Foxborough Baseball Looks to Finish Strong

Last Thursday, Foxborough’s visit to Bishop Feehan was cut short by a rain delay in the 5th inning. With a trip to the playoffs on the line for both teams and the score tied 4-4,  the Warriors returned to Bishop Feehan to play the final two innings. In a game where every play and hit took on more meaning, the Warriors fell short 5-4 to the Shamrocks.

Picking up the game in the top of the 6th inning, the Shamrocks played with everything on the line. Looking  to continue their drive to the postseason, the Warriors’ batters were quickly disposed of as the Shamrocks played with intensity.

“I told them that they weren't going to practice after so I said give it everything you got for 2 innings and they did,” said Shamrocks coach Mark Cooke.

Quickly getting two men on in the top of the 6th, the Shamrocks added more pressure to the Warriors defense with a single from Chris Milne to load the bases.

With the bases loaded and a full count, the Shamrocks were able to draw a walk to get Nick Romero home to give the Shamrocks  a 5-4  lead.

With three outs to decide their season, the Warriors tired to mound a comeback.

Steve Fitzmaurice got on base with a single to be the first Warrior on base that afternoon. A wild throw to 1st in an attempted pickoff allowed Fitzmaurice to get to 2nd base. Looking for more, Fitzmaurice stole 3rd base to get in position to score.

Fitzmaurice attempted to score off of a TJ Notarangelo hit but was called out at the plate off of a near perfect play by Bishop Feehan.

“We practice that a few times a week during our infield drills….it was well executed," said Cooke.

Despite the out, the Warriors would get another chance to either tie or take the lead. With bases loaded and two outs, Nolan Clagg could not drive anyone home as the Shamrocks took the win 5-4.

It was a tough game for the Warriors. Coming off an upset win against Oliver Ames the day before, it was difficult to come back and play essentially what was a 2 inning game.

“We’re basically playing with 6 outs left and we weren't ready to do as much. Maybe we would have been in the 6th inning of a game where we played 5 previously,” said Warriors coach Billy Sittig.

Brandon Fowler pitched for the Warriors. In his 1 inning of action, he struck out 1, walked 2, and gave up 1 hit. The Shamrocks initially sent out Gary Trottier to start the game. In 1.2 innings of action, Trottier threw two strikeouts, walked 1 and,  gave up 2 hits. In relief action, Nathan Patch walked 1 and struck out 1.

With the loss, the Warriors are now eliminated from postseason play. The Shamrocks’ playoffs hope remain alive. By winning their game against Coyle-Cassidy on Saturday, the Shamrocks can punch their ticket to the tournament.

Despite the loss, the Warriors still have three games remaining in their season. They will host North Attleboro on May 25th, host their Hockomock Classic Crossover game on May 26th against King Philip, and end the season with the Hits for Hope charity game against Catholic Memorial on May 28th. The games against North Attleboro and King Philip are both set for 3:30. Hits for Hope will start at 11am .