RallyNorth.net

LOWELL - For a team forging ahead into history, North Andover High looked quite at home here on the finely-manicured diamond at LeLacheur Park.

Sophomore Alec Jillson slapped a two-run single in the first and Aaron Brunette - with a save from Mike Weisman - made it work swimmingly as the Knights knocked off Reading, 2-0, before about 500 fans for the Division 2 North championship.

LOWELL - With nearly 400 fans thinking hook, a gassed Georgetown High's Andrew Sinkiewicz landed one final jab.

"I was on fumes," said Sinkiewicz, who fought through 120-plus pitches and somehow held off Newburyport, 4-3, in a Division 3 North championship classic.

There was not a lot of great pitching, but Georgetown wasn't complaining after defeating Newburyport 7-6 in the finals of the second annual Bert Spofford Memorial Tournament.

“It’s nice that we were able to come out on top,” said Royals coach Mark Rowe, who’s starting pitchers, Andy Sinkewicz and Ryan Browner walked off with tournament co-MVP honors. “We lost in the championship game last year, honoring Bert, who was really important to us and to be able to win a tournament in his name is a great feeling for me and I know it is for my players as well.”

Kyle McElroy continued to have a great season for Newburyport pitching the Clippers to the win, while helping his own cause with a 4 for 5 performance at the plate knocking in two RBIs and scoring three runs. Kyle LeBlanc and Joe Clancy each hit home runs. D.J. Grabowski (4 for 5, 2 runs, 2 RBIs) and Ben Tyler (3 hits) each had great days at the plate.

Tom Morris got a big win on the mound over River Rivals Pentucket as the Clippers played some phenomenal defense behind the senior starter, 5-3. According to Newburyport coach Bill Pettingell, Joe Clancy (RBI), who also got the save, made two of the best plays he has ever seen a high school short stop make.

Newburyport qualified for the state tournament with its 10th win of the season defeating Hamilton-Wenham, 5-1. Ryan O'Connor improved his record on the mound to 4-0, while Kyle McElroy and Tommy Morris each hit two-run home runs.

Sophomore Ryan O'Connor (3-0) earned the win for Newburyport (7-3 overall, 4-2 CAL). O'Connor allowed three hits, two walks, and struck out five. Kyle LeBlanc was 3 for 4 with four RBIs, a run scored, and two stolen bases. D.J. Grabowski was 3 for 4 with two RBIs, two runs scored, and a stolen base.

Sophomore Ryan O'Connor (3-0) earned the win for Newburyport (7-3 overall, 4-2 CAL). O'Connor allowed three hits, two walks, and struck out five. Kyle LeBlanc was 3 for 4 with four RBIs, a run scored, and two stolen bases. D.J. Grabowski was 3 for 4 with two RBIs, two runs scored, and a stolen base.

Connor Walsh had two hits and two RBIs and freshman brother Brandon Walsh added a pair of hits and drove in another run as North Andover topped Newburyport 6-4.

Connor Walsh had two hits and two RBIs and freshman brother Brandon Walsh added a pair of hits and drove in another run as North Andover topped Newburyport 6-4.