RallyNorth.net

Knights take first step

Sunday, June, 03 By Hector Longo

NORTH ANDOVER — All the fears about down time and rust evaporate fast when Brandon Walsh starts popping the mitt at 89-90 mph.

The well-rested North Andover High senior allowed Tewksbury High no room to even ponder the upset, dominating the Redmen over five innings and lifting the Knights to the 9-2 Division 2 North first-round win.

"That's a very different Brandon Walsh that we had seen on three days rest (in the Lawrence Invitational final). That's very, very clear," said Tewksbury coach Ron Drouin. "He dominated today from start to finish. That's a tall order for my team right now. When he's on that's going to be a very tough out. With full rest, he's going to be a tough guy to beat. He throws every bit as hard as (Lowell's Matt) Tulley."

The Knights will have little time to celebrate, having to host No. 9 Marblehead here today (4 p.m.) in the North quarters.

"This could be a busy week, and we've got senior week coming up too," said Walsh, who improved to 6-2 on the year by going five innings, allowing two runs on two hits with 10 strikeouts and two walks. "At least, we're hoping that it's a busy week."

Offensively, the Knights put up runs in each of the first four innings against three different Tewksbury pitchers.

Walsh was in the middle of the action early, driving home a pair in the first with wind-blown double and then unloading a missile into the teeth of a stiff breeze from left that still cleared the 370-foot fence with ease.

"He hung me a curve ball, just about chest high, and I just went with the pitch," said Walsh.

The UMass-bound righty cruised, carrying a no-hitter into the fifth before Mark Daley broke it up with a solid single to left.

Rick O'Connor had two hits and drove in a run for the Knights, and Dan Rivet scored a pair of runs.
Drouin pretty much summed up the sentiment for the day.

"Good for them and good luck," said the Tewksbury coach. "I'm just glad  (Walsh) isn't going to be with them when they play in the Valley next year."