ITL Baseball

First-time champs of the ITL

2011-09-13T09:21:00.000-07:00

Rowley Rams knock off Rockport in championship

ROWLEY — Rowley's Intertown baseball team won its first championship in team history at Eiras Park last night, beating Rockport 5-2 behind a complete-game effort from right-hander Mike Sloban.

"I just can't say enough about this group of guys, honestly," said Rams coach Jeff Wood. "It's talent, but it's also an understanding of how this game is played and the way you have to do it to have a successful team."

Rockport got on the board first in the top of the second inning when Mike Emerson hit a double to left field, then was brought in by a single from Chuck Anderson.

The Rams didn't let that sit for long, as Dave Smith started things off in the bottom of the frame with a single off Townies starter Brett Smith. Mario Luisi drew a walk, followed by another walk to Andrew Barba to load the bases.

Andrew Fecteau hit a sacrifice fly to center field to plate Smith. A single from Tim Moore loaded the bases again, and Smith walked in a batter for the Rams' second run.

The bottom of the third had a single from Luisi, plating Ralph Renzulli, and that was all for Smith, who was relieved by Derek Osmond.

The Townies struck again in the top of the fourth on a single from Connor Ressell that scored Dan Greel. Rockport would not muster any runs after that, and the Rams scored their fourth run in the bottom of the fourth on a double to deep left from Kyle McElroy that scored Anthony Conte.

The bottom of the fifth saw Fecteau reaching on a single, stealing second and taking third on a wild pitch. Fecteau was then brought home on a single from Jordan Silva, and that was all Rowley would need to go out as champion.

"I wanted to go the distance all year long and haven't had the chance to do it," said Sloban, who threw 95 pitches, had four strikeouts, three walks and eight hits. "But I was getting ahead, throwing strikes, getting my ground balls, and I got the job done."

"I just pitched the clincher game," Sloban said of closing out the Rams' championship season. "There's a lot of guys who came into it; there was a lot of solid defense. We've got a lot of good pitchers on this team."

"It was one of those games where we were in it," said Townies coach Jeremy Spittle. "But we couldn't find a hit. I thought defensively and our pitching, we were in the game. We just couldn't catch a break offensively. (The Rams are) a great team. Woody's done a great job with them. They deserve all the recognition. They're just a better team."

"They're all winners," Wood said of his championship team. "They come from successful programs. There's a lot of Georgetown guys who have won a state championship. There's a lot of (Newburyport) Legion guys that won a championship. They come from successful college programs. They're winners.

"To beat Manchester Essex in the first round and to beat Rockport in the second, those two teams have won the championship for the last 11 years in this league. So that brings a lot of validation to us as a team. To beat those two teams in the playoffs to get this done is a great accomplishment."

Wood's squad finished 18-5-2 to Rockport's 14-10 record.

"We put a lot of work into getting this done," Wood said. "This didn't happen overnight. I can't say enough about the depth. It's a team. I put 18 to 19 guys on the roster at the beginning of the year. A lot of people questioned if we could keep those guys happy. We sit here now with a championship."

1932 Championship Trophy

2011-08-27T08:20:00.000-07:00

In researching past ITL Champions we came across the 1932 ITL Championship Trophy. This trophy is on display at the Hamilton-Wenham Community House. The Hamilton-Wenham Community Service team took home the title that year, today they are known as the Generals.

ITL Champions...

2011-08-24T15:51:00.000-07:00

We are currently logging all past ITL Champions. We are doing research for all the data, the current list can be found down below on the right side column. If you know of any Championship seasons that are not listed please let us know.

2010 ITL Awards / All-Stars / League Leaders

2011-08-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

MVP - Brent Currier -Rockport
CY Young - Steve Stout - M/E
Rookie - Matt Sharon - Rockport & Bolla - Rowley

All Stars

Pitchers
Steve Stout
Nick Liguori
Matt Sharon
Kevin Michael & Gibbon (tied)

Catchers
Dan Greel
Brian Vitale

1B
Mike Cain

2B
Hernandez

3B
Ralph Renzulli

SS
Kevin Hartunian

OF
Jim Maloney
Rory Gentile
Joe Esposito

Utility (4 tied)
Brent Currier
Dave Mariani
Jared Stewart
Renzulli

2010 League Leaders

Batting Average:
Brent Currier Rockport .529
Ralph Renzulli Rowley .458
Rory Gentile Essex .458
Matt Sharon Rockport .444
Justin Bolla Rowley .435

RBI:
Jim Maloney Hamilton 38
Brent Currier Rockport 35
Bryan Vitale Ham 25
Mike Cain Essex 23
John Boyle Beverly 23

