The Warriors hosted the Holyoke CC Cougars in the first game of the NJCAA Region XXI Division III Tournament. The Warriors took a one run lead in the bottom of the first inning on a Chris Adams rbi single that plated Joe Walsh. Holyoke took the lead right back in the top of the second with help from a very shaky Warrior defense. Tyler Andrade put the Warriors back on top, driving in two runs with a clutch two out single.

Shane Holmes was pitching well, but defensive miscues accounted for four of the five runs he allowed. I think that some of the freshmen were experiencing some play-off jitters and it resulted in some hurried throws and misplayed ground balls. Down 5-4 with six outs to play, Pat Murray came up big with an rbi double in the bottom of the eighth inning to knot the score. Brandon Quirk came in to pitch in the top of the eighth and once again was dominant as he only allowed one hit from the seven Cougar batters he faced, in picking up his third win of the season.

In the bottom of the ninth, Dave Tarr and Tyler Andrade walked with one out. Ben Monteiro wasted no time, lining a single into right field on the first pitch he saw, to plate Tarr with the winning run.

The Warriors face Northern Essex CC at 11:00 am game. Bunker Hill and Holyoke will play an elimination game at Edgar’s Playground at the same time.

Pat Murray, tied the game in the bottom of the eighth inning, with a double down the right field line.

Ben Monteiro, drove in the winning run, with a clutch rbi single in the bottom of the ninth inning.