Vinal Post sweeps up, Billerica splits in Legion doubleheaders

The Lowell Sun

Updated: 07/12/2009

The host North Chelmsford Vinal Post 313 American Legion baseball team swept a pair of games yesterday at Ayotte Field, trimming Post 247 of Tyngsboro, 7-4, in the morning and Post 69 of Malden, 14-8, in the afternoon.

Area baseball

AMERICAN LEGION

North Chelmsford

North Chelmsford (6-8) had a solid complete-game outing from Sun first-team All-Star Mike Martell versus Tyngsboro (3-8-1), as he scattered 9 hits, allowed 3 earned runs and struck out a season-high 14.

Andrew Chandler (Westford) went 2-for-3 with a double, while Allan Surette added a single, RBI and 2 runs scored. Post 313 made the most of its 7 hits and also drew 8 walks.

Andrew Larmand paced Tyngsboro with a double and single.

After falling behind Tyngsboro 3-0 in the top of the first, NC took charge with 5 runs in both the first and second frames.

Surette was 3-for-3 with 3 RBI, Mike Varley-Barrett lashed 3 hits and Chandler doubled, singled and scored 3 runs. Tim Doherty also singled and later stole home.

For the day's two games, Chris Mauti was 1-for-1 with a 2-run double and he also walked 6 times.

Post 313 plays at Natick Post 107 tonight (7:30).

========================================================

Sun All-Stars: The Baseball Team

The Lowell Sun

Updated: 07/06/2009 11:28:06 AM EDT

 

KOREY LELIEVRE

Alvirne

Player of the Year

Senior ace pitcher/centerfielder LeLievre (6-1, 1 save, 2-0 tourney mound mark), a Keene State recruit, powered the Broncos to the New Hampshire State Class L final with his pitching and hitting prowess.

The 6-2, 195-pound three-year starter capped the campaign by tossing 5 2/3 innings in the Broncos 12-3 tourney semifinal win over Trinity. He also threw 1, 2 and 3-hitters this season against Exeter, Guertin and Spaulding respectively.

At the plate the captain batted .440 with 3 homers, 16 RBI and he batted over .500 with runners in scoring position.

LeLievre is first-team New Hampshire All-State in Class L and also team MVP.

TIM WHEELER

Central Catholic

Player of the Year

The lanky 6-4, 220-pound senior first baseman, a Lowell resident and three-year varsity vet, came basically out of nowhere this season to earn Merrimack Valley Conference Division 1 Player of the Year honors while helping lead the Raiders to a second straight MVC 1 championship

Wheeler batted a hefty .547 with an area-high 41 hits and 4 homers. He also led the Raiders in every other offensive category with 16 runs scored, 3 doubles, 1 triple and 22 RBI.

Wheeler, who played on Central's outstanding varsity boys basketball powerhouse the past two winters, was named the CCHS baseball team Offensive Player of the Year. The honor roll student will attend the University of Rhode Island.

ANYELO ROMAN

Lowell

The Red Raiders' senior 6-2, 190-pound pitcher/third baseman and captain, a two-year veteran, did a bit of everything this spring.

The Merrimack Valley All-Conference choice and team MVP was 4-2 on the mound with 2 saves for the 13-11 Division 1 North Tournament semifinalists. He posted a 1.99 ERA, struck out 58 and walked 16 at 56 1/3 innings.

At the plate Roman, who is looking at Northern Essex CC for next fall, batted .330 with 32 hits, 8 doubles, 3 homers and 24 RBI.

RONNIE WALLACE

Tewksbury

The 5-11, 185 pitcher/rightfielder, a four-year varsity mainstay, rare three-time Sun first-teamer and two-year Redmen captain, carried TMHS both at the plate and on the mound this spring.

He finished with a .452 average, 28 hits, 17 runs and 17 RBI, leading TMHS in every offensive category except homers. On the mound he was 4-2 with 1 save.

The four-time Merrimack Valley All-Conference is also the Redmen team MVP.

Wallace is an honor roll student headed to UMass Amherst on a baseball scholarship.

AARON BARBOSA

Dracut

The Middies' leadoff batter is the definition of the word "catalyst" on the baseball diamond.

The junior 6-1, 165-pound shortstop, a two-year varsity veteran, was instrumental in a 16-7 season that carried Dracut to the Division 2 North Tournament semifinals.

In 23 games the lefty speedster hit .444 with a lofty .545 on-base percentage and a perfect 27 stolen bases in 27 attempts. He also batted over .300 as a junior.

The National Honor Society member, who also plays varsity soccer and basketball, is a two-time Merrimack Valley All-Conference and this year's Dracut team Most Outstanding Player.

MATT SILVA

Dracut

The Middies' top pitcher finished with 5 wins and a 2.22 ERA, pitching shutouts against Haverhill and South Boston (MIAA Tournament) while holding non-league Malden High to 1 run.

He was not far from a 9-0 mark as all 4 of the 5-10, 160-pound sophomore first-year varsity hurler/second baseman's losses were by 1 run.

The Merrimack Valley All-Conference selection also played varsity football and basketball.

PETER LYNCH

Westford Academy

The Grey Ghosts' senior pitcher, a three-year varsity mainstay, was the winningest hurler in the area this season with an 8-2 record and 1 save. In 45 1/3 innings he allowed 34 hits, and 8 earned runs, walking only 9 and fanning 37 while posting a miniscule 1.24 ERA.

The first-team Dual County League All-Star was also runner-up for MVP in the league while earning All-Scholastic mention and team MVP honors for the 17-4 league co-champs.

The National Honor Society member, who also plays on WA's standout boys varsity basketball team, will attend Middlebury College in Vermont.

SAM SHACKLETON

Westford Academy

The senior leftfielder, a 2 1/2-year veteran called up midway through his sophomore season, finished with a .403 average which included 27 hits, 2 doubles, 2 triples, 19 runs scored, 23 RBI and a .494 on-base percentage

"Sam also hit over .300 last spring and he was our best offensive player this season," said coach Jeff Kane.

A wide receiver in football and varsity basketball player as well, the honor roll student is headed to UMass Amherst in the fall.

ADAM HAGMAN

Alvirne

The 6-foot-1, 250-pound senior pitcher/DH. a two-year varsity vet, finished the season 4-2 with 4 saves on the mound for the New Hampshire State Class L Tournament finalists.

He closed out a 12-3 tourney semifinal win over top seed Trinity High of Manchester by getting the last 4 outs. In the State final loss to Keene, Hagman checked in with 3 1/3 innings of shutout relief.

Second-team All-Stater Hagman helped power the offense as the cleanup hitter, .390 with 1 homer and a team-high 26 RBI. He batted.480 with runners in scoring position.

ANDREW LARMAND

Lowell Catholic

The junior 5-10, 175-pound shortstop, captain and two-time Sun first-teamer, a three-year varsity veteran, capped another outstanding season for the Catholic Central League Small School Division champs (10-0 CCL) by being named the MVP of the division.

After hitting close to .600 last year and leading Eastern Mass. in average for long periods of time, Larmand batted .519 with 34 hits, 3 triples, 9 doubles and 23 RBI in 18 games this spring.

