Don’t be surprised if the Norwood National fans of the Norwood National 12-year old All-Stra team start a “De-fense! De-fense!” chant at tonight’s Section 3 Little League Tournament opener against Parkway National (6 p.m.) at Albermarle Park in Newton.
“Stingy defense and strong pitching have gotten us to this point,” said Norwood National manager Bill Plasko, whose squad allowed 14 runs in eights games in the District 11 playoffs.
“We know the competition will stiffen now, but if we continue to play our game we’ll be in good shape. We’re not just happy to be in the sectionals. Our goal is to win the sectionals.”
Norwood National’s game is defense and pitching. The team took its style to a new level in the District 11 playoff round, allowing just six runs in the final three games. Ken Michael stymied Needham West in the Pool 1 semifinals, allowing just three hits and fanning nine in 5 2/3 innings. The Pool 1 final featured hard-throwing Mark Sauliner striking out nine in a complete game, three-hit gem.
The district final was more of an all-hands-on-deck effort as Norwood American never quit and had the tying run at the plate before falling 7-5. Michael started and went four-plus innings, striking out seven and yielding just three hits before running out of pitches. Jake Ryan and Jack Sheehan pitched well in relief to hold back a valiant comeback bid by the Americans, who trailed 5-0 in the third inning.
A 1-3-2 double play squashed a potential rally for Norwood American in the fifth inning.
“If we run into a buzz saw pitcher we know we can rely on our pitching and defense to give us a chance,” said Plasko.
The Nationals have the recipe for a great defense — standout players up the middle and front line pitchers in Michael (4-0) and Saulnier (3-0), who not only excel on the mound, but serve as catcher when the other is not on the hill. Each player also brings a lot of pop to the lineup with three home runs apiece.
If an All-Tournament team had been chosen in District 11, Makenna Lane certainly would have been named. She’s rock-solid at second base and first base while offensively, Lane cracked three home runs, including two versus Walpole American. Lane is also an effective pitcher, who may be called upon in a relief situation.
“Makenna is a phenomenal fielder and such a leader for us in the dugout,“ praised Plasko.
Anchoring shortstop is Steve Chisholm, who brings a fiery presence to the field. He’s also a productive leadoff hitter, who banged one of Norwood’s 12 home runs in the districts.
Center field is patrolled equally well by three outstanding players — Jake Ryan, Jack Sheehan and Brendan Walsh.
“We move some kids around a bit, but no one complains,” said Plasko. “Everyone will play any role we ask.”
Several other players have shined playing multiple positions. Kevin Horne is a reliable second baseman and relief pitcher. Mike Doliner is a heady player at third base and left field. Sean Gorman patrols left field and is a speed burner, being used frequently as a pinch runner.
Chris Amarilla is a dependable outfielder and also belted a home run in the districts. Pat Morrison is a steady first baseman and brings a big stick to the line-up.
Tonight, the Nationals face a Parkway National team that boasts some pretty impressive defensive numbers itself. It breezed through the District 10 double-elimination tournament going 4-0 with two shutouts. The team only allowed seven runs total and capped the championship with a 2-0 whitewash of Newton South.
The other two teams in the field also played in a double-elimination format and went undefeated. Allston-Brighton downed East Boston, 5-3, in the District 9 final. Everett grabbed the District 12 crown by winning four straight, taking a 6-4 decision over Malden East in the title game.
Norwood National has been prepping for the sectionals since its 7-5 win over rival Norwood American on Saturday night. The team’s sponsor, Double D’s, treated the team to pizza at a meeting Sunday night. The squad scrimmaged on Monday and had 7:30 a.m. practices Tuesday and yesterday to prepare for sectionals.
“The kids are into it,” said Plasko, “You can see the bounce in their step, even at the earning morning practices. They are very proud to be among the top 16 teams in the state”
The team has had great support from assistant coach Tom Benson and Mike Doliner, who is an unofficial coach, but working hard with the team. Also lending a helping hand have been Norwood High pitching coach Jim Sweeney, starting Legion second baseman Brian Williams, 15-year old all-star Ryan Plasko and staff members of the RBI Academy in Mansfield.
The Section 3 winner goes advances to play in the State Final Four in Worcester.