HR's
Brent Currier Rockport 9
Jim Maloney Ham 7
Jared Stuart Ham 5
Mike Cain Essex 5
Dave Mariani Rowley 5
John Boyle Bev 5

Pitching:
Steve Stout Essex 48IP 1.60 ERA
Nick Liguori Rowley 49 2/3IP 2.26ERA
Mike Gibbon Essex 33 2/3IP 2.70ERA
Matt Sharon Rockprt 47 2/3IP 3.08ERA
Brent Currier Rockport 29IP 3.14ERA

K's
Nick Liguori Rowley 61
Matt Sharon Rockport 45
Mike Drinkwater Hamilton 42
Derek Osmond Rockport 41
Mike Gibbon Essex 40

SB's
Jim Maloney Hamilton 16
Kevin Harutunian Beverly 16
Mark Provost Hamilton 6
Jim Love Hamilton 6
Mike Cain Essex 6
Tom Robertson Rockport 6

Rowley 5 Rockport 2 - Rowley Takes ITL Title

2011-08-18T06:17:00.000-07:00

http://www.gloucestertimes.com/sports/x40349082/Rowley-bests-Rockport-to-take-ITL-title

http://www.wickedlocal.com/gloucester/features/x1837746531/Rowley-defeats-Rockport-to-capture-2011-Intertown-Twilight-League-title#axzz1VNzXbasv

http://www.wickedlocal.com/gloucester/newsnow/x1852621019/Rowley-takes-two-game-lead-over-Rockport-in-Intertown-Twilight-championship-series#axzz1VNzXbasv

Rowley 7 Rockport 5

2011-08-15T06:57:00.000-07:00

Rowley defeated Rockport 7-5 at Evans Field on Sunday afternoon.

For more on the game, go to http://www.gloucestertimes.com/sports/x1942921933/Townies-pushed-to-the-brink-of-elimination-in-ITL-finals

Rams-5, Townies-4

2011-08-14T06:28:00.000-07:00

The Rowley Rams took game one of the finals 5-4 in 8 Innings.
Rockport struck first in the 2nd inning when Ressell scored the first run of the game, the Townies tacked on 3 more in the 3rd off Rams starter Joe Katin(5inn, 4R,3K,6H,7BB), when they sent 8 men to the plate. The inning saw runs from Brock and Brent Currier as well as Greel.
Down 4-0 through 3 innings the Rams got their first run of the day in the 4th inning when Kyle Mcelroy scored on a double to right center from Andrew Fecteau. In the 5th Rowley picked up another single run when Anthony Conte scored on a fielders choice grounder. The tying runs were scored in the 6th, Mcelroy scored on a wild pitch and Tim Moore scored on a Jordan Silva single into left.
Both teams went in order in the 7th and after 3 scoreless innings of relief from Joe Martin the Rams started the 8th with a Mcelroy single into left, after a walk to Tim Moore, with runners on first and second with no one out Andrew Fecteau delivered again with a long drive to left center that landed short of the fence and allowed Mcelroy to score from second ending the game.

Mcdowell started for Rockport and pitched well into the 6th. Offensively Brock Currier led the way with 3 hits. Smith took the loss for the Townies.

Martin gets the win in relief for the Rams while Fecteau had 2 hits and 2 RBI, Mcelroy had 3 hits and 3 runs.

Series continues today at 2PM in Rockport.

Rockport 5 Hamilton 4

2011-08-12T06:44:00.000-07:00

Rockport beat Hamilton in dramatic fashion 5-4 in 8 innings. Rockport now advances on to the ITL Finals where they will face off against Rowley in a best of five series beginning on Saturday.

For more on last night's game go to...

http://www.gloucestertimes.com/sports/x670926538/Rockport-headed-to-finals-after-epic-deciding-game

Generals force game 3

2011-08-11T07:47:00.000-07:00

Generals 5 Townies 4 (8 innings)

Hamilton pullled off a dramatic 5-4 victory over Rockport on Wednesday night in 8 innings. Rockport took a 4-3 lead in the top of the eight on a Connor Ressel pinch-hit solo-HR, but Hamilton responded with two runs in the bottom half to force a deciding Game 3 in the series.

The Generals took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third on a Jered Stewart solo-HR that reached the pond in left-center. The score remained the same until the top of the fifth when Rockport got to Hamilton starter Matt Greeke (8IP, 9H, 4R, 3ER, 3BB, 3K) for three runs. Tommy Robertson led off the frame with a double which was followed two batters later by an intentional walk to Brent Currier. The next batter, Dan Greel, delivered a single through the shortstop hole to tie the game. Emerson walked to load the bases and Derek Osmond was then hit by a pitch to give the Townies the lead. Up next, Chuck Anderson hit a comebacker which Greeke threw to the plate to record the second out of the inning. However, the throw to first in an attempt to record to double play struck Anderson allowing Emerson to score putting the Townies up 3-1 after four and a half.