The three-time CCL All-Star, a National Honor Society member, was also team MVP and league MVP in soccer as the LC goalkeeper.

STEVE McLEAN

Burlington

The Red Devils finished 15-7 overall and made the quarterfinals of the North tournament where they bowed 4-3 to eventual champ North Andover.

Senior 5-11, 175-pound senior third baseman McLean led the ML in batting with a .491 average, lacing 28 hits (homer, triple, 4 doubles) and driving in 22 runs. He walked an impressive 26 times and onlly struck out twice all season.

The first-team Middlesex League All-Star, an honor roll student and BHS Scholar/Athlete Award recipient, was voted the team Outstanding Player Award by his mates.

McLean, a standout center on the Red Devils Super-8 qualifying hockey team, will attend Boston University in the fall.

SAM CUMMINGS

Burlington

The senior 5-10, 185-pound pitcher/DH and captain, a third-year varsity player, went 6-2 on the mound with a 2.34 ERA.

He struck out 21 Woburn High batters in a 7-inning game (3 reached on dropped third strikes) this spring and finished with 101 Ks in 52 innings for an average of just under 2 per frame.

Cummings, who missed part of his high school career with a broken bone in his hand, still managed 10 career wins.

The Middlesex League All-Star was an honor roll student and also a football captain. He will attend Bentley College in the fall.

JAKE NORTHRUP

Acton-Boxboro

The junior 6-foot, 180-pound junior shortstop/relief pitcher, a two-year varsity veteran, was a force at the plate as the Colonials posted a 15-8 overall record including Division 1 North Tournament wins over Medford and Westford Academy.

Northrup laced 33 hits -- including 3 homers -- and had 11 multi-hit games. He also drove in 24 runs and scored 22.

In limited appearances on the mound, 8 innings as the closer, he recorded a 1-0 record, perfect 0.00 ERA and struck out 14. The first-team Dual County League All-Star was also A-B's team MVP.

CONNOR BUCKLEY

Acton-Boxboro

The versatile 6-1, 175-pound senior, a three-year varsity mainstay, was the top pitcher for the Dual County League power and also split time in the infield among the shortstop, third base and second base positions.

Buckley, who pitched against the toughest teams on the schedule, posted a 5-2 mound mark with a 2.25 ERA. He threw 3 complete games and struck out 48 batters in 46 innings.

At the plate he was one of the team's top sluggers with 3 homers.

The first-team DCL All-Star was also voted MVP of the league All-Star Game.

DAN UBELE

Tyngsboro

The versatile junior 6-1, 170-pound captain and two-time Sun first-teamer, a varsity member since his freshman year, moved around from pitcher to catcher to third base.

He batted .403 with 9 doubles, a triple, 3 homers and 29 RBI. On the mound he picked up 3 wins and struck out 54 in 52 innings. In the field he made just 4 errors all spring.

His most impressive performance came in a late-season win over Ashland that clinched a tournament berth. Ubele posted the pitching victory, belted 2 homers and drove in 6 runs.

The two-time DCL first-team All-Star was team MVP.

ANTHONY POWERS

Gr. Lowell Tech

The senior 5-7, 150-pound senior shortstop/pitcher, a captain and three-year varsity veteran, was a key figure in the Gryphons' surprising 14-8 season which included a 9-4 CAC Large mark (second to Whittier Tech) and impressive 1-0 MIAA Tournament opening-round win over Saugus.

At the plate he batted .344 this season with 21 hits, 14 RBI, 4 doubles, 3 triples, 12 runs scored and 10 stolen bases. On the mound he finished 4-2 with a 2.74 ERA this spring.

The first-team CAC All-Star and team co-MVP is looking at junior colleges for next fall.

PAT KILBRIDE

Nashoba Tech

The 5-10, 190-pound slugger, a junior pitcher/first baseman and Townsend resident, belted 6 homers this spring for a Vikings team that posted 13 wins and handed perennial power Worcester Voke (18-2) one of its 2 regular season losses (2-1).

Five of Kilbride's area-leading 6 homers came in two games, as he belted 3 against Keefe Tech iand 2 vs. Tahanto. His 2-run homer also fueled the big win over Worcester.

On the mound he chalked up a 4-2 record, 1.59 ERA and averaged just under 2 strikeouts per inning.

A top football and basketball player as well. Kilbride was a Colonial Athletic League All-Star, runner-up in the CAL voting for Player of the Year, and Nashoba team MVP.

MIKE MARTELL

Chelmsford

The senior 5-9, 150-pound righty pitcher and captain, a three-year varsity player, posted 5 wins and a 2.98 ERA for the Lions.

Martell did his best work against the tougher teams, tossing 9 1/3 innings in a 3-1 late-season win over MVC Division 1 champ Central Catholic and yielding only 1 run in a 9-1 romp over North semifinalist Lowell.

The control pitcher, who struck out 50 and walked only 22 this spring, was a Merrimack Valley All-Conference choice and CHS's team MVP.

The honor roll student is eying UMass Amherst next fall where he hopes to make the baseball team as a walk-on.

RYAN SEARLES

Wilmington

The senior 5-10, 155-pound outfielder, a two-year varsity vet and captain, made the Division 2 North Tournament qualifier go.

The Wildcats' leadoff batter was hitting .462 through 19 games before spraining his wrist on Memorial Day. He refused to sit, playing the last three games where his average "dipped" to .390.

Searles finished as the WHS team leader in virtually every department with 30 hits, 18 runs scored, 5 doubles, 14 RBI, 11 stolen bases, a .494 slugging percentage and .427 OBP.

Searles, who also played football, was a Cape Ann League All-Star in baseball and team MVP.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Lowell Sun

Updated: 06/17/2009 06:37:44 AM EDT

AMERICAN LEGION

Tyngsboro 11

Reading 9

Post 247 broke a 7-7 tie with 4 runs in the 5th, and held on as Reading left the bases loaded in the 7th.

Anthony Powers went 3-for-4 for Tyngsboro (1-2-1), while Andrew Larmand drove in 3 runs with a homer and double, Jake Pugh went 2-for-4 , Eric Gray ripped a 2-run double and Rick Sheehan tripled.

Ryan Kirby was the winning pitcher in relief (4 innings).

========================================================

The Lowell Sun

Updated: 05/14/2009 06:36:02 AM EDT

Lowell Catholic 10

Trinity Catholic 3

Mike Rencricca doubled, singled, drove in 4 runs and scored 1 to pace the Catholic Central League Small School leaders (8-4, 8-0 CCL) to the victory at Hadley Field.

Winning pitcher Alex Durkin (3-0) went the distance, scattering 5 hits and holding TC (5-3) scoreless until the 6th. Kyle Thomas had a hit and scored 3 runs, while Andrew Larmand contributed a hit and scored twice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Lowell Sun

Updated: 05/13/2009 06:36:16 AM EDT

Lowell Catholic 14

St. Clement's 2

The Crusaders (7-4, 7-0 CCL) dominated in this mercy-rule game, improving to 7-0 to stay atop the CCL Small standings.

Winning pitcher Kyle Thomas posted 7 strikeouts in 5 innings.

