It was a rough day for Foxboro Post 93 against a strong Canton Post 24 team. Backed by a solid performance from pitcher Dave Roberto and great hitting, Canton was able to beat Foxboro with a decisive 8-0 victory.
Despite getting out of a jam in the top of the first inning, Canton came back to score in the top of the second. Chris Barletta’s double brought in Nathan Pedersen to get the first run of the game. One batter later, Dan Friedman’s single went just deep enough to bring home Matt Bernstein and Barletta to expand the lead to 3-0.
Unable to get men on base, Foxboro struggled against the dominant performance of Canton’s Dave Roberto. He struck out seven batters and only walked one, playing a full seven innings.
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“Dave’s pitched well for us all season," Canton Coach Colin Claptin said. "(He) kept the guys off the base."
Canton continued to roll on offense as they got away with a five-run rally in the top of the fifth. Pedersen started the rally with a single to centerfield that brought home Matt Potts and extended the lead to four. A walked batsman extended the lead to five and a double from Barletta brought three more runs home.
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Foxboro had one more chance to come back in the bottom of the sixth inning when they had the bases-loaded.
With only one out, Roberto pulled Canton out of the jam by striking out back-to-back batters and all but ending the game for Foxboro. It was a rough loss for a Foxboro team that was in search of a win.
Facing the toughest pitcher they’ve faced all season, Foxboro struggled to get runners on base and take advantage of opportunities.
“I think they just figured they’re gonna have a hard day at the plate instead of worrying about getting a hit,” said Foxboro coach Bill Travers.
It was a big day for Canton’s Chris Barletta, going 2-3 with a run and four RBI. Nathan Pedersen went 1-2 with 2 runs and a RBI. Colin Clapton went 1-2 with a hit.
For Foxboro, Tom Brady and Vinny Monahan both went 1-2 at the plate. Aiden Farrell and Mitch Goldenberg both went 1-3.
With the loss, Foxboro's record now stands at 3-5 and Canton improves to 3-4.
Next up for Canton will be a home game against Brookline. The game is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 26.
Foxboro will also play Sunday with a critical doubleheader.F oxboro will face Franklin Post 75. The initial game was postponed to Sunday due to many of the Franklin players being apart of Franklin High School’s tournament run and will be made up as part of the doubleheader. It will be an important day since a 0-2 result will make it harder for Foxboro to advance to the playoffs.
“We can’t afford to lose two games," Travers said. "If we lose the doubleheader, we’ll really have to fight to make the playoffs."
Both games are scheduled to be played at Foxboro High School. Game 1 is set for a noon start time with game two set for 3:15 p.m.