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The Danvers Babe Ruth 14-year-old all-star team begins its quest for a state championship tonight when it takes on Methuen in the first game of the Babe Ruth 14-year-old state tournament at Balch Park in Norwood.
Danvers is one of eight teams from across the state participating in the tournament. There are two "pools" where each team plays the other three teams in its own pool; Danvers is in the National pool and will face Arlington (Saturday at 1:30 p.m.) and Weymouth (Sunday at 6:30 p.m.) in addition to Methuen.
The teams with the two best records in each pool will play each other in the semifinals Tuesday, with the top finisher in each pool playing the second place team from the other pool. The two semifinal winners will meet for the championship next Wednesday night.
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Directions to Balch Field (1170 Washington St. in Norwood):
Take Interstate 95 South to Route 1 south (Route 1 Norwood exit). Follow Route 1 south for 3-4 miles (you will see several car dealerships along the way, as this is the "Automile"). About a mile after passing the Ground Round restaurant on your right, you will see a sign for "Dean Street all turns." Take a right at the sign and proceed to turn right onto Dean Street. Follow Dean Street through one set of lights and, at the second set of lights (with a Domino's Pizza in front of you), take a left onto Washington Street.The Balch School will be less than a mile up on your left; the baseball field and parking is located behind the school.
You can also go straight through Boston via Interstate 93 to Interstate 95, but it is not recommended by Norwood for games during the week due to traffic.
