The Warriors battled out of the loser’s bracket to force the “if” game and came just short of winning the Region XXI Tournament. After losing to Bunker Hill CC in the first game of the Tournament 15-5, the Warriors beat Quinsigamond 6-5, Bunker Hill 18-6 and in one of the the best pitching performances, I have witnessed in 24 years of coaching, Luke Nagle came back on one day’s rest to pitch a complete game 12-5 victory over Northern Essex to force the one game winner take all “if” game.

David Tarr who won Saturday’s game over Quinsigamond, started the Championship game in pitched four scoreless innings before giving up a two run home run to the NECC lead-off hitter. Dave tired in the sixth and Shane Holmes came back after picking up yesterday’s win over Bunker Hill and managed to get out of the inning, but not before Northern Essex plated three more runs. Tom Protenits who pitched on Friday came in to finish the game, but a few flare hits and an errant throw made it an 8-2 game.

The story of the game was the left-hander who pitched for Northern Essex. He held the Warriors to only 2 hits. We had the opportunities as he walked six ad hit a batter. We simply struggled to put together any quality at bats. The Warriors finished the season 24-12 and were runners up in Region XXI. A solid season that the sophomores can be proud of and the freshmen can look to build on next year.