Walk-Off Victory for CHS Baseball Team in Season-Opener
The Chelsea High Red baseball team opened its 2024 season in dramatic and exciting fashion with a 10-9, walk-off victory over the Brighton High Bengals Monday afternoon at Carter Park.
The Red Devils trailed by two runs, 9-7, entering the bottom of the seventh. but Laeonardo Perez came through in the clutch with a base hit to right field that delivered the tying and winning runs.
Roni Mendez started the rally by drawing a walk and Emmanuel Rodriguez-Vega, who earned four walks on the day, drew a six-pitch walk. A drive to left by Jordi on an 0-2 pitch was misplayed by the Bengal left fielder, allowing Mendez to score, and setting the table for Perez to deliver his game-winning, two-RBI base hit.
Coach Mike Lush’s starting lineup consisted of Elijah Rivera (catcher), Jesse Castillo (center field), Leudy Sanchez (3rd base), Jeanluis (shortstop), Xavier Santiago (1st base), Victor Murillo (2nd base), Emmanuel Rodriguez-Vega (right field), Emmanuel Garcia (left field), Laeonardo Perez (designated hitter), and starting pitcher Darwin Martinez, who tossed five innings, yielding eight runs on five hits, while walking six and striking out 11 Bengal batters.
Among the offensive stars in the triumph was Elijah Rivera, who went 1-for-3, including the first home run of the season on the fifth pitch of the at-bat, with a walk and two runs scored.
Jesse Castillo, who normally plays the infield, started in center field and drew two walks and scored a run. Leudy Sanchez had a walk and a run scored, while Jeanluis earned three walks and scored two runs.
Xavier Santiago went 1-4 with a single, reached base on a dropped third strike, and scored once. Victor Murillo reached base twice via a hit-by-pitch and a walk. Roni Mendez, who went in for Murillo, earned a huge walk that was a part of the winning rally.
Jeanluis came on in relief of Martinez in the top of the sixth inning and worked two innings to get the win. Jeanluis gave up one run on two hits and two walks and had 6 strikeouts.
“A 10-9 walk-off win is a huge confidence builder for this young team against a tough Brighton team,” said Lush, who chose Laeonardo Perez and Elijah Rivera as the Red Devils’ players of the game.
Lush and his Red Devil crew were scheduled to meet Greater Boston League (GBL) rival Everett yesterday (Wednesday) and travel to non-league foe Tech Boston tomorrow (Friday). They will entertain GBL opponents Malden on Monday and Revere next Wednesday.
CHS Boys Volleyball Looking Forward To Season
The Chelsea High boys volleyball team opened its 2024 season this past week, dropping a hard-fought 3-2 decision to non-league rival Boston Latin Monday afternoon in the CHS gym.
Captain Brandon Rodriguez Pereira led the CHS offensive attack with 18 kills. David Murillo set the table for his teammates with a superb performance, setting 23 assists and also adding four service aces.
“The boys are in great spirits and ready for the next game,” said CHS head coach Gabriel Morales. “The new season is looking good. We have a great group of kids.
“We have David Murillo stepping into a new role as the setter this year. Last year he was one of our outside hitters. Richard Medina Ramirez will be a great addition to the team,” Morales continued. “He’s a 6’-3” middle blocker who will provide great protection in the front row. Captain Brandon Rodriguez Pereira will be returning as our primary outside. Jason Rodrigues is our co-captain and starting Libero.
“The boys are excited to play some great volleyball this year and stay competitive,” added Morales, whose squad was set to play at Greater Boston League rival Everett yesterday (Wednesday). They will trek to non-league foe Madison Park tomorrow (Friday) and return home to host GBL opponents Malden on Monday and Revere next Wednesday.
Morales and his crew will face all seven of their GBL foes (Malden, Medford, Somerville, Everett, Revere, Lynn English, and Lynn Classical) twice each, with non-league opponents Boston Latin, Madison Park, Whittier Tech, and Randolph rounding out their 18-match schedule.
The 2024 Red Devil roster is as follows:
Brayan Alfaro Rodriguez, Joao Cassim Leitao, Jonathan Gomez Chojolan, Xavier Gonzalez, Jayden Brady Jose, Richard Medina Ramirez, David Murillo, Yamil Rivera, Jason Rodrigues (Captain), Brandon Rodriguez Pereira (Captain), Julian Sanchez Aguilar, Kyson Gray Jose, and Alejandro Zepeda.