Leading the 13-hit assault were Andrew Larmand with a near-cycle single, double, triple, 3 RBI, 1 run scored and Alex Durkin 2 hits, 2 RBI, run scored. Other contributors included Thomas, with 2 hits and Mike McHale, Corey Rencricca and Mike Rencreicca 2 RBI each.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Boston Globe

May 7, 2009

Lowell Catholic 11, Pope John 1 - Andrew Larmand led the Crusaders with two hits and two RBIs, and was backed up by Kyle Thomas (3 for 3) and Mike Rencricca (3 for 4).

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

.649!

Lowell Catholic's Larmand off to red hot start in the batter's box

By Carmine Frongillo, cfrongillo@lowellsun.com

Article Last Updated: 05/08/2008

There's hot at the plate and then there's Andy Larmand hot the Lowell Catholic sophomore is batting .649 after getting two more hits yesterday. SUN/TORY GERMANN

LOWELL -- Ted Williams always held firm in his belief that hitting a baseball was the most difficult thing to do in sport.

When it comes to the science of hitting there is no exact formula for success. You go up to the plate, look for a pitch to hit, try and put your bat on the ball and hope for the best.

If you can get three hits per-every 10 at-bats, you are a pretty good hitter at any level of high school baseball.

Most teams will have a player or two who bats .400 and a handful of elite batters will reach the .500 plateau. But not many players soar into the rarefied air of a .600 average.

So let's introduce Lowell Catholic's Andy Larmand, who has been wearing out pitchers at a sizzling .649 (24-for-37) clip this spring. This talented sophomore from Dracut is a cerebral hitter who possesses the patience needed to lay off balls out of the strike zone, while consistently hammering mistakes.

"The thing that separates him from other high school hitters is he knows exactly what he's looking for," said Lowell Catholic coach Tim Walsh. "He's extremely disciplined at the plate. He's always aware of the situation, such as men on base or the count. He remembers unbelievably what the kid threw him before in situations.

"Hitting is as much mental as it is physical for him. His preparation is uncanny. You just can't seem to fool the kid. You might throw him a curveball and catch him off balance a little bit, but he'll stay in there and foul it off. Eventually, he'll get a pitch to hit."

And when he does, Larmand rarely misses.

The No. 3 hitter in the Crusaders' order, Larmand has 5 doubles, a triple and 13 RBI while scoring 18 runs. With him leading the way, Lowell Catholic is 8-4 overall and 8-1 in the Catholic Central League's Small School Division.

"I'm not doing anything special," said Larmand. "I'm getting good pitches to hit and I'm making contact. I don't think teams are pitching me any different. When I go up there I just look for a pitch I can drive. I've always hit well. But I don't know if I've ever had a streak like this."

Larmand became an instant fixture at shortstop in the Crusader infield last season. He batted .438 as a freshman (28-for-64) and was a first-team CCL all-star.

"He's unbelievable on defense," said Walsh. "We had a game at Trinity Catholic last year where he made a play behind second. Then the next play he ranged even further and I heard someone on the other side say, 'Come on.' The third play he made was on the other side of second and the other team's fans stood up and applauded the kid.

"His range is uncanny. He communicates well with the second baseman. He goes back after balls like a Major Leaguer. His range on pop-ups is as good as I've seen."

At 5-foot-10, 170 pounds, Larmand is still growing into his power. For the most part, he's a line drive hitter who lives in the gaps.

"I hit at the batting cage over the winter," said Larmand, the goalie on Lowell Catholic's soccer team in the fall. "And I make sure to hit every day at practice. I work at this. I take a lot of pride in how well I hit the ball. I'm not really a power hitter. I'm more of a singles and doubles hitter."

The Crusaders have had their share of outstanding hitters. In 2006, former Lowell Catholic star Bob Beauchesne batted .632 (36-for-57).

"What separates him from Bobby is his level of concentration," said Walsh. "I think he's even more focused when he goes up to hit. He hits the ball very hard. (Monday) he was 2-for-4, but he hit the ball hard. The two times he didn't get a hit, he hit it right at somebody. His last time up I tried to break the tension a little bit. He was 1-for-3 at that point and I said, 'Come on Andy, break out of this slump.' He started to laugh and actually had to step out of the box and compose himself. When he got back in, he got a base hit."

By no means is Larmand a Murder's Row of one. He is surrounded in the Crusader order by Christian Rosado, Jeff Miller, Gary DeJesus and Kyle Thomas, each of whom has come through with big hits.

"It's a tribute to his teammates that he's hitting so well," said Walsh. "If the guys around him weren't hitting they would just pitch around him and walk him most of the time.

"He's a student of the game. If I told him, 'Andy, I need you in center field,' he'd go play center. By the time he graduates, he's going to be a Division 1 prospect. That's my feeling."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Boston Globe, June 23, 2008

Baseball, Spring 2008

Catholic Central Small -- Davidson Peguero, Patrick Noble, Neil Grasso, Kenneth Lanza, and Barton Haddad, Matignon; Gary DeJesus, Christian Rosado, Jeff Miller, Andrew Larmand, and Nick Loselle, Lowell Catholic; Brett Mayo, Dennis Buckley, and Brian Allesandro, Pope John; Aquiles Tejada, Raphael Figuereo, and William Bizcaino, Cathedral; Steve Burckardt and Michael Rizzo, Trinity Catholic; Kenny Layton and Gerard Contaldi, St. Clement’s; Emirson Santana, North Cambridge Catholic.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spring baseball All-Scholastics

The Boston Herald staff
Friday, June 27, 2008

 

The Boston Herald presents the top Eastern Mass. baseball league All-stars:

CATHOLIC CENTRAL LEAGUE LARGE: Sean Kimball (Archbishop Williams); Joe Granato, Eddie McDonald and Joe Weslowski (Arlington Catholic); Beau Batchelor, Steve Boghos, Cam Gaudet and Dave McDonald (Austin Prep); Nick Guido and Anthony Pisani (Bishop Fenwick); Mike Connolly, Tim Cooney, Mike Dowd, Mike Marshall and Mike Pitts (Cardinal Spellman); Chris McKenzie and Tim Gazard (Marian); Nick Conti and Anthony Struppa (St. Mary’s).

MVP: Tim Cooney (Cardinal Spellman).

SMALL: William Bizcaino, Raphael Figuereo and Aquiles Tejada (Cathedral); Gary DeJesus, Andrew Larmand, Nick Loselle, Jeff Miller and Christian Rosado (Lowell Catholic); Neil Grasso, Barton Haddad, Kenneth Lanza, Patrick Noble and Davidson Peguero (Matignon); Emirson Santana (North Cambridge Catholic); Brian Allesandro, Dennis Buckley and Brett Mayo (Pope John); Gerard Contaldi and Kenny Layton (St. Clement’s); Steve Burckardt and Michael Rizzo (Trinity Catholic).

MVP: Davidson Peguero (Matignon)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Baseball Team

The Lowell Sun

Article Last Updated: 07/06/2008

ZAC ROY

Lowell

Player of the Year

The record-setting 5-9, 165-pound centerfielder/pitcher, a three-year starter, batted .413 this spring with a single-season school record 38 runs scored, 20 RBI, record 27 stolen bases, record 104 at-bats and record 43 hits.

