BOXFORD — The Peabody softball team picked up its first win of the season Friday afternoon, defeating host Masconomet, 15-4, to improve to 1-1.
“It was an excellent game for us,” Tanners’ Coach Steve Lomasney said.
Kaylee DiNicola had a big day at the plate, going 4-for-4 with a double, four RBI, and three runs scored.
Freshman Ayanna Cirame went the distance in the circle. She struck out three and walked three, scattering eight hits across six innings before the mercy rule was invoked in the top of the seventh inning.
“She was outstanding,” Lomasney said. “Even in the last game (a 9-6 loss to Danvers), she didn’t give up walks. She threw a lot of first-pitch strikes today and was in total control. She gave us a chance early by attacking the strike zone. I mean, six pitches in the first inning, only eight in the second, and was in the fourth inning at just 46 pitches.”
Freshman Taylor King, batting in the leadoff spot, was 3-for-4 with a triple, three runs scored, and an RBI. Junior captain Lizzie Bettencourt blasted a line drive two-run homer deep over the fence in center field and was intentionally walked in her other three at-bats. Senior captain JJ Emerson was 2-for-4 with an RBI and one run scored. Freshman Olivia Guarino doubled and scored two runs with two RBI.
The Tanners wasted no time getting the bats going. King led off the first with a single and DiNicola singled. Both scored on a bases-loaded double from Guarino to grab a 2-0 lead.
With one out in the second, Gabby Gosselin walked and King singled. DiNicola doubled both runners home to make it 4-0, then senior captain Jess Steed (1-for-3, RBI) singled home DiNicola.
Masconomet cut the deficit to 5-1 with a run in the bottom of the third.
Peabody went right back to business in the top of the fourth. King led off with a triple to right and scored on a DiNicola single. Bettencourt lined a homer over the fence to make it 8-1. Two batters later, Jaslyn Iraola doubled and scored on Emerson’s double.
After the Chieftains closed to 8-2 in their half of the inning, Peabody got that run back in the top of the fifth on an RBI single by DiNicola.
Peabody put the game in the bank with six runs in the top of the seventh. Steed and Kauth delivered RBI singles, while Emerson, MacKenzie Landry and Gosselin brought in one run each with bases-loaded walks. King put the nail in the coffin with an RBI single that scored Emerson to end the game.
Kaedynce Kauth (1-for-2, run) also contributed.
Lomasney said he liked the way the Tanners swung the bats.
“When we had two strikes in the count, we shortened up, widened their stance and put the ball in play,” Lomasney said. “We had two-strike hits, two-strike RBI, so it was really a good approach for us. I was very happy with the offense.”
Lomasney was also pleased with the Tanners’ defensive effort, especially on the left side of the infield with King at short and Guarino at third.
“They hit the ball and we made the plays,” he said. “Some found some holes, but we made all the plays we should have. Olivia and Taylor may be freshmen, but they’re good players. I knew that when as eighth-graders they were playing with the JV. I knew they would be impactful this year and I’ve thrown them in the fire. They are going to learn and they are showing they can compete. There’s a bright future for those girls.
“Today was all about throwing strikes and defending. If we can do that, we should be successful because I think we can hit with everybody.”
