Legion Baseball Team Clinches Playoff Berth

– Allison Goldsberry

On Sunday the Medford Post 45 baseball team followed Saturday’s tough one run loss to Hudson with a comeback victory at Lexington.

Medford’s 12-4 win clinched the team’s first sectional playoff berth in over a decade, according to Coach Ryan Kozul.

“Clinching this playoff berth is a special accomplishment for our program. It’s been a three year journey to get to this point and I couldn’t be any happier for our guys,” said Coach Kozul. “People like Paul Covelle, John Lavoie, and Mike Pizzi helped lay the foundation over the last couple years and it feels great to finally break through. We truly appreciate all the support we’ve received from everyone around the city, especially John Granara and the members of the Legion post. We are looking forward to starting sectionals next weekend and hopefully beginning our road to a state championship.”

Nine of Medford’s twelve runs came in the seventh inning. The 45ers were down 4-3 in the seventh when John Lavoie started the rally with a single. A walk by Mark Fusco and a single by Tim Conroy loaded the bases for Dave Center, who delivered the winning hit yet again. Sac flys by Sean Doncaster and Justin Alley made it 7-4 before Mark Fusco helped put the game away with a bases loaded triple.

Alley was “outstanding” on the mound to earn his first Legion win, said Coach Kozul. He pitched six innings, striking out five while allowing six hits and only one earned run.

“He’s worked so hard all year and he’s been as committed to our program as anyone,” said Kozul. He hasn’t had as many opportunities as I’m sure he would have liked so far this year, but he stepped up big time today when we needed it most. I’m really proud of him.”

Medford finishes up the regular season on Wednesday at Ashland. Playoff details will be available on Saturday and sectionals will begin on Sunday.

Coach Kozul and Mike Pizzi

Mark Fusco

Tim Conroy