In what could be considered an ITL “instant classic” the Rockport Townies were able to fend off the pesky Hamilton Generals 9-8 in the first game of the 2006 ITL playoffs. The Townies now hold a 1-0 lead in the best of three series. The Townies got things going in the bottom of the first by sending 10 men to the plate. Tom Robinson led off the game with a double and later scored on a Brent Currier RBI single. Chris Bouchie worked a bases loaded walk, Brock Currier added an RBI single, and Jeremy Spittle earned an RBI on a walk. With the bases still loaded the inning finally came to a close as Tom Jones robbed Tom Robinson of extra bases with a nice play in center field. With 1 inning complete, the Townies led 4-0. After the nice play, Jones led off the top of the second with a triple, and was plated on a Judd Funchion RBI single making the score 4-1. In the top of the third Vitale reached base with 2-out, followed by a Jones 2-run HR to center pulling the Generals within one. That made the score 4-3 Townies after 3 complete. The Generals tied it up in the top of the fourth. Jim Maloney got it going with 2 outs in the inning by singling, and stealing second. Mark Provost (5-5, 5 singles, 4 stolen bases, 1 run, 2 RBI) delivered the RBI single that tied the game.

That didn’t last long as the Townies got them right back in the bottom of the fourth. Tom Robertson delivered a solo-HR. Adam Orlando then had an RBI triple and Brent Currier was able to plate Orlando with another RBI single. The Townies score 4 times in the bottom of the 4th making it an 8-4 ball game.

The Generals didn’t quite as they came back again, scoring 4 in the sixth to tie the game at 8-8. Jim Maloney had and RBI single, and Tom Jones (3-4, single, triple, HR, 3 RBI, 2 runs) added another RBI single. Threatening again in the bottom of the 6th the Generals were again benefited from some nifty defense. With the go ahead run at second and only 1 out the Generals got back-to-back great catches in the outfield from Jones and Shuka to end the inning and keep the score tied for the time being. Shuka was able to battle the right field hill and make a great play that certainly saved the go-ahead run.

The Townies got out of a jam themselves in the top of the seventh. With runners on the corners and 2-out Chris Bouchie, now pitching, was able to get a big strike-out to end the inning and the Generals threat to take their first lead of the game. In the bottom of the seventh Brock Currier led off with a walk followed by a Spittle single. After an intentional walk to load the bases Mike Anderson came to the plate. With the crowd roaring and the Lobster Man banging his drum, Anderson sent a hot shot to third. The hard hit ball was batted around and ended up in the hands of Judd Funchion who fired home to get the force play. The throw was not on target and the run scored giving the Townies a Thrilling 9-8 win and a 1-0 lead in the best of three series. Chris Bouchie picked up the win. Adam Orlando started, pitched great, but did not figure in the decision. Chris Judd went seven for the Generals but picked up the tough loss. The atmosphere for the opening game of the 2006 ITL playoffs could not have been any better and certainly added to the experience for both teams. Both fan bases were well represented, the Generals and the Townies certainly appreciated all the support.

The two teams battle again tonight (Monday) at Patton Park. Game time is 5:45pm. A Townie win will send them to the finals and a General win will force a decisive game 3 back in Rockport on Wednesday night.

The Ipswich Chiefs took Game One of the ITL semi-finals with a 7 to 2 win at home over the Beverly Giants Monday night. Dave Shoreman pitched a complete game striking out 4 to earn the win. Shoreman also added an RBI single. Ryan Montecalvo was 3 for 4 with 2RBI. Brad Eaton and Chris Zaremba each had two hits on the night.

Beverly jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the 3rd inning, but couldn't hold the lead. Luke Deschamps was charged with the loss allowing 5 runs in 3 2/3 innings. Jeff Barricelli was 2 for 3 with an RBI for the Giants and Nick Adams was 2 for 4.

Game Two of the three game series is scheduled for Tuesday night at Patton Park in Hamilton.

The Beverly Giants evened the semi-final series at one game apiece with a 6 to 5 win over the Ipswich Chiefs Tuesday night. The third and final game of the series is scheduled for Thursday at 5:30 in Ipswich.

Beverly took an early 2-0 lead in the 1st inning when they loaded the bases with nobody out and scored twice on RBI groundouts. In the 2nd inning, Beverly threatened again, but the Ipswich centerfielder, Tom Radzim, gunned down a Beverly runner at the plate to end the threat. The Giants increased their lead to 4-0 in the bottom of the 3rd inning on an error and a Pat Doyle double.

Ipswich broke through off Beverly starter, Jon Trowt, in the 4th inning with two runs on back to back RBI doubles by Dylan Durning and Tom Radzim. The Chiefs added a run in the 5th inning on a two out error scoring Chris Zaremba who had previously singled.

In the bottom of the 5th, Beverly got some insurance building a 5-3 lead when Jeff Barricelli singled home Derek Scialdone who had doubled.

Ipswich came right back in the top of the 6th inning to tie the game. Zaremba and Dave Shoreman delivered run scoring singles off Trowt who was relieved by Anderson. After walking two batters to load the bases, Anderson got a strikeout to end the threat and leave the game tied at 5.

Beverly scored a go ahead run in the bottom of the 6th. Jay Trowt worked a walk, stole second, and moved to third on a balk. He then came home to score on an error to put Beverly ahead by 1.

In the top of the 7th, Anderson had a 1-2-3 inning to close out the game and earn the victory. Brad Eaton pitched the entire game for Ipswich and took the loss. Eaton threw 6 innings, allowing 3 earned runs and striking out 7. Jon Trowt pitched 5 2/3 innings allowing 4 earned runs while striking out 8.