Replaying a frustrating familiar script at the New England Regional American Legion baseball tournament in Manchester, New Hampshire, Norwood’s Post 70 squad followed up an opening-round shutout with a tough 3-1 loss to Cranston, Rhode Island.
Following the defeat, Norwood finds itself facing a grueling path forward, needing four consecutive victories to advance to the American Legion World Series in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Play resumed with an elimination matchup against the winner of the Manchester-New London game, with Scott Generazo getting the start on the mound.
Fiore’s Dominance and O’Rourke’s Home Run
Cranston pitcher Kyle Fiore stifled Norwood’s explosive bats, utilizing a quick fastball, a sharp round-house curve, and an occasional sidearm delivery to strike out 10 batters and limit Norwood to just two hits. Despite getting hit in the knee by a hard liner off the bat of Derek Ghostlaw in the eighth inning, Fiore stayed in the game and escaped a bases-loaded jam when Cranston third baseman Brian Tyler made a spectacular diving stop on a smash by Jim Delbou to preserve the lead.
Norwood struggled to capitalize on opportunities, stranding runners in scoring position during the first, second, and eighth innings. Norwood’s sole run came via a towering 390-foot solo home run to right field by Dan O’Rourke. Cranston Coach Tony DiBiase praised his pitcher and defense, noting, “They’re a scrappy team and play very, very good defense.”
McCready’s Solid Outing
Norwood starting pitcher Jim McCready pitched well enough to earn a win after surrendering two runs in the third inning—where Rhode Island’s Mark Splidoro scored following a fielder’s choice and hit by Frank Leone, who later came home on a passed ball. Cranston added a crucial insurance run in the seventh when Jeff Diehl singled, stole second, and advanced home on consecutive sacrifice bunts by Tom Pilderian and Joe Nerny.
After a shaky start, McCready settled down to retire 10 consecutive batters between the third and sixth innings, scattering six hits and striking out eight batters over his outing.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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