He also set LHS career records for hits (101), runs scored (75) and stolen bases (56).

Roy, who posted a career average of .380 and on-base percentage of .470, was also 4-0 on the mound.

The team co-MVP and 2-time All-Conference, an honors student headed to Newberry College in South Carolina, was also a league soccer and indoor track All-Star.

MARK LANE

Tyngsboro

Player of the Year

The State Division 3 semifinal team's senior pitcher/first baseman and team captain, a three-year varsity vet, capped the season by being named the DCL Small School Division MVP and MVP of the annual EMass. All-Star Game.

The lefty, team MVP as well, finished 8-2 on the mound as the area's winningest pitcher. His career won-lost mark was 15-5.

In 71.2 innings this season he yielded 45 hits and struck out 97, posting a 3.14 ERA and 4 shutouts. At the plate he smacked 25 hits with 6 doubles, 3 triples, 2 homers while also collecting 17 RBI and scoring 21 runs.

Lane, who clouted a huge 2-run homer in an extra-inning tourney win over St. Mary's of Lynn, is a golf and basketball standout as well. The National Honor Socierty member will attend Bentley College.

SCOTT WEISMANN

Acton-Boxboro

Player of the Year

The standout pitcher/third baseman, an 18th round pick of the Detroit Tigers in the 2008 Major League Draft, is the Mass. Gatorade Player of the Year.

The 6-1, 185-pound Clemson University recruit finished with a 7-2 mound record this season and stellar 22-8 career mark with 270 strikeouts at A-B. He also had a miniscule 1.07 ERA (lowest in DCL) and 94 strikeouts in 59 innings this spring.

Weismann authored 4 shutouts, including a 1-hitter against Bedford and 2-hitter versus Wayland. At the plate he batted .403 with 2 homers and 15 RBI. The 4-time DCL All-Star and 2-time league MVP compiled a .577 slugging percentage and .521 on-base percentage.

Weismann is currently playing baseball in Ohio.

DEREK KLINKA

Westford Academy

Player of the Year

The Grey Ghosts' senior 6-2, 205-pound senior pitcher/first baseman, a 4-year varsity mainstay and 3-year starter, was instrumental in WA's 21-3 season and run to the Dual County League co-championship and Division 1 North title game.

The two-time DCL first-team All-Star who was second in league MVP voting (to Scott Weismann), finished 7-1 on the mound with 68 strikeouts in 59 innings. He allowed 50 hits and recorded a 2.37 ERA.

At the plate Klinka led the DCL in batting with a .453 average that included 29 hits, 18 RBI, a .672 slugging percentage and .533 on-base percentage. Career-wise he finished 15-7 with a .368 batting average .

The honor roll student will attend Holy Cross.

SCOTT OBERG

Tewksbury

Player of the Year

The senior 6-1, 185-pound pitcher/first baseman was 5-2 on the mound this spring, with 66 strikeouts in 44 innings, and he graduates with a 16-3 career mark and 1.09 ERA.

Oberg, whose fastball has touched 90 m.p.h., was voted the Merrimack Valley Conference Division 2 Player of the Year as he led the Redmen to another first-place finish. He is Tewksbury's team MVP.

Oberg, who plays varsity basketball, earned the prestigious Tewksbury High Leadership Award.

He will attend UConn and play baseball for the NCAA Division 1 Huskies.

ANDREW LARMAND

Lowell Catholic

The sophomore shortstop, a two-year varsity veteran, led the state in hitting for portions of the season and finished among the top 5 in Massachusetts with an area-best .571 average.

He laced 29 hits, including 6 doubles and 2 triples, and also collected 26 RBI for the MIAA Tournament qualifiers.

The two-time Catholic Central League Small School Division All-Star, who started playing soccer last year and became a CCL All-Star goalie, also batted .438 last spring as a freshman.

Larmand is an honor roll student.

RONNIE WALLACE

Tewksbury

The junior 5-10, 195-pound pitcher/outfielder, a three-year varsity veteran, fashioned a 6-2 pitching record for the MVC 2 champs and batted .404 with 21 runs scored.

Wallace, who had big wins over Andover, Salem and Wilmington, owns a 16-8 overall won-lost mark with a year left.

Wallace will spend the summer playing for the Mass Roughnecks, an AAU team that travels up and down the East Coast playing in leagues and tournaments.

The highly-competitive football player is a three-time All-Conference choice in baseball and recipient of Tewksbury's Ron Favreau Award symbolizing courage and talent.

PAT DEVLIN

Tewksbury

The senior 5-11, 195-pound third baseman, a three-year starter, had another solid year at the plate with a .410 average, 26 runs scored, 19 RBI, 2 homers and 12 stolen bases.

"Pat is a prime example of what weight training can do," said coach Ron Drouin. "He gained almost 50 pounds of muscle over the last three years and it improved his game a lot."

The MVC All-Star selection in football (wide receiver) and All-Conference in baseball is also an All-Scholastic choice and recipient of both the team Coaches Award and Determination Award.

Devlin, who played in both the Eastern Mass. All-Star and Mass. vs. Conn. All-Star Games, will attend UMass Lowell.

COLIN HALLORAN

Tyngsboro

The senior 6-2, 210-pound shortstop and captain, a 4-year varsity veteran. was a key cog in the Tigers back-to-back MIAA Division 3 North Tournament title runs.

Halloran finished with 26 hits, including 10 doubles, 25 runs scored, 14 RBI, a .321 batting average and .455 on-base percentage.

His impressive career stats include 115 hits, 102 runs scored, 80 RBI, 12 homers and a .390 average.

Halloran, also a defensive standout at short, earned first-team DCL All-Star honors .

The football quarterback (19 TD passes) and basketball standout, a three-sport captain, will play baseball at Franklin Pierce next year.

DAN UBELE

Tyngsboro

The sophomore 6-1, 160-pound catcher had a very strong season for the Division 3 North champs, highlighted by a team-high and area-second best 32 RBI on 30 hits.

Ubele, who has 50 RBI over the past two seasons, smacked 5 doubles, 3 triples, scored 18 runs and finished with a .349 average and .420 on-base percentage.

Ubele, who shifted from third base to catcher this spring, is a good situational hitter who also played strong defense behind the plate.

Ubele was named a first-team DCL Small School Division All-Star.

LUKE MOONEY

Westford Academy

The senior 5-10, 170-pound shortstop, a three-year starter, completed the 21-3 Dual County League co-championship season with a .346 batting average, 28 basehits, 25 runs scored and 13 RBI.

After the season, the first-team DCL All-Star selection was presented with the Grey Ghosts' Peter Arthur Memorial Leadership Award named after the former head coach who passed away unexpectedly three years ago.

The National Honor Society member will attend MIT in the fall.

MIKE VICTORY

Westford Academy

The senior 6-4, 195-pound pitcher, a two-year member of the rotation for the MIAA Division 1 finalists, played a part in 9 WA victories with a 6-1 record and 3 saves.

In 60 innings he yielded 43 hits and 18 runs, striking out 47 and constructing a 2.11 ERA.

Victory, whose fastball maxes out at 86 m.p.h.. picked up wins over several tourney teams and suffered his only loss to Division 1 North champ Malden Catholic.

