Peabody West back at it tonight, takes on Wyoma in sectional action

The recently crowned District 15 Little League all-star champions from Peabody West want to play as much baseball as they can this summer. In fact, you might say that they're taking that mantra to the extreme.

Playing their fourth game in five nights, the West's next step on the road to Williamsport pits them against District 16 champ Wyoma of Lynn in a Section 4 first round matchup tonight at Harry Ball Field in Beverly (7:30 p.m.).

"I think these guys here don't even know what they're into yet," Peabody West manager David Batchelor said, gesturing to his team as they played catch on the outfield grass at Lt. Ross Park last night.

With three straight district titles — a feat not seen in District 15 in 22 years — playing baseball into late July is something Peabody West is getting used to. But it's never routine, as today's youngsters look to duplicate the feats of their older brothers and friends.

"It's becoming a tradition around here," said Batchelor, who has seen three of his four sons win district crowns. "At this point, you're almost expected to win."

The Section 4 champion in both 2006 and 2007, Peabody West is joined in the double-elimination tournament by District 13 champion Stoneham and District 14 winner Billerica American, who play each other today at 4:30.

The match-up between Wyoma and Peabody West, though, looks like the marquee event of the evening. On one hand is the two-time defending champions from the Tanner City; on the other is a powerful Wyoma squad that won three of its four district games by the 10-run slaughter rule.

In short, it is the North Shore's top two Little League clubs slugging it out at the North Shore's premier ballpark at Harry Ball Field.

"I haven't had a chance to see them, but I've heard they're very good. They have very good hitting," said Batchelor of Wyoma.

So good, in fact, that the frequency with which baseballs have sailed over fences where Wyoma has played this season would make all but the 1927 New York Yankees blush. While outscoring their competition 59-19, Wyoma has clobbered 13 homers in only 20 innings played — a whopping eight of them off the bat of slugger Brendan Tobey.

Peabody West may have the answer, though, in the arm of ace pitcher Tyler Noe. The hurler dominated Salem American in a must-win game this past Monday night, tossing five shutout innings and needing only 50 pitches to do so. He'll be ready to go tonight in a classic strength versus strength matchup.

While the pitching depth is a bit thin behind Noe for tonight's game, things look good for the weekend. Austin Batchelor and Ryan McManus will be ready for whoever Peabody faces tomorrow (time TBA). A loss in either of the first two games would mean a contest Sunday night, with the sectional championship played Monday. All of the sectional games are at Harry Ball Field.

Peabody West had gotten things done lately thanks to contributions across the board. From pitching to the hitting of Travis Jacques, Derek Demild and Derek Owen to slick defense from the likes of Michael Petrosino and Matt Correale, a complete team effort has them in position to make another trip to the state's Final Four.

"They all have a role to play. I told them that even if you play only one inning, it could be the most important inning of the game," said Batchelor. "It definitely hasn't been a one-man show for us."

Another key has been the contributions of a quartet of 11-year-olds: Austin Batchelor, Petrosino, Correale and Matt Hosman. Twelve-year-olds like Frankie Lowry, David Cravotta and Michael MacKay, among others, have improved as the entire club has grown mentally and physically stronger in the month since Williamsport play began.

"We have 11-year-olds that have played beyond their years and 12-year-olds that have all improved," said Batchelor. "In these games, one or two mistakes can be the difference. We try to go over every situation that might happen in a game so that if it does, they'll have some memory of what to do."

If another sectional championship is in the cards for the Peabody West youngsters remains to be seen. But the thrill of coming from behind to knock off Beverly East twice in two days to win another District 15 crown will bring plenty of energy to tonight's showdown with Wyoma.

"They're still little kids, 11 and 12 years old," said Batchelor. "No matter what happens, they'll always remember winning districts. Anything that happens from here is a bonus."

What's at stake: Four teams in a double-elimination tournament vying for a berth in the state's Final Four

Schedule: Today: Stoneham vs. Billerica American, 4:30; Peabody West vs. Wyoma, 7:30

Tomorrow: Stoneham/Billerica loser vs. Peabody/Wyoma loser, 4:30; Stoneham/Billerica winner vs. Peabody/Wyoma winner, 7:30

Monday: Saturday 7:30 winner vs. Sunday winner, 4:30 (7:30 doubleheader if necessary)

Photos

Peabody West's Mike Petrosino concentrates on the ball as he practices his swing during pracitce at Lt. Ross Park yesterday afternoon. The newly crowned District 15 champions are getting ready for the Williamsport state sectional tournament, which begins tonight in Beverly Staff photo