RallyNorth.net

Smithson's gem leads Andover into North semifinals

No. 6 Andover struck for three runs in the top of the first inning, the rode a dominant performance by starter Andrew Smithson to defeat No. 3 Lynn English 3-0 in the Division 1 North quarterfinals.

Smithson allowed just three hits and struck out 10 over 6 2/3 innings, before reaching his pitch limit. Aidan Ritter finished it off for the save.

"It was just a tremendous performance by Andrew," said Andover coach Dan Grams. "He was really on. If he hadn't reached his pitch limit, it would have finished it off. He was great."

Anthony Teberio gave the Golden Warriors (12-4) to lead with a sacrifice fly, driving home leadoff man Scotty Brown (3 for 4).  

Tanner O'Sullivan then made it 2-0 with an RBI double to score Brian Gibson. Chase Lembo capped the scoring with a shot to third base that scored O'Sullivan. 

The Golden Warriors will now be out for some revenge on Friday in the Division 1 North semifinals, when they travel to face No. 2 Lincoln-Sudbury (16-4) at Lincoln-Sudbury High School (4 p.m.) Lincoln-Sudbury beat Andover in the Division 1 North title game in 2019.

"The kids are so excited to play for some revenge," said Grams. "We have six seniors on the team this year that were sophomores on that 2019 team. They still remember that, and would love to beat the team that knocked us out two years ago."