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Milford Legion Stays Hot, Beats Leominster 10-4

By Nick Rando Sports Intern · June 18, 2012

In a battle of the unbeatens, Milford Legion came out on top defeating Leominster 10-4. Milford had everything working for them, yet again, by swinging hot bats and relying on hot starting pitching.
Milford starter Connor Colombo made it clear very early that Leominster was in for a long night. The 6-foot-3 right hander from Nipmuc Regional High School went 6+ innings and struck out seven batters in the mighty Leominster lineup. Colombo allowed three earned runs, walked three and surrendered five hits on the night.
"Colombo set the tone on the mound all night long," said head coach Brian Macchi. "He was very composed, and performed outstanding."
The plays of the night came late in the game for Milford as Colombo found himself in a bit of trouble in the sixth. After loading the bases with one out, Colombo showed true grit and struck out the next two batters he faced to end the inning with no damage done.
"He settled down, found it, and pounded the strike zone," said Macchi. "You could see the intensity in (Colombo) and he didn't give them any reason to think they were winning this game."
After a solid six inning performance, Colombo came back out for the seventh inning, but was pulled in favor of Andy Baranauskas after Colombo walked the last batter he faced.
Baranauskas struggled with control and was unable to record an out after walking the only three batters he faced including walking in a run.
Macchi pulled the big righty in favor of his left fielder, Ian Strom. Strom came in and stopped the bleeding by fanning two of the three batters he faced.
"He's someone I'm looking at," Macchi said in regards to Strom as a pitcher. "Looking at Strom as a guy that we can depend on as a lefty out of the bullpen is something that is encouraging as well."
Although great pitching has been the focal point of the Milford Legion team through the first four games, the Milford offense continues to produce dropping 10 runs on a strong Leominster pitching staff.
Every Milford batter recorded a hit against Leominster and six Milford batters had multiple hits. Despite the success of the entire lineup, the designated hitter Steve Morganelli had the big knock of the night. Morganelli crushed a two-run double in the sixth inning that sunk any hopes of a Leominster comeback by giving Milford an eight run lead. Morganelli went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI's on the night.
"Morganelli came up with a big hit that scored two runs for us and got us going," said Macchi. "After that hit, it got contagious."
Contagion has been a recurring theme for Milford's offense so far this season as Milford has averaged eight runs per game over the last three games and has had contributions from everyone in their lineup.
From top to bottom everyone contributed, even the number nine hitter, Chris Casey, who went 2-for-4 with an RBI.
"Offensively, this was encouraging tonight," said Macchi. "It's never enough though, because you never know what can happen in a game."
The 4-0 Milford Legion team now moves on to Marlboro to close out their four game home stand at Fino Field. The game will take place on Monday, June 18 at 7 p.m.
"The guys are real excited about coming to the field tomorrow against Marlboro," said Macchi. "Let's keep this rolling."