The first-team Dual County League All-Star, who also played basketball, earned the team Sportsmanship Award. Victory will attend St. Mary's College in Maryland.

DAN CAPRA

Lowell

The 6-foot, 180-pound senior rightfielder and team captain, a two-year varsity veteran, batted .461 after lacing 41 hits (second in school history to Zac Roy), a school single-season record 10 doubles, 5 triples and a homer.

Capra also had a hefty .719 slugging percentage, 23 RBI, 22 runs scored and a .547 on-base percentage. His .461 average was the 7th-best all-time in Lowell program history.

The Merrimack Valley All-Conference choice played football (punter) and was a thrower for the indoor track team.

The honors student will attend NCAA Division 2 baseball power Eckerd College in Florida.

RYAN MIAMIS

Dracut

The 5-9, 160-pound senior centerfielder, a three-year varsity veteran, set a program record for batting average at .486, finishing 36-for-74 including 3 doubles, 6 triples, 10 stolen bases, 14 RBI and a .558 on-base percentage.

Miamis made numerous spectacular catches including one to rob Tewksbury's Scott Oberg and preserve a 1-0 Spinners Cup semifinal win.

A hockey captain and solid soccer player, Ryan earned Merrimack Valley All-Conference honors and was named Dracut's Most Outstanding Player.

The National Honor Society member and four-year class president will attend Bentley College.

KENNY ROLLINS

Ayer

The senior 5-11, 175-pound shortstop, a team captain and four-year varsity veteran, led the Mid-Wach D Division with a gaudy .529 batting average that was also among the highest in the state.

He finished 28-for-53 with 3 homers, 5 triples and an area-best 34 stolen bases. Rollins hit for the cycle in the final regular season game against Parker and drove in 6 runs versus Bromfield.

The hard-nosed all-around athlete was also the starting varsity quarterback and a top basketball player. He's a two-time Mid-Wach first-team All-Star also earned the Panther team MVP Award.

National Honor Society member Rollins will attend AIC in the fall.

TONY SIRI

Gr. Lowell Tech

The senior 6-2, 195-pound senior first baseman and captain, a three-year varsity veteran, highlighted another tournament-qualifying season for the Gryphons with a .453 average that ranks 5th-best all time in the GLT program.

Siri was 29-for-64 with 23 runs scored, 5 doubles, 2 triples, a homer and 23 RBI. Siri's 63-game career highlights include a .373 average, 76 hits and 59 RBI.

The outstanding defensive first baseman is a first-team CAC All-Star in baseball and basketball.

The Gryphons' co-MVP will attend Northern Essex Community College.

ANTHONY MIANO

Shawsheen Tech

The 5-10, 225-pound senior pitcher-DH, a four-year varsity mainstay, capped his season by being named CAC Large School MVP and earning a berth in the EMass. All-Star Game.

The team MVP for the Rams, who advanced to the Division 3 North semifinals, batted .456 and posted a 6-2 pitching record. He finished with 41 hits, 25 runs scored, an area-high 35 RBI, area-high 15 doubles, 6 homers and .844 slugging percentage.

The 'horse' appeared in 13 games on the mound this spring, posting a 3.16 ERA and firing a no-hitter against Greater Lawrence in an abbreviated 5-inning game. He fashioned a 22-8 career won-lost record.

Miano will attend Fisher College.

CARLTON LENTINI

Wilmington

The senior 5-5, 150-pound shortstop came up very big for the MIAA Tournament qualifier with a team-best .416 average highlighted by a Cape Ann League high 33 hits.

The aggressive Lentini laced 7 doubles and drove in 14 runs, while also sparking the Wildcats successful mid- and late-season run after being moved to the leadoff spot in the order. "Carlton was the key that started our engine," explained coach Aldo Caira.

The first-team Cape Ann League All-Star and team MVP is also a standout on the soccer field.

Lentini will attend LaSalle College in Newton.

ROSS SARMENTO

Central Catholic

The senior 5-8, 172-pound senior second baseman, a Lowell resident and two-year starter, was a key member of a Raiders team that posted a 19-4 record and won the MVC Division 1 championship with an 11-2 league mark.

Sarmento batted .397 with 25 hits and 21 runs scored.

The Merrimack Valley All-Conference choice, who received Central's third annual Joseph A. Pelletier Coaches Award, also played varsity hockey. He will attend Worcester State College.

JEFF KANE

Westford Academy

Coach of the Year

The Grey Ghosts finished an area-best 21-3 on the way to the Dual County League Large School Division co-championship and an MIAA Tournament run that carried all the way to the Division 1 North final.

Kane, an Acton-Boxboro High and NCAA Division 1 Clemson University player (third base) and graduate, completed his third year as Grey Ghosts head after several as an assistant. He played after college with the Newport Gulls/Rhode Island Reds.

Kane joins fellow Sun Coach of the Year Ken Connerty on the staff of the Lowell All-Americans of the summertime New England Collegiate Baseball League.

KEN CONNERTY

Tyngsboro

Coach of the Year

The Tigers made a remarkably smooth transition to the tougher Dual County League this spring, finishing 18-7 overall which included a late-season 7-game win streak that carried the locals to the Ashland Tournament title, their second consecutive Division 3 North crown and a berth in the State semifinals for the second year. Connerty's crew is 35-15 the past two seasons.

The Burlington High and ULowell standout player, an assistant at UMass Lowell for 20 years and now in his third season as THS head man, was drafted by the Cleveland Indians and played minor league ball in 1983. He also coaches the Lowell All-Americans of the NECBL.

SECOND TEAM

Pitchers

Matt Wickens, sr. (Tyngsboro); Chris Callery, jr. (Lowell); Justin Dietz, sr. (Dracut); Brian Patinskas, sr. (Alvirne); Rich Yutkins, sr. (Billerica); Kevin Skinner, sr. (Wilmington); Chase Caldwell, sr. (Acton-Boxboro); Branden Eaton, sr. (Greater Lowell Tech); Nick Larsen, jr. (Bedford).

Catchers

Ben Mullin, sr. (Burlington); Mike DelPonte, sr. (Tewksbury); James Camire, jr. (Acton-Boxboro); Derek Boutwell, sr. (Shawsheen Tech); Brenden Hedblom, sr. (Concord-Carlisle).

Infielders

Jimmy Tully, sr. (Dracut); Kevin Weaver, sr. (Alvirne); Dan DeCoste, sr. (Chelmsford); Cory Ryan, sr. (Chelmsford); Gary DeJesus, sr. (Lowell Catholic); James Mostone, sr. (Pelham); Chris Chenelle, sr. (Groton-Dunstable); Andrew Dhionis, jr. (Groton-Dunstable); Zach Robins, sr. (Westford Academy); Ray Roman, sr. (Lowell); Derek Bratton, jr. (Alvirne); Dylan Katz-Wicks, jr. (Concord-Carlisle); Mike Ferriero, sr. (Tewksbury); Aaron Barbosa, so. (Dracut); Jon Minnich, jr. (Ayer); Steve McIsaac, sr. (Shawsheen Tech); Pat Kilbride, so. (Nashoba Tech).