Hamilton responded quickly by tying the game in the bottom of the fifth. Justin Tilley led off with a single down the third base line and Stewart drew a walk putting runners at first and second with nobody out. Jim Maloney then drilled a two-strike curveball to the gap in left-center for a RBI double, with Stewart stopping at third. At this point, Brent Currier relieved the starter, Osmond. Two batters later, Reggie Maidment tied the game with a sacrifice fly to left.

Greeke and Currier breezed through the sixth and seventh innings, sending the game to extra innings. With one out in the top of the eight, Ressel gave Rockport a 4-3 lead with a pond shot to left center. However, Hamilton would not go down without a fight. Maidment led off the bottom of the 8th with a bullet to third that ate up the third baseman for a single. After Maidment advanced to second on an errant pickoff throw, Mark Ruggiero delivered a clutch two-strike hit to left center putting runners at the corners with nobody out. Currier settled down and got the next batter to pop to first for the first out. The first pitch to the next batter, Devin Keller, was in the dirt and got to the backstop allowing Maidment to score, tying the game 4-4. Luke Painchaud, running for Ruggiero, was off with the pitch and hustled all the way to third on the play. With the infield in and one out, Keller then hit a chopper between third and short, which the Rockport thirdbaseman fielded after ranging far to his left. The throw to first was wild allowing Painchaud to trot home with the winning run.

Robertson and Greel had two hits apiece for Rockport while Ruggiero contributed two hits for Hamilton. The series will be decided tomorrow night at Evans field.

Hamilton 5 Rockport 4

2011-08-11T06:03:00.000-07:00

Hamilton beat Rockport 5-4 in 8 innings on Wednesday night. Game 3 tonight in Rockport.

Rams 7, Mariners 5

2011-08-10T19:13:00.000-07:00

The Rowley Rams win the semi final series 2 games to 1 and advance to the ITL Finals for the first time since 1979. Details to follow..

Rockport 1 Hamilton 0

2011-08-09T18:51:00.000-07:00

Rockport beat Hamilton 1-0 in Game One of the ITL Semifinals. Matt Sharon beat Conor Sullivan in a pitchers duel. Sharon allowed one hit on 13Ks and 1BB, while Sullivan scattered seven hits, one run on at least a half dozen Ks.

Brent Currier had 3 hits and the game's lone rbi, while Tom Robertson had a hit and run scored. Derek Osmond had two hits for Rockport, including a double.

Rockport travels to Hamilton tomorrow for Game Two (weather permitting). 5:30 first pitch.

Rams Take Game 1

2011-08-08T19:29:00.001-07:00

The Rams took game one tonight 13-1@ Eiras Field behind Joe Katin(6Inn,5H,3BB,7K) on the mound. The Rams used a 5 run 3rd inning to build a 6-0 lead and never looked back. Offensively for Rowley, Jordan Silva reached base 3 times scored 3 runs and stole 2 bases, Dave Smith, Kyle Mcelroy and Chris Esposito contributed 3 hits each. Bell started for Manchester/Essex, he was relieved by Cain and Macfarland. For the Mariners on offense Rory Gentile had 2 hits. The two teams meet again Tomorrow night in Essex, 5:30PM start.

NOTE: As of 1PM today there was almost no shot at playing this game. Tracy Wood, wife of Rams manager Jeff Wood spent 4 hours sweeping puddles, raking and getting speedy dry on the field. At game time the field was virtually perfect. The Rams, Mariners and the ITL all appreciate her efforts along with Rams coach Mike Roberge who also got down there early to see to it that this game got played tonight!

Game 1 @ Rockport Called

2011-08-08T13:57:00.000-07:00

Today's ITL playoff game in Rockport has been called off due to field conditions.

Game 1: Tuesday 8/9 6pm
@ Rockport

Game 2: Wednesday 8/10 5:30
@ Hamilton

Game 3 (if necessary): Thursday 8/11 6pm
@ Rockport

Game 1 @ Rowley Called due to Rain

2011-08-07T11:20:00.000-07:00

Today's ITL playoff game in Rowley has been called off due to rain.

