The Walpole Rebels were able to move into first place in the Bay State Herget Division after their 3-0 win over rival, Norwood on May 13 at Baltch Field. With their mix of timely hitting, strong defense, and sensational pitching (as sophomore hurler Tom Ryan threw a complete game shutout) the Rebels were able hold off the Mustangs.

Sophomore Troy Salvatore led the game off with a single. Then junior Sonny Mastromatteo hit a triple that brought in Salvatore. Senior Pat Falvey had an RBI of his own, one of his four hits of the night, and the Rebels jumped out to a 2-0 lead. This was more then enough run support for sophomore hurler Tom Ryan.

Ryan was putting on a clinic, not allowing a single run. He took Walpole into the seventh inning, where the score remained Walpole 2, Norwood 0. 

Then in the top of the eight the Rebels were able to add to their lead with an RBI single by senior captain Eric Fallon.

Ryan then went on to finish off the game with two more shutout innings, giving Walpole the win, and putting the Rebels atop the Herget Division, boasting a 10-4 overall record. After the game spectator Dan King said, “Tom has alot of talent for a Sophomore, he will be able to supply the Rebels with solid pitching for the remainder of his career”.

The Rebels have once again made the state tournament with a 11-4 win over Mansfield on May 9. Continuing to produce wins will not only help the Rebels get a better seed in the tournament but also prime them for the tough competition that they will be facing in the weeks to come.

The post season also brings a luxury that the Rebels are not accustom to, metal bats. Using these new tools, the Rebels will have an offense that complements their pitching staff. Both Ryan and Fallon have ERA’s under 2 who are accompanied by Senior Kyle Meredith to round out the starting pitching staff.