Announcement
After a week of cancellations due to non-stop rain, the Westford Over 30 Softball League found a window in the weather and kicked off the 2016 season with three games on Friday night. While the evening saw a fairly heavy downpour during the second game, the teams pushed on and ultimately all three matchups were completed and are officially in the books. None of the three games took long to finish as the mercy rule was invoked in all of them. Willis Tent, Mustangs, and Drew Farms all ended the night dominant winners.
Willis Tent 21 - Healy Oil 6 Coming off of strong 2015 campaign, Willis Tent dominated Healy Oil, posting a convincing 21-6 run rule win. Willis Tent scored early and often, putting up 3 runs in the 1st inning, 7 in the 2nd and 8 more in the 3rd, then finishing their night with 3 more runs in the 4th. Notable contributions for Willis came from Dennis Kane who went 4 for 4 with 3 home runs (including a Grand Slam) and a double with an impressive 10 RBI night. Also going 4 for 4 on the evening was Willis pitcher Rob Swinamer with 3 singles and a home run. Rookie Justin Swanson introduced himself to his team and the league with a 1st pitch home run, going 3 for 4. Stephen Damiani added to the Willis effort with a Home run of his own. For Healy, Wayne Meadows had a 2 run shot over the right field fence and Bill Eaton had a 3 run blast over the center field fence, but overall Healy could couldn't match Willis' bats. Cam Santana and Wayne Meadows shared pitching duties for Healy. Next up for Healy Oil is Drew Farms on Wednesday night.
Nashoba Valley Veterinary Hospital 19 - Burtons Grill 6 The reigning champion Mustangs again brought their dominant offensive and defensive talent and handed an "improved on paper" Burtons team an opening night defeat. The Mustangs were led by Paul Selfrige 3-3 with 2 homeruns and 5 RBIs, left handed power Bill Knute also with a 3-3 night, 2 homeruns and 3 RBIs, and Don Cusano 3-3, 1 homerun, 3 RBIs, along with a solid pitching performance. Jack Erickson played well in the field for Mustangs as all were challenged by wet conditions. Burtons were led by John Russo with a 3 run homerun to lead off his seaon, and newcomer Eric Cataline had a double and two runs scored. Dave Batchelder played a solid first base given the challenging conditions.
Drew Farms 17 - Pro Sports Therapy 4 In the third and final run rule win of the evening, Drew Farms led the whole way and had PST by 13 runs after five innings. A new look PST team couldn't keep up with the hot bats brought on by the Drew Farms squad. While PST has many new faces, it is worth noting the newcomer Brian Dubey hit his first HR and despite the messy field and wet weather, PST turned their first DP of the season. Drews was equally impressive in the field- demonstrating mid-season form defensively. Pro Sports tries to get back on track versus Burtons Grill next Friday night.
