The NEAA 21u Dodgers ran their record to 6-0 with a come-from-behind 4-3 victory over a very tough Burlington team. The Dodger’s started off slowly as a combination of seeing-eye hits and some sloppy defense led to a 3-0 deficit after two innings. It was the first time the Dodgers have trailed all season. From the third inning on the Dodgers got their legs under them and allowed only one hit and no runs the rest of the way but they were still struggling mightily with their offense.
In the third inning, the Dodgers load the bases as Brett McAllister reached on an error and after two were out Vin Lopriore and Mike Martignetti lined consecutive singles but the Dodgers could not come up with another two out hit and were held off the scoreboard. The Dodgers finally got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the 6th as Bob Mello doubled and with one out back-to-back walks to Rob Pagliuca and Ricky Martignetti loaded the bases. Jack Ditomassi then grounded out to 2nd base scoring Mello and it was 3-1 end of 6. Kurt Martin came in to face the top of the Burlington order in the top of the 7th and got out of the inning with no damage with the help of catcher Brett McAllister picking a baserunner off first base.
The Dodgers had their last chance in the bottom of the 7th. Vin Lopriore walked to start the inning and the Burlington pitcher was lifted having gone 6 plus strong innings. Burlington went to their closer and the Dodgers went to work. Both Mike Martignetti and Bob Mello worked full-count walks after fouling off tough pitches and that loaded the bases with no out. James Ditomassi then walked on 4 pitches to make the score 3-2 and it looked like the closer was falling apart. Suddenly the closer seemed to find it as he struck out the next Dodger on three pitches. With one out Ricky Martignetti stepped in. After strike one was called the Dodgers called for the squeeze play. Ricky dropped down a perfect bunt that not only scored Michael from third base to tie the game but also led to Ricky being safe at first. The successful squeeze clearly rattled the Burlington closer and he fired his next pitch past the catcher allowing Bobby Mello to trot home with the winning run.
Next up the 6-0 Dodgers play a 6-1 Malden team in a battle for first place.
