St. Peter-Marian Storms Back to Solidify Div. 1 State Final Berth

By John McGuirk (@Patsfan1313)

Westfield, Mass. - You could say history was on its side considering playing in the Division 1 baseball state semifinals is considered old hat for St. Peter-Marian. The Guardians have trekked down the road before, winning a sectional championship three times over the last four years.

The Guardians opponent on Tuesday afternoon, Longmeadow, was a newbie to the big dance. The Lancers are not entrenched in the same kind of baseball tradition, much-like their counterparts. Reaching the playoffs for the first time in seven years, Longmeadow made the most of it after winning its first Western Mass. title on Saturday.

Early on, Longmeadow showed no trepidation  jumping out to an early three run lead. But mid-way through, the tide turned as St. Peter-Marian plated four runs in the fourth and added two more the following frame to secure a 6-3 win over Longmeadow at Bud and Jim Hagen Field on the campus of Westfield State University.

Four Run Fifth Puts Finishing Touches on St. John's Prep's Super Eight Resume

By John McGuirk (@Patsfan1313)

DANVERS, Mass. – There was but one thing on St. Peter-Marian’s minds.

The only item on St. Peter-Marian's agenda Saturday afternoon was attaining a victory. One, which might convince the Super 8 committee to bring them on board once the seedings are announced on Sunday.  

But, as usual, the task at hand was a fierce challenge. Facing St. John's Prep, a notable stalwart in the Super 8 sweepstakes, and a likely participant again this year, the Guardians knew the margin for error needed to be minuscule. 

Staying close early, the Guardians (15-6) were unable to contain the Eagles in the latter stages as St. John’s Prep (16-5) erupted for four runs in their half of the fifth inning and en route to a 6-3 victory over St. Peter-Marian at Pete Frates Diamond. 

Guardians Make it 10 in a Row With Win over Newton South

By John McGuirk (@Patsfan1313)

Newton, Mass. – There is simply no denying the fact that St. Peter-Marian is one of the hottest programs in the state right now. Following Saturday's six-inning, 13-1 thumping of Newton South as part of the Malden Catholic Tournament, the Guardians have now rolled off 10 straight victories since the beginning of May.

Now at 12-4, the Guardians believe they are worthy enough to be apart of the Super 8 discussion, yet are staying with the old adage of one game at a time.

On Saturday afternoon, St. Peter-Marian belted out 11 hits while taking advantage of six Newton South errors. 

Delongchamp Fires Guardians to Seventh Straight Win

By John McGuirk (@Patsfan1313)

Pittsfield, Mass. – When the regular season began in early April, not many predicted the rough start by St. Peter-Marian. A team, who just a year ago captured the No. 1 seed in the Central Mass. Division 1 postseason tournament, opened the season a shell of its former self.

The Guardians lost their first three games, and by mid-April were staring at a 2-4 record. On top of that, in its annual grudge match against St. John's (Shrewsbury), SPM blew a late three-run lead. 

Then, as if a light suddenly switched on, SPM has been on a roll ever since. Following Friday night's 2-1 triumph over Pittsfield at Buddy Pellerin Field, the Guardians have now run off seven straight victories.

St. Peter-Marian Pulls One Out Over the Lancers

Malden Catholic Starter Shawn Morrow threw six innings of two run ball.

By John McGuirk (@Patsfan1313)

WORCESTER, Mass. – While the game of baseball has morphed into a complicated strategy of analytics, the human element will never go away.

Baseball, no matter the level, continues to come down to the game's basic fundamentals. St. Peter-Marian's 3-2 walk-off triumph over Malden Catholic on Monday afternoon proved just that. The Guardians, held mostly silent over the first six innings, mounted a comeback in the bottom of the seventh, scoring a pair of runs to emerge victorious.

P.J. Barry Pitches St. Peter-Marian Past Grafton

By John McGuirk (@patsfan1313)

WORCESTER - St. Peter-Marian's P.J. Barry is a highly-regarded centerfielder, widely considered one of best at his trade state-wide. But perhaps the St. Leo's University-bound senior may want to give a thought or two about trying to convince the Lions coaching staff to let him toil on the mound some come next season.

Handed the ball to start Friday's contest against Grafton, the right-hander was exceptional as he hurled a complete game gem, allowing just two hits in helping lead the Guardians to a 6-0 shutout over the Indians.

"I'm just trying to go out there and make my pitches," said Barry. "I know my defense behind me has my back, so I'm just trying to let them make the plays."

With the victory, St. Peter-Marian improves to 10-5, while Grafton drops to 14-3.

Pope Francis Plates Two Late to Beat St. Peter-Marian

By John McGuirk (@patsfan1313)

WORCESTER - Wacky, crazy or insane.

Whatever adjective you choose, any would apply to Tuesday’s Pope Francis at St. Peter-Marian baseball game.

In a contest which had it all, from gritty pitching to timely hitting to a large number of miscues, and a plethora of base runners left stranded, the Cardinals ultimately found a way to prevail. as they scored two runs in the top of the eighth and held on for a 5-4 victory.