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Sports

Foxboro Legion Falls to Walpole Amid Controversy

Baseball bat controversy in the middle of Foxboro Legion's 3-2 loss to Walpole.

It was a controversial game between Foxboro Post 93 and Walpole Post 104. What started out as a regular game of baseball turned into a heated debate over banned bats in the top of the third as Walpole was accused of using illegal composite bats. Even with the bats removed, Foxboro couldn’t squeeze by as Walpole got away with a 3-2 win.

The game started normal, with a strong first inning from Foxboro. A ground out from Nick Carafa gave Steve Fitzmaurice enough time to score from third and give Foxboro the opening run of the game. One batter later, Tom Brady singled to score Aiden Farrell and extend the lead to 2-0.

Walpole quickly responded in the top of the second when Craig Hanley was able to steal home after a ball got past catcher Mitch Goldenberg. The run cut the lead in half and got Walpole back into the game. Controversy struck the game when it was discovered in the top of the third inning that Walpole has been using banned two-piece composite type of bats. After minutes of arguing between both teams and the umpires, Walpole was force to accept an automatic out.

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While the decision to take the out cost Walpole a run as the initial play brought in the tying run, keeping the runner in would have forced a forfeit from Walpole if it was decided that the bat helped them win. The bat issue has been one that has been causing confusion throughout the league.

“It’s been a lot of confusion on bats,” said Walpole coach Ralph White.

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The loss of a run did not matter in the end as Walpole came up big in the top of the fifth. Two big runs from Cameron Hanley and Craig Hanley gave Walpole the lead and the eventual win.

Foxboro tried everything to get back into the game, but Walpole was just too strong; with solid pitching and an infield that has yet to make an error all season long.

“It's something we always prided ourselves in Walpole,” said White. 

The effort in the infield was something that even Foxboro coach Bill Travers had to compliment.

“They make the plays; they’re so solid in the field defensively," Travers said. "They don’t make many mistakes.”

It was a rough day for a Foxboro team that was starved for hits late in the game. Chris Johnson went 1-2. Steve Nagel, Steve Fitzmaurice, Tom Brady and Seth Khoury all went 1-3.

“We hit the ball well. Didn’t find any holes as usual and we shot ourselves in the foot I really think. They didn’t really win it, we kind of lost it,” Travers said.

With the loss Foxboro is now 3-3 and Walpole remains undefeated at 7-0. Foxboro will be back on the baseball diamond when they travel to play Medfield on Tuesday. June 21. Game time is set for 5:45 p.m. at Medfield High School.

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