Chiefs slip by Rams 7-6

The Chiefs locked up a play-off spot last night with a win over the Rams 7-6. Ipswich stayed hot with the bats and plated the first 5 runs of the game over 4 innings against Rowley's starter Katin. Dave Shoreman pitched the first three scoreless innnings for the Chiefs but had to leave in the fourth when he aggravated a recent hamstring strain. He was relieved by Andy Workman who pitched well for the next 2 and 2/3 innings. The Rams however, were able to get one back in the fourth and four more in the 6th (2 earned). Greg Doucette relieved Workman with two outs and two on in the sixth and came up with a huge strike out to end the inning and the threat. The Rams were not done yet and after a scoreless top of the seventh, Rowley was able to plate one more in the bottom of the inning when Ralph Renzulli (2-4, 2B, 2 RBIs) drove in a man from second. Doucette was able to close the door on the next batter and induced a weak grounder to the mound to end the game and send the Chiefs to the playoffs.

The Chiefs offense was paced by Sotiopoulos, Montecalvo, Radzim and Dawley who all had two hits each. Shoreman hit his 8th home run of the year in the third inning as well. The Chiefs finish tonight at home with the final game of the series and the ITL season against Rowley. The Rams need the win to secure a playoffs spot, while an Ipswich win will send Hamilton-Wenham into the fourth spot.

Ipswich over Manchester-Essex 4-2

Ipswich moved one step closer to securing a playoff berth on Saturday morning with a win over ME. Dave Doucette took the mound and came up big with 5 strong innings surrendering only one earned run. The chiefs offense was once again led by Ricky Sotiropoulos (2-2 2B, 2 BB) with Ant Hernadez chipping in a couple hits as well (2-4 2B). Tom Radzim came up with a big solo home run in the sixth to give the Chiefs some breathing room. Kevin Michael pitched the sixth and was able to escape unharmed after a quick pick off move to second with two men and two outs to end the Mariners threat. Dave Shoreman closed the game out with a scoreless seventh.

The Mariners sent several pitchers to the mound throught the contest. Dasilva, Stout, and Cain all threw a few innings and were able to keep the Chiefs hot bats relatively quiet scattering 8 hits over 7 innings . Buckley had two hits for the Mariners. After the four games between the two teams, the season series ended in a split.

Chief's beat Rowley 8-6

The hot steamy weather was about as hot as the Chief's have been over the last couple weeks. The Chiefs went into tonight like every other night, to win.

Chris Lane took the bump for the Chief's tonight and went a complete game, surrendering 2 earned runs over the game, while striking out three.

Offensivly for the Chief's Brian Dawley and Travis Doty all had big hits for the Tribe. The Chief's were able to use Rowley's miscues to their advantage and plated runs.

The Chief's stand off against Rowley tomorrow night again. And then on Saturday they battle Manchester-Essex at Patton Park in Wenham before the ITL Homerun Derby.