the lead early, Foxboro escaped a late scare to walk away with a 6-3 win over Norfolk.

Foxboro continued to show they are capable of getting off to a good start with a big top of the first inning. Nick Carafa singled to right field was enough to get Steve Fitzmaurice home for a 1-0 lead. One batter later Tom Brady’s single scored Aiden Farrell. Vinny Monahan’s ground out gave Carafa enough time to score and cap off a 3 run inning for Foxboro.

Aside from a run from Vinny Monahan off of a Chris Johnson single in the top of the fourth inning, things were quiet on both ends for most of the game. With Nick Carafa on the mound, Foxboro let up no runs though the first five innings and only let up two hits.

Things started to heat up again in the bottom of the sixth inning. The Norfolk bats began to heat up for a 2 out rally. Cameron Walsh was walked in to get Norfolk on the board and make it a 4-1 game. Foxboro almost got out of the jam but a bad play in the infield allowed Matthew Ferreira and Daniel Scannell to score to get Norfolk to within a run. The rally would end with bases loaded, as Carafa was able to get Tyler Campo to ground out to end the inning.   

With a four run lead quickly turning into a one run lead, Foxboro responded to Norfolk's rally. Back to back doubles from Carafa and Brady allowed two runs to score to make the score 6-3. Aiden Farrell scored on the initial double from Carafa while TJ Notarangelo scored off of Brady’s double as Carafa’s pinch runner.   

Norfolk had one more chance to win in the bottom of the seventh, but relief pitcher Brandon Fowler was too much. Striking out two and giving up only 1 hit, Folwer wrapped up the game for Foxboro and earned a save in the 6-3 win.

It was a big win for a Foxboro team fighting for the final playoff spot in the Division 6 East Division. With the win, Foxboro now owns the tiebreaker over Norfolk in the event of a tie in the standings. For Norfolk, it was a step backwards in their attempt to make the playoffs.   

“Bats have been quiet of late,” said Norfolk coach Bill Lagos. “Six his doesn’t win ballgames at the Legion level.”

It was another big day for the Foxboro bats. Tom Brady went 3-3 with 2 RBIs. Mitch Goldenberg went 2-4 at the plate. Aiden Farrell went 1-2 with 2 runs. Steve Fitzmaurice went 4-1 with a run. It was a performance that made Foxboro coach Bill Travers happy with his hitters.

“I think we play better under pressure situation. I think it really helps us out,” said Travers.

On the mound, Nick Carafa threw 97 pitches, struck out 1, and gave up 3 runs on 6 hits in a 6-inning performance. At the plate, Carafa was 2-4 with 2 RBIs, a run, and a double. Coming off of a minor back injury, it was a solid performance by Carafa. 

“It was an effort we needed and we move one,” said Travers.

For Norfolk, Nicholas Ahearn went 2-3 with a run. Alexander Lagos went 1-2.  Charles Harrington went 1-2 with a RBI.

The win improves Foxboro’s record to 7-9 while Norfolk is now 6-9. With 3 wins in the last 4 games, Foxboro has been showing that they can compete with anyone in the league.

“Its like they play when they have to play. When something is on the line they step up,” said Travers.

First base coach Chris Hall who sees the team’s improvements are happening at an opportune time echoed the feeling.

“We’re peaking at the right time,” said Hall. “When you’re peaking at the right time, it’s going to be a scary team to play in the playoffs.”

Next up for Foxboro will be a matchup at Westwood. With a win, Foxboro can get the tiebreaker against Westwood and put themselves in better position to make the playoffs. Game time is set for 5:45 on Thursday July 7th.