One by one, the Norwood High Mustangs have knocked off every challenger to the Bay State League crown. And after yesterday’s 8–4 victory over Natick, only Norwood can rightfully claim the top of the league table. With four games still remaining, the Mustangs stand at 13–2 overall and 12–2 in the BSL, guaranteeing at least a share of the championship.
Coach Pete Wall—guiding a lineup that includes six underclassmen—summed up the season’s surprise storyline:
“Before the season, everybody was talking Milton and Needham and Braintree. Nobody was picking Norwood. But here we are — boom.”
“Boom” is right. Norwood’s offense has been explosive all spring, and yesterday’s game was no exception. The ’Stangs collected 10 hits through seven innings and capitalized on two Natick errors to jump out to a 3–0 first‑inning lead.
A Team That Scores Early… or Late… or Whenever Needed
If Norwood has shown any inconsistency lately, it’s only in when they score. Last week, the Mustangs had to erase a 7–0 deficit to beat Walpole 13–11, a win that effectively ended the Rebels’ title hopes. On Friday, Kevin Degnan belted a late home run to beat Milton 3–2.
Coach Wall noted:
“The game against Walpole really turned it all around. If Walpole wins that game, they’re only two games behind us instead of four.”
But thanks to Walpole’s win over Dedham yesterday, every other BSL team now sits at least four games back. The race is officially for second place.
Captain Paul DeStefano Leads the Way
One of the keys to Norwood’s success has been its ability to get contributions from all corners of the roster. Yesterday, it was the often‑underrated captain Paul DeStefano who delivered the biggest performance of the season.
DeStefano finished with five RBI, including:
- A two‑run double in the first
- A run‑scoring fielder’s choice in the fifth
- A two‑out RBI single in the seventh that stretched the lead to 8–3
He also started a crucial 4‑6‑3 double play in the eighth to help preserve the win for pitcher Dave Chenard.
Coach Wall praised his captain:
“Mickey has been making the big plays in the field all season. He and Coyle have been a great double‑play combination. He’s batting around .300, but this was his best game of the year.”
How the Game Unfolded
Natick didn’t look like a team fighting for its postseason life in the first inning. Norwood’s opening run came courtesy of two Redmen errors, plus singles by Joe Pusateri and John Coyle. DeStefano’s double made it 3–0.
Natick cut it to 3–1 in the third on an RBI single by Flutie, but Norwood answered in the fourth when Degnan walked and Paul Graham, after failing to bunt, smashed a triple to left‑center.
Norwood extended the lead to 6–1 in the fifth on singles by Kevin Doherty, Coyle, and Chenard.
Natick’s Doug Wright hit a two‑run homer in the seventh to make it 6–3, but DeStefano’s seventh‑inning single restored the cushion.
In the eighth, Natick threatened again. Jim DePalo doubled and scored on Alvin Taylor’s third hit of the game. Ray Bolton singled, putting two on with no outs — but DeStefano, Coyle, and Degnan turned a textbook 4‑6‑3 double play to kill the rally.
Chenard Steady on the Mound
Winning pitcher Dave Chenard scattered nine hits, striking out four and walking three. Natick’s Schmidt took the loss.
Coach Wall Looks Ahead
With the BSL title essentially secured, Wall now wants his team to finish strong:
“Now we have to sell the kids on trying to win the rest of our games. What we want is the best winning percentage in Eastern Mass Division I — maybe earn a first‑round bye and play our first tournament game at home.”
Box Score (Preserved as Printed)
Norwood — 300 120 20x — 8 Natick — 001 000 210 — 4
Home run: Wright (Natick) Winning pitcher: Chenard Losing pitcher: Schmidt Strikeouts: Chenard 4, Schmidt 3, Flutie 3 Walks: Chenard 3, Schmidt 4, Flutie 1
May 19, 1981 — Patriot Ledger
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