Game 1: Monday 8/8 5:30
Manchester/Essex at Rowley - Eiras Park

Game 2: Tuesday 8/9 5:30
Rowley at Manchester/Essex - Memorial Park

Game 3 (if necessary): Wednesday 8/10 5:30
Manchester/Essex at Rowley - Eiras Park

Chiefs 7, Rams 2

2011-08-05T19:48:00.000-07:00

In the final regular season game of the 2011 season the Chiefs pulled out the victory behind a strong outing on the mound from Will Corkum who got the start and the win. The Chiefs took advantage of some sloppy Rowley defense in their 5 run fourth inning and tacked on 2 more in the 6th. For Rowley, Anthony Conte got the start and pitched 3 hitless innings before reluctantly giving up the ball to the bullpen. Joe Martin took the loss in relief and Dave Leavitt finished the final 2 innings. The win completes an impressive first season for the Chiefs under Gardy O'Flynn. The Rams will open up the playoff schedule Sunday at Eiras against Manchester/Essex in a 5:30PM start.

Rams in the News

2011-08-05T11:39:00.000-07:00

"Rowley Rams clinch first place in Intertown League" - Jim Sullivan

"Sloban records shutout for Rams" - Jim Sullivan

Generals In the News

2011-08-05T11:25:00.000-07:00

"Hamilton Intertown Twilight team battles for postseason spot" - Dom Nicastro 8/3/11

"Hamilton Generals fighting for relevancy in Intertown Twilight League" - Dom Nicastro 7/20/11

"Hamilton Generals ITL team flirts with fourth" - Dom Nicastro 7/13/11

2011 ITL Playoff Matchups

2011-08-05T08:23:00.000-07:00

(4) M/E Mariners Vs. (1) Rowley Rams -

Game 1 will be this Sunday (8/7) with a 5:30pm start time at Erias Field in Rowley. Game 2 in Essex is Monday (8/8) 5:30pm start.

(3) Hamilton Generals Vs. (2) Rockport Townies -

Game 1 will be Monday (8/8) with a 6pm start time in Rockport. Game 2 in Hamilton on Tuesday (8/9) will start at 5:30pm.

Generals 6 Chiefs 4

2011-08-05T07:09:00.000-07:00

Hamilton defeated Ipswich by a score of 6-4 Thursday night at Patton Park. Luke Painchaud went six innings for the win yielding two runs. Jim Love had a strong game for Hamilton with two hits and scored two runs. In his first start and plate appearances of the season, rightfielder Michael Drinkwater contributed a beast of a double. Ryan Montecalvo hit two doubles for the Chiefs.

With the win Hamilton secures the third seed in the playoffs and will open up a series on the road in Rockport on Monday evening. Ipswich finishes their season Friday night in Rowley against the Rams.

Beverly - 10, Topsfield - 2

2011-08-04T06:02:00.000-07:00

Beverly finishes their season with a win in 6 innings at Topsfield. Josh Levesque allowed only 2 runs over 4 innings for the victory and also added a homerun at the plate. Sean Martin hit two doubles. More details to follow...

Mariners Over Chiefs

2011-08-03T12:41:00.001-07:00

Mariners picked up a big win last night over the Chiefs. The win clinches a playoff berth for the Mariners, the loss knocks out Ipswich after a stellar second half run. The playoff teams are now set, but the seeding is up in the air. A Hamilton win on Thursday night will move them into third place. A loss puts the Generals in the 4 spot and the Mariners clinch 3rd. Rowley and Rockport have secured the 1 & 2 seeds.

Rockport at Topsfield MAKEUP TOMORROW

2011-08-03T08:25:00.001-07:00

Rockport Townies will visit Proctor Field tomorrow night to play the Topsfield Tories. First pitch at 5:45.

Generals over Giants 6-3

2011-08-03T05:30:00.000-07:00

Hamilton (12-10-1) clinched a playoff birth by downing Beverly (7-15-1) Tuesday night at Patton Park. Connor Sullivan picked up the win by tossing three innings of relief allowing only one hit and striking out four. Reginald J. Maidment (2-for-2, HBP, 2B, 3RBI) remained warm at the plate as he paced the Generals' offense, the biggest hit being a two-run double in the fifth to break the game open. Avon Stewart added a pinch-hit solo HR in the sixth for the Generals.

The Generals host Ipswich on Thursday in a game which may have seeding implications for Hamilton, while a playoff birth may be at stake for the Chiefs. Beverly closes out their season on Wednesday in Topsfield.

Bertolino Takes 2nd HR Derby Title

2011-08-02T10:00:00.000-07:00

Nate Bertolino of the Manchester/Essex Mariners outlasted the field to take his second ITL HR Derby Championship. Bertolino becomes the first two-time winner in the competition's history. Bertolino hit 4 HR's in the final round to beat out Hamilton's Avon Stewart.