Andre Chiefs

Melrose, MA- Jared Freni recorded his third win of the season, when he went the distance, in a 5-0 shutout win over the Americans at Morelli Field.

Despite rapping out nine hits in the game, four of the five Chiefs’ runs were of the unearned variety off starter Chris Hayes (0-2) and reliever Patrick Duffy.

The Chiefs took a 3-0 lead in the top of the second inning. Nate Witkowski and Peter Copa both singled with one out. Mike Barbati then dropped a bloop single into short right, scoring Witkowski. Mike DiCato drew a walk to load the bases for Matt Boleski. Boleski hit a grounder to second baseman Mac Singleton, who flipped to shortstop Vinny Scifo forcing DiCato, but Scifo’s throw to first was wild and allowed both Copa and Barbati to score.

The Americans mounted a scoring threat in the bottom of the third. Two walks by Freni preceded a 4-6 (Barbati to Johhny Welch) line-out doubleplay off the bat of Greg Wilson to end the inning.

The best Melrose scoring opportunity came in the bottom of the fifth. John Jennings walked and Bobby Rosano and Scifo singled in succession to load the bases for Wilson who lined a laser right at DiCato in left to end the inning.

The Chiefs picked up a couple of two out and unearned insurance runs in the top of the seventh. Paul Yanakopoulos singled and Welch doubled to left. Mike Andre was issued a walk to load the bases for Witkowski who hit a hard grounder past Cam O’Neil at third for an error and a 5-0 lead.

Freni (3-1), struck out seven.

The Chiefs are off Thursday and stay on the road and meet the Arlington Trojans at Summer Street Field in Arlington on Friday at 7:00 PM. -Bruce Tillman