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NORTHEAST SENIOR BABE RUTH
Peabody won a 9-7 extra-inning thriller over Cape Ann at Bezemes Diamond to keep their playoff hopes alive.
The game was back and forth all night, with multiple lead changes and countless high pressure moments. Mark Finnochio did his best to stabilize his team, pitching a fine relief effort in striking out five batters and surrendering only two runs to a relentless Cape Ann lineup. He entered a one-out, bases-loaded jam in the fifth, but halted Cape-Anne's momentum with two timely strikeouts.
Marc "Coop" Linehan started the scoring with a three-run knock in the third inning to give his team an early lead. Linehan contributed with his glove as well, making a game-saving catch in extras to prevent any potential damage.
Meanwhile, Mike McGreggor was also hot at the plate, reaching base on all four of his at-bats with two hits and two walks. He scored twice and also drove in two runs, including what turned out to be the go-ahead in the eighth. Along with Casey Grenier, McGreggor did an excellent job snagging some well-hit balls in the outfield.
Nick Turco also contributed three RBIs, including a two-run double in the eighth to add some insurance. Ricky Tardiff had an RBI and helped advance the runners in extra innings with an excellent bunt.
Peabody will return to action tonight in the rubber match with Cape Annat 5:30 at Memorial Park in Essex. The winner will take on the victor of Hamilton-Wenham's match up with Saugus.
NORTH SHORE HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL LEAGUE
In elimination action, Beverly defeated Hamilton-Wenham 65-57 to advance. Conor Mahan exploded for 22 points, while Chris Keaton tallied 19 to pace the Panthers. While Chris Hamilton scored 16 and Jake Lindland posted 14 for the Generals.
Meanwhile, Gloucester overcame a late Manchester rally to hold on to a 47-45 victory. Adam Philpott led all scorers with 21, while his teammate Jordan Shairs added 10. Manchester's Alex Porter scored 15 and Adam Jackson added 12, but it wasn't enough.
Gloucester and Beverly will now meet tomorrow at 9:00 in a losers bracket elimination game. Peabody will also be in action tomorrow night, squaring off with Melrose at 7:00 in the winner's bracket final.
