Maine 13, Jesse Burkett 3: Softball Outdoes Burkett

Softball Stuns Jesse Burkett at New England Regional

Maine rolled to a 13–3 victory over the host Jesse Burkett squad in the opening game of the New England Regional Tournament in Bristol, CT. Hannah White sparked the attack with a double, while Ava Maloney drove in a run and Camilla Johnston collected a single plus three stolen bases. Jesse Burkett managed only four hits; Stella Vernon and Luciana Johnston also contributed singles as the team cut the deficit to 3–3 after a pair of runs in the top of the second.

Maine’s breakthrough came in the third inning, where they erupted for six runs. Sophia Santiago’s inside‑the‑park home run accounted for three of those tallies. The Bulldogs added another run that inning and sealed the game with three more in the bottom of the fifth, prompting the mercy rule.

Jesse Burkett will look to rebound in a Monday morning matchup against a yet‑to‑be‑determined opponent, broadcast on ESPN Plus. The loss leaves the 12U team searching for a response after a lopsided start to the regional bracket.

Baseball Playoff Action Dominates the Schedule

In District 4 play, Grafton edged out North County 3–2 at Fino Field. Haylan Oberg fanned five batters and surrendered two runs over five innings, while Aiden Thomas recorded two flawless relief frames. Ryan Chagnon plated two runs with his pair of singles, and Thomas added an RBI double; Landon Swain’s shortstop error sparked the decisive run in the sixth.

North County’s offense was led by Nate Snoonian, who went 2‑for‑3 with a double and an RBI, supplemented by Will Gage’s double and Brodhi Byars’ single. The win sets up a rematch against Milford in an elimination game slated for Sunday afternoon.

Grafton continued its dominance with a 6–3 win over Milford. C.J. Chagnon paced the bats 3‑for‑4 and scored twice, while Charlie Law delivered a three‑run single; Kyle Brown and Zach Otis each tallied two hits. Kellen Caron hurled six innings of three‑run ball, striking out five, and Aidan Thomas locked down the seventh with a one‑hit performance.

Milford’s bats were fueled by Joey McGee’s 3‑for‑4 effort and an RBI, Gavin Metcalf’s double, and Nick Pedrolli’s clutch single. The teams will meet again at 4 p.m. on Sunday at Fino Field.

Shrewsbury dispatched Hudson 8–2 in a high‑scoring contest at McLaughlin Park. Connor Mudd ignited the attack 3‑for‑4 with two steals, two runs and two RBIs; Tommy Kursonis and Finn McDonough each recorded two hits and scored. The Bulldog bullpen of Kursonis, Brayden Lizewski and Frank Davis kept Hudson in check with just five hits.

Hudson’s offense centered on Joey Farrell, who clubbed a two‑run homer and struck out three in 4⅓ innings of relief, allowing three earned runs on four hits. The victory advances Shrewsbury to the next round.

Leominster outlasted Shrewsbury 3–1 in a tightly contested elimination game. Danny Frade needed 92 pitches to deliver a one‑hit shutout, striking out six while walking two. A.J. Wozniak’s solo homer in the sixth, Brendan Mariani’s sacrifice fly and Brett Richard’s bases‑loaded walk built the decisive lead in the fourth.

Sunday’s Local Game Lineup

American Legion action continues with Grafton facing Milford in an elimination game at 4 p.m. at Fino Field. Meanwhile, the Futures Collegiate League wraps up the day with New Britain visiting the Bravehearts at 4 p.m. at Fitton Field.

Weather or field conditions may alter the schedule, so fans are advised to check for any updates before heading to the ballparks.