Wachusett Nationals rout the Charlton Giants in season opener
The Landmark | May 10, 2017
As an ominous stormfront rolled across the sky and thunder could be heard in the distance, the 2017 Wachusett Nationals Men’s Baseball Team, lead by General Manager Chris Jasgur, started their season at home against the Charlton Giants at Klingele Field in Paxton in thunderous fashion.
The Nationals captured the lead in the first inning after short-stop Doug Nashold lead off with a sharply hit ball over the third baseline that lead to his first double of the season. He stole third and then scored on a wild pitch.
Charlton evened the score at 1-1 at the top of the second inning.
The Nationals then took the lead for good with two runs in the fourth inning when centerfielder Steve Bartlett singled, driving in one run and right fielder Greg Shuler singled to drive in another one. Wachusett Bats exploded scoring three runs in the fifth inning. The scoring drive was highlighted by a single by second baseman Craig Ludwig, a double by pitcher Jerry Patraitis and a single by third baseman Tom Kokernak, who went 3-3 on the day. Left fielder Fred Camell also contributed with his first single as a National.
The battery of Jerry Patraitis and catcher Shawn Sullivan earned the Nationals their first win of the season by going seven innings, surrendering one run, allowing five hits while collecting five strikeouts.
Strong defensive plays by first baseman Tom Caprioli and a strong offense which combined for 11 hits and 10 stolen bases helped cinch the win for the Nationals.
