Reading & Somerville Take Opening First Round Games

The Reading Bulldogs and the Somerville Royals both took a 1-0 lead in their respective best of three series on Thursday night.

The Bulldogs got a strong effort from Jack Burke to beat the Watertown Reds 6-2 at Victory Field. Burke allowed just four hits and struck out seven in six innings as the Bulldogs jumped out to 6-0 fourth inning lead. Kevin Marciano drove in two of the Reading runs and Zac Talis, Darren Hartwell, and Rosario Missiti also had RBI’s. Dan Chassion and Logan Gillis drove in the Watertown runs in the bottom of the sixth inning.

The Royals scored three runs in the top of the 11th inning to beat the Wakefield Merchants 5-2 in a marathon at Lexington High. Brian Campbell, John Collette, and Sean Harrington each had a couple of hits for the Royals. Soren Hanson got the win with three innings of work in relief of Chuck Gibson. Joseph Maguire went the first nine innings for Wakefield and allowed just two runs. Paul McGunigle and Ryan Collins drove in the Merchants’ runs.

Both series continue on Friday night. The Bulldogs and Reds meet at Lexington High and the Merchants and Royals will tangle at Morelli Field in Melrose. Both games will start at 8:00 PM.