Andre Chiefs

Malden, MA- Jared Freni and the Chiefs spotted the Melrose Americans a 4-0 first inning lead before scoring 17 unanswered runs on the way to a 17-5 win at Maplewood on Monday night.

Freni and reliever Anthony DeSouza were dominant from the second inning on, striking out a combined 15 hitters, and allowing just one hit in innings two thru six until the Americans scored a run on a couple of hits after two were out in the top of the seventh.

The Americans struck quickly in the top of the first for four runs on a bunt single, two infield hits, two walks, and a two out, two RBI single from Harrison Engstrom.

The Chiefs cut the lead in half at 4-2 in the bottom of the second when Jordan Pallazola led off with the first homer of his ICL career and Danny DiMare drove in Ryan Sonberg with an RBI single.

It stayed 4-2 into the bottom of the fifth when the Chiefs inched to within a run on back to back doubles from Pallazola and Sonberg.

The Chiefs sent 19 men to the plate in the bottom of the sixth, scored 14 runs, had eight hits against four pitchers, and took advantage of a few defensive miscues, to take a 17-4 lead into the seventh.

The Americans scored their final run after two were out in the seventh on an Anthony Licciardello double and a Mike Addesa RBI single. The Chiefs offense finished the night with 14 hits, including three each from Pallazola, DiMare, and Mike Burgoyne. 

Freni was lights out after the first inning allowing only a leadoff double by Addesa in the third. He struck out ten in his five innings of work. 

DeSouza (1-0) was equally impressive and got the win in his first ICL appearance. The former Malden Catholic ace, who is bound for URI in the fall, worked two innings, had five strikeouts, and allowed just the two hits in the seventh.

Rookie lefty Kyle Atillio from Saugus, MA got the start for the Americans and fared well in his debut, pitching into the fourth inning before departing with a 4-2 lead. Dylan Gaita, who took the loss, Engstrom, Shawn Smeglin, and Mike Peters, all worked out of the bullpen for Melrose.

Chiefs Chatter.....With the win the Chiefs go to 4-1 on the young season. They are off on Tuesday and return to Maplewood on Wednesday for an 8:15 PM date with the Arlington Trojans. Lefthander Mitchell Clegg is expected to get the start.....Rookie catcher Cal Christofori from Belmont, MA saw his first ICL action when he caught the seventh inning....Peter Copa and Sonberg added two hits each in the game....
Bruce Tillman & .400hitter, Box Score at www.intercityleaguebaseball.com