Outfielders

Cam Roper, sr. (Lowell); Greg Hodlin, sr. (Littleton); Mike Rentschler, jr. (Littleton); Andrew Chandler, jr. (Westford Academy); Mike Szablak, sr. (Tyngsboro); Matt Cyr, sr. (Bishop Guertin/Dracut); Rich Hansen, sr. (Greater Lowell Tech); Seth Brown, sr. (Nashoba Tech).

Designated Hitters

Ryan O'Neill, sr. (North Middlesex); Mike Cabral, sr. (Wilmington).

HONORABLE MENTION

Pitchers

Jon McDonald, sr. (Shawsheen Tech); Mike Fontair, sr. (Ayer); Greg Moodie, jr. (Littleton); Kevin Cangiano, so. (Bedford); Adam Hagman, jr. (Alvirne); Krey LeLievre, jr. (Alvirne).

Catchers

Justin Lonardo-Roy, jr. (North Middlesex); Pete Zimmerman, sr. (Littleton).

Infielders

Mike Murphy, so. (Wilmington); Brett Campbell, jr. (Chelmsford); Kyle Hansen, sr. (Billerica); Rob McIsaac, sr. (Shawsheen Tech); C.J. Rourke, sr. (Groton-Dunstable); A.J. Wnukowski, sr. (Concord-Carlisle); Jamie Vaiknoris, sr. (Pelham).

Outfielders

Justin Torname, sr. (Tewksbury); Joe Corey, sr. (Billerica); Mike Aronian, so. (Chelmsford); Rick Sheehan, sr. (Greater Lowell Tech); Jeff Miller, sr. (Lowell Catholic).

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's on to the finals for Dracut Northeast club

The Lowell Sun

Article Last Updated: 08/06/2008

Aaron Barbosa's bases loaded walk on a 3-2 count in the bottom of the sixth inning forced in Casey Sweeney with what proved to be the game-winning run for the Dracut Northeast League team in the decisive Game 3 of their semifinal playoff series with North Reading.

NORTHEAST LEAGUE

Dracut 4

No. Reading 3

Sweeney led off the inning with walk, advanced to second on a sacrifice fly by Eric Ledbetter and then to third on a ground out. After Pat Taylor was hit by a pitch and Nick Esposito walked, Barbosa came through with the game-winning walk.

Dracut got on the board in the first inning as Kyle Adie walked and scored on Jake Malandrino RBI double. David Parent also had a single and run scored.

Barbosa tossed 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief, taking over for Sweeney (6 hits, 2 strikeout). Shortstop Andrew Larmand made an excellent play in fifth inning to save a run and stop a North Reading rally with bases loaded.

Dracut hosts Billerica tomorrow in the finals at Dracut High School.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dracut stays alive in Northeast playoffs

The Lowell Sun

Article Last Updated: 08/05/2008

NORTH READING -- Eric Ledbetter tossed a 5-hitter and struck out 4 while pitching Dracut past North Reading, 8-2, in a Northeast League baseball playoff game last night.

The victory enabled Dracut to even this best-of-three semifinal series at 1-1.

The third and deciding game with be played today at Dracut High at 5:45 p.m.

Kyle Adie paced Dracut's offense with a single, double, triple and 2 RBI.

Dracut scored five runs in the third and three runs in the fifth.

Jake Malandrino came through with a 2-run single in the third.

David Parent, Ledbetter and Casey Sweeney each had an RBI-single in the third.

Andrew Larmand (shortstop) and Mike Bergeron (catcher) had strong defensive games for Dracut (16-2-1).

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Lowell Sun

Article Last Updated: 07/23/2008

 

Dracut 10

Haverhill 4

Dracut continues to hold onto first place thanks to a lopsided home victory.

Dracut, now 13-1-1, has won four straight. Haverhill dropped to 9-6-1.

Left-hander Kyle Adie improved to 4-0. Adie (4 innings) and Andrew Larmand (3 innings) combined to toss a 7-hitter and strike out 4 batters. Jake Malandrino and Phil Geougoulis each went 3-for-3.

Malandrino ripped a 2-run triple in the second inning and belted an RBI triple in the third. Geougoulis socked a pair of RBI singles.

Pat Taylor added 2 hits, including a two-run double. Eric Ledbetter and Mike Bergeron also contributed RBI singles.

Dracut went into yesterday holding a two-point lead over Chelmsford for the top spot.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Lowell Sun

Article Last Updated: 07/09/2008

Area baseball

NORTHEAST LEAGUE

Dracut 8, No. Reading 4

Kyle Adie earned the save with 2 strong innings of relief, and went 2-for-2 with a 2-run triple in a pivotal 3-run 7th as visiting Dracut (9-0-1) remained undefeated.

Andrew Larmand (RBI) and David Parent (double) also laced 2 hits each, while Jake Malandrino drove in 3 runs with a 2-run single and sacrifice fly. Mike Bergeron added an RBI single to a 10-hit attack.

Righty Eric Ledbetter (3-0) allowed 7 hits in 5 innings, and shortstop Aaron Barbosa was a defensive standout with 2 unassisted double plays. North Reading fell to 8-3.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Lowell Sun

Article Last Updated: 07/08/2008

Area baseball

Elsewhere locally in summer ball, Billerica Legion Estey Post 268 mauled Medford, 18-1, at the Marshall Middle School Hall of Fame Field, Dracut rocked host Wakefield, 12-5, in Northeast League play at Walsh Field and visiting Lowell topped Chelmsford White, 7-3, in a Suburban Pony League 14-15 division clash under the lights at Volunteer Field.

NORTHEAST LEAGUE

Dracut 12

Wakefield 5

Undefeated Dracut (8-0-1) scored 10 runs in the first 2 innings to jump all over Wakefield (1-6). Dracut led 10-3 after the 2nd.

First baseman Jake Malandrino had an outstanding offensive day.

He was 3-for-4 with 4 RBI and a 3-run homer in the first inning as well as an RBI double in the 2nd.

David Parent (2 hits) had a 2-run double, Kyle Adie (2 hits) tacked on a 2-run single, while Andrew Larmand, Eric Ledbetter and Pat Taylor each added RBI singles.

Parent, a left-hander, pitched 5 innings to improve to 3-0. Larmand pitched the final 2 hitless innings, fanning 3.

Parent scattered 7 hits.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lowell Sun

Updated July 2, 2008

 

NORTHEAST LEAGUE

Dracut 10

Tewksbury 10

Each team picked up 1 point in the standings after this wild 7-inning tie at Brookside Field in Dracut.

Undefeated Dracut (7-0-1) erased a 10-1 deficit in this game with 4 runs in the 5th and 5 in the 7th.

Casey Sweeney's 2-run single in the 7th finally knotted the score, after RBI singles by Dave Parent and Kyle Adie fueled the rally.

Aaron Barbosa smacked 2 hits, including a 2-run homer in the 5th, while Jake Malandrino clouted a solo homer and Andrew Larmand lashed a double and single. Barbosa also pitched scoreless 6th and 7th innings in relief.

For Tewksbury (2-2-1), Rob Wallace drove in 4 runs with 2 doubles, Mike Chartier doubled and singled, J.J. Heider had 2 hits and left fielder Sean Kieran made a diving catch.

