The U12 North End Athletic Association (NEAA) All-Stars enjoyed a successful first weekend in the annual Mayor’s Cup tournament, going 2 and 0 with big wins over Hyde Park (10 to 5) and Allston-Brighton (10 to 4).
The first game of the tournament featured NEAA MVP Richard Bova taking the hill against a tough Hyde Park team. The NEAA took an early lead scoring four runs in the top of the first inning with lead-off hitter Cullen Lacey and offensive sensation Oliver Barca getting things going for the team.
Staked to an early lead, the NEAA took control of the game and never looked back. Backed by a ten run offensive explosion, Bova pitched a gutsy game going the entire six innings, striking out ten and allowing only four hits. The offense was led by Oliver Barca who recorded four hits in the game.
The second game was another tough matchup against an always strong Allston-Brighton team. The game started off with NEAA Pitcher of the Year Nik McHugh on the mound shutting down Allston-Brighton for the first two innings.
The gritty Allston-Brighton team did not yield easily, however, and the game went back and forth until the NEAA blew it open with a six run fourth inning keyed by big hits from Barca, McMahon, R. McHugh, Lacey, Murphy, Bova and DeAngelis. The game also saw DeAngelis come in and shut the door, pitching four strong innings in relief, allowing only one run. The offense was led by Lacey (3 for 3) and Barca (3 for 3) who had an additional three hits, capping off an amazing seven for seven weekend at the dish!
With NEAA payoff MVP Joe Brienze unable to play due to appendicitis, rookies Max Mendoza and Matthew Griffin stepped up to provide key contributions in each game to help the team come away with victories.
All in all, the NEAA showed a great all around effort, scoring 20 runs and allowing only nine. The NEAA hopes to continue their Mayor’s Cup run when they face an always tough rivalry matchup against Charlestown this Saturday, July 21 at 2 p.m. at the Parkway Little League complex. If the NEAA can continue its winning ways, the semi-finals and championship will follow on Sunday!
