Jonathan Chiarelli struck out 10 Lynn Classical batters in his route-going 7-6 win over Lynn Classical Wednesday. However, his biggest “strike†was saved for last when he picked off a Classical runner at third base, the potential game tying run, with two outs to end the game.
Jonathan’s pick off play occurred in an unusual fashion, but displayed some very heads up thinking by the Revere moundsman. Classical already had pushed across one run in their final at bat to make it a one run ballgame and had runners at the corners with two outs.
The Rams then tried to force Chiarelli into a balk when the runner at first took off for second base. However, Jonathan stepped cleanly off the mound and took a few quick steps toward second as if he were going to get the Classical player into a rundown. Instead however, Chiarelli wheeled around to his left and fired the ball over to third baseman Russ Goodwin who put the tag on the Classical runner, who had been few steps off the bag in anticipation of taking off for home in the event of a throw by Chiarelli to second base.
“Jonathan made a very smart move,†said RHS head coach Joe Ranno, who also noted that Goodwin made a nice snare of the high throw, which was starting to sail off. “He had thrown 128 pitches and pitched a long game and gutsy game, but he maintained his composure and came through with a play that gave us the win.â€
The Patriots never trailed and seemed to have matters well in hand with Chiarelli cruising along and holding 6-1 lead going into the fifth inning. However, Classical rallied for four markers inn the fifth to draw within 6-5.
After a scoreless sixth frame, Chris Adreani delivered a solo home run down the left field line over the fence at Fraser Field to provide what turned out to be an all important insurance run. “It was Chris’s first hit of the season, but it was a big one,†added Ranno.
Classical scored in its half of the seventh to add some drama, but Chiarelli’s pick-off snuffed out the Ram rally to preserve the win.
Goodwin was among the Patriots who provided the offensive support with two hits and two RBI. Paul Norton banged out a pair of doubles and had an RBI and Dale Paradise contributed two hits with an RBI.
Chiarelli’s final line for his seven innings and 128 pitches of work showed his 10 whiffs and only four walks, while allowing eight hits and five earned runs. “Jonathan had good control and that kept him out of trouble,†said Ranno.
Two days later the Pats did not enjoy success in their encounter at Beverly, dropping a 9-1 decision. Goodwin earned the starting nod and tossed 95 pitches through four innings, allowing six runs. Brendan Mandell closed out the contest. The Pats managed just four hits on the day, with a base hit by Chiarelli accounting for the lone Revere tally.
The Patriots now are in the meat of their three games per week schedule. This week features a bit of a home stand for Ranno and his squad, with contests at Conigliaro Field against Lynn English on Monday, Peabody today (Wednesday), and Gloucester on Friday. Next week they travel to Winthrop and Danvers on Monday and Wednesday.