Jon Deshler and Chartier pitched.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dracut, Chelmsford pick up wins in the Northeast League

The Lowell Sun

Article Last Updated: 06/26/2008

Jake Malandrino went 3-for-3 with a 2-run double as Dracut beat Lowell, 11-5, in a Northeast League baseball game.

Area baseball

Elsewhere in the Northeast League, Chelmsford edged Tewksbury, 3-2.

Dracut 11

Lowell 5

Justin Deneu chipped in with 2 hits, including an RBI double, for Dracut (5-0).

Kyle Adie and Andrew Larmand each had 2-run singles.

Adie pitched 6 strong innings, scattering 9 hits, while earning the win.

Eric Ledbetter pitched a scoreless seventh for Dracut.

Aramas Velez paced Lowell's offense with 3 hits, including a 2-run double.

Anyelo Roman had 2 hits and an RBI for Lowell (4-2).

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Lowell Sun

Article Last Updated: 06/18/2008

NORTHEAST LEAGUE

Dracut 14

Stoneham 1

Left-hander David Parent authored a crisp 3-hitter, fanning 10 and walking 2, as Dracut (2-0) scored 6 runs in the bottom of the first and went on to victory at Dracut High.

Andrew Larmand sparked the offense with 3 hits, including a 2-run single, while spanking 2 safeties each were Aaron Barbosa (solo homer), Jake Malandrino (2-run triple), Pat Taylor (3-run triple) and Kyle Adie (RBI).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Lowell Sun

Article Last Updated: 06/11/2008

Northeast Baseball

Dracut 15

Wilmington 3

While Wilmington jumped to the lead in the first inning with a 3-run-homer from Kyle Boutares, the rest of the game belonged to Dracut, as they exploded for 15 hits in a 15-3 rout at Dracut High School.

Dracut (1-0) got 4 runs in both the first and second innings, which was more than enough for winning pitcher Kyle Adie, who went 7 innings, struck out 4 and allowed 6 hits.

Keying the winning attack were Pat Taylor (3 hits, 2 runs scored), and David Parent (3 hits, 3 RBI, including a 2-run double). Andrew Larmand (triple), Aaron Barbosa, Mike Silva, and Jake Melandrino each had 2 hits and an RBI.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LC falls to Austin in a slugfest

The Lowell Sun

Article Last Updated: 05/31/2008

LOWELL -- Sophomore third-baseman Cam Gaudet's homer keyed a decisive 5-run fifth inning as Austin Prep blasted a 12-7 victory over host Lowell Catholic yesterday afternoon at Hadley Field.

Baseball

The visitors from Reading pounded out 13 hits as the 12th-seeded Cougars move onto the quarterfinals of the Division 3 North tournament.

The fifth-seeded Crusaders were led by 3 hits apiece from senior center fielder Jeff Miller and sophomore shortstop Andrew Larmand. But the telling blow was a 330-foot drive over the right-field fence in the fifth by Gaudet.

Austin Prep jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning and never looked back, sparked by team captain Steve Boghos' 3 hits and sparkling defensive play at shortstop. Sophomore Ray Archiavartti scattered 9 hits in taking the win for Austin Prep (13-7).

Senior Gary DeJesus went 4 2/3 innings to take the loss for Crusaders (14-7), who had a terrific season after a 6-12 mark last spring. Catcher Nick Loiselle pitched the final 2 1/3 innings for the hosts.

Trailing 9-0, the Crusaders refused to quit, getting a run in the fourth and fifth, and then busting out for 5 runs in the sixth. DeJesus and freshman second baseman Kyle Thomas added hits.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

High School Stars of the Week

The Lowell Sun

Article Last Updated: 05/27/2008

(Ed. Note: This is the final Stars of the Week column for the 2008 spring season).

BASEBALL

JEFF MILLER,

ANDREW LARMAND,

GARY DEJESUS

Lowell Catholic

LC had 3 hits apiece from Larmand and DeJesus as the Crusaders dominated Minuteman. Larmand was 3-for-4 with 3 runs scored and 3 RBI. DeJesus went 3-for-5 with 5 RBI and 2 runs scored. Pitcher Miller helped his cause with 2 hits, 4 RBI and 3 runs scored as the senior right-hander improved to 3-0. In a 16-5 romp past Cathedral, DeJesus went 3-for-4 with 2 triples, 5 RBI and a run scored while Larmand added 2 hits, 3 RBI and scored 3 runs. In a loss to Austin Prep, Larmand was 3-for-3 with a triple and played outstanding at shortstop. He has gone 8-for-10 in the last 3 games to raise his average to .583.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lowell Sun

Article Last Updated: 05/22/08

Austin Prep 16

Lowell Catholic 4

Lowell Catholic dropped to 13-6 (11-1 CCL Small) with a loss in a Catholic Central League crossover game.

Crusaders sophomore shortstop Andrew Larmand was 3-for-3 with a triple and played outstanding in the field. He has gone 8-for-10 in the last 3 games, raising his average to .583 this season.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Lowell Sun

Article Last Updated: 05/21/08

 

Lowell Catholic 16

Cathedral 5

Gary DeJesus went 3-for-4 with 2 triples, 5 RBI and a run scored while helping to power the Crusaders to a share of the Catholic Central League Small School title.

Mike McHale added 3 hits and 4 RBI for Lowell Catholic (13-5, 11-1 CCL Small).

Andy Larmand had 2 hits, 3 RBI and scored 3 runs, while Nick Loiselle checked in with 2 hits, including a double.

Jeff Miller came through with 4 hits and scored 3 runs.

Alex Durkin was the winning pitcher, recording 5 strikeouts in 5 innings.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Lowell Sun

Article Last Updated: 05/20/2008

 

Lowell Catholic 17

Minuteman 6

Lowell Catholic got 3 hits apiece from Andrew Larmand, and Gary DeJesus as the Crusaders dominated Minuteman in a 5-inning mercy rule-shortened game.

Larmand was 3-for-4 with 3 runs scored and 3 RBI. DeJesus went 3-for-5 with 5 RBI and 2 runs scored. Pitcher Jeff Miller helped his cause with 2 hits, 4 RBI, and 3 runs scored. The senior right-hander improved to 3-0. Nicke Loiselle (2-for-4, RBI, run scored) and Mike McHale (2-for-2, double, 2 runs) also enjoyed successful days.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Lowell Sun

Article Last Updated: 05/13/2008

Lowell Catholic 7

Matignon 3

Lowell Catholic (10-4, 9-1 CCL) avenged its only Catholic Central League loss of the season and qualified for state tournament play with the win.

Senior left-handed pitcher Gary DeJesus gave up just 3 hits and didn't allow an earned run as he improved to 4-1. DeJesus also went 2-for-3 with 3 RBI.

