Its been said by coaches at every level of baseball, “Just throw strikes and let your fielders field”.  On May 28 when the Walpole Rebels played the Norwood Mustangs at Elderacher field sophomore Tom Ryan did just that.  In his complete game shutout Ryan struckout four while only walking one batter to give the Rebels a 2-0 win and another game on Saturday against North Quincy.

  Ryan had good command of his pitches from the start. The offense was also able to string hits together starting in the third inning.  Adam Nichols was able to reach first base on a strike three pass ball with one out after a Rob Greeley groundout. Jimmy Adams singled to left to advance Nichols to  second.  Eric Fallon then hit a deep fly to right enabling Nichols to tag up and get to third.  Sonny Mastromatteo hit a RBI single to right plating Nichols and giving the Rebel a 1-0 lead.  

  In the fifth inning the Rebels were able to add to their lead.  Adams and Fallon both walked to lead off the inning.  Mastromatteo bunted to move the runners to second and third. Troy Salvatore struck out which brought out Pat Falvey with two outs and two runners in scoring position.  Falvey singled to bring in Adams and put the Rebels up 2-0.

  The two run lead was all Ryan would need for the win.  During the regular season he only allowed 2.14 earned runs per game, one of the top statistics in the league.  Adam Nichols had a great game at the plate and in the field, scoring one of the Rebels runs and making two diving catches in the top of the seventh inning to keep Norwood off the scoreboard.

  The Mustangs started a rally in the top of the ninth with one out.  Pat Falvey made an error at third giving the Mustangs first base.  The next batter doubled down the first base line giving the Mustangs runners on second and third. Troy Salvatore caught a line drive then turned a double play to end the game. The  Rebels  defeated North Quincy 5-0 but then lost to Catholic Memorial in a 7-2 game to ultimately end the season.