Andrew Larmand (2-for-4, RBI), Jeff Miller (1 hit, 1 RBI, diving catch in the field), and Kyle Thomas (1 hit, 1 RBI) were also solid offensively against Matignon ace hurler Davidson Peguero, who came into the game with a state-best 72 strikeouts in 35 innings.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

High School Stars of the Week

The Lowell Sun

Article Last Updated: 05/12/2008

BASEBALL

GARY DEJESUS,

BRETT CALLERY,

ANDREW LARMAND

Lowell Catholic

Senior lefthander DeJesus (3-1) pitched 5 innings of 1-hit ball and fanned 7 on the way to his first shutout, as the Crusaders mauled St. Clement's. DeJesus also went 4-for-4 at the plate with a double, 2 RBI and 4 runs scored, while Callery drove in 6 runs with a pair of bases-loaded doubles. DeJesis contributed 2 hits, 2 RBI in a win over Greater Lowell. Sophomore Larmand had 2 hits, 4 RBI, 3 runs scored vs. SC and later went 3-for-3 in a loss to Minuteman. He is now 25-for-41 this spring.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Boston Herald

Monday, May 12, 2008

Leading Batters in the state:

#1 Andrew Larmand (Lowell Catholic) .610

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Lowell Sun

Article Last Updated: 05/09/2008

Lowell Catholic 7

Greater Lowell 5

Senior Jeff Miller went the distance on the mound and helped his own cause at the plate with 3 hits, 2 runs scored and an RBI.

Gary DeJesus had 2 hits and knocked in 2 runs for Lowell Catholic (9-4).

Christian Rosado finished with 2 hits and scored 2 runs. Andy Larmand, Kyle Thomas and Andy Taylor had 1 RBI apiece.

Anthony Powers checked in with 3 hits, including a triple, 2 RBI and 2 runs scored for GLT.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Boston Herald

Monday, May 5, 2008

Leading Batters in the state:

#1 A. Larmand (Lowell Catholic) .667

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sun High School Stars of the Week

ANDREW LARMAND,

NICK LOISELLE

Lowell Catholic

Crusaders' senior leadoff hitter Rosado was 3-for-3 with an RBI and run scored to ignite a lopsided win over North Cambridge Catholic. Sophomore shortstop Larmand went 2-for-2 with a double and he also went 3-for-4 in a 7-1 win over Trinity Catholic to raise his average to a hefty .667 (20-for-30). Junior righty Loiselle (2-0) went the distance versus Trinity, firing a 2-hitter with 7 strikeouts and 1 walk.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lowell Sun, May 1, 2008

Lowell Catholic 11

N. Cambridge Catholic 1

Lowell Catholic senior leadoff hitter Christian Rosado was 3-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored to ignite this 5-inning romp at Hadley Field.

Sophomore shortstop Andrew Larmand was 2-for-2 with a double to raise his batting average to .654 (17-for-26). As a freshman last season, Larmand batted .438 and was an All-Conference selection.

Freshman right-hander Kyle Thomas allowed only 1 run on 2 hits and 3 walks over 5 innings. He struck out eight. LC is 6-3, 6-1 in the CCL.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lowell Sun, April 24, 2008

Lowell Catholic 7

Pope John 4

Lowell Catholic junior right-hander Nick Loiselle pitched a complete game and also doubled during a 2-run sixth inning that snapped a 4-4 tie.

Andrew Larmand had a triple, single and 3 RBI for Lowell Catholic (5-2). Brett Callery had a triple, single and 2 RBI. Kyle Thomas also drove in a run for the Crusaders.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

High School Stars of the Week

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lowell Sun, 4/18/08

Greater Lowell 7

Lowell Catholic 1

Anthony Powers was a force on the mound, tossing a 6-hitter with 13 strikeouts while earning the win, and at the plate, where he had 2 hits, including a double, and scored 2 runs.

Tony Siri went 3-for-3 with a run scored and RBI. Eric Gray chipped in with 2 hits and an RBI. Tyler Meegan added a pair of hits for Greater Lowell (2-2).

Ricky Sheehan, Richie Hanson and Kyle Beaulieu knocked in 1 run each.

Andrew Larmand had 2 hits and an RBI for Lowell Catholic (3-1).

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lowell Sun, April 17, 2008

Lowell Catholic 15

St. Clement's 3

Jeff Miller and Andrew Larmand each went 3-for-3 and scored 3 runs to power the Crusaders to the 5-inning romp.

Larmand ripped a pair of doubles for Lowell Catholic (4-0), which scored five runs in the first and four in the second.

Gary DeJesus allowed 3 hits and struck out 5 to collect the win.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lowell Sun, April 15, 2008

Lowell Cath. 18, Trinity Cath. 5

Lowell Catholic scored 15 runs in the final 2 innings to improve to 3-0 (2-0 Catholic Central League).

The Cruaders' offensive explosion was keyed by Gary DeJesus (4-for-5, triple, 4 RBI), Christian Rosado (3-for-4, 2 doubles, 3 RBI), Andrew Larmand (3-for-3, 2 doubles, 2 RBI) and Kyle Thomas (2-for-4, 2 RBI).

Thomas, a freshman infielder, also made an outstanding play to track down a fly ball and stop a rally.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lowell Sun, April 12, 2008

Lowell Catholic 14

No. Cambridge Cath. 2

Lowell Catholic sent 17 men to the plate in the bottom of the first inning and scored 12 runs in this Catholic Central League rout at Hadley Field.

Kyle Thomas and Andrew Larmand each had 2 hits in the big inning.

Thomas went 3-for-5 with a first-inning triple and 5 RBI. The freshman right-hander also combined with junior right-hander Nick Loiselle on a 1-hitter in a game halted in the fifth inning.

Alex Durkin ripped a 2-run double in the first inning. He finished 2-for-2 with 3 runs scored.

Larmand was 3-for-4 with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lowell Sun, April 5, 2008

High School Baseball Previews

LOWELL CATHOLIC

Record Last Year: 6-12.

League Affiliation: Catholic Central Small Division.

Home Field: Hadley Field.

Key Losses: Bob Beauchesne.

Returning Starters (5): Andrew Larmand, so., ss; Nick Loiselle, jr., p-inf; Gary DeJesus, sr., 1b-p; Christian Rosado, sr., cf; Jeff Miller, sr., p-rf.

Other Lettermen: Brett Callery, sr., 3b; Mike McHale, jr., 2b.

Promising Newcomers: Kyle Thomas, fr., 2b; Alex Durkin, jr., 3b; Alex Danais, fr., c; Emmanuel Cintron, fr., c; Alexi Alejandro, fr., ss; Ryan King, fr., p-of.

Coach Tim Walsh (3rd year): "We'll be better defensively. We're still on the young side defensively, which was our weakness last year. We beat ourselves too many times with our fielding.

"Another big boost is we have the whole package this year -- 44 kids out with full varsity, JV and freshman yeams.

"Matignon is usually very good in our league, and Pope John picked up kids from Savio Prep which has strengthened their program considerably."

Stats & Facts: Coach Walsh was the UMass Lowell hitting coach for years. He played at Tewksbury and Springfield College and in the Eastern Mass. League with Lowell where he was League MVP twice ... Larmand hit .438 as a freshman and was named first-team All-League ... Non-leaguers are Arlington Catholic (2), Austin Prep (2), Greater Lowell (2) and Minuteman Tech (2) ... Assistant coaches are Peter Cavanaugh (varsity), John Sodre and Derek Sodre (JV and freshmen).