Gallery: McGrath Pitches Gem, But Stoughton High Baseball Falls to Taunton

With his top two starters unable to pitch Monday against Taunton, Stoughton baseball coach Mike Armour turned to Will McGrath, hoping to get three or four innings out of his senior captain. 

What he got was a complete game gem, with McGrath allowing just two runs, both of which came in the top of the first inning. 

But, Stoughton fell 2-1 at home, unable to capitalize on some late inning opportunities on offense, stranding runners in scoring position in the sixth and seventh innings. The Black Knights are now 0-3 to start the season. 

After allowing two runs in the first, McGrath settled down and allowed just three baserunners the rest of the way, needing just 86 pitches to get through 7 innings. His efficiency was especially on display in innings three through six, throwing only 34 pitches over those four innings. 

"To see him settle down and really just pitch...just an amazing job." Armour said of McGrath's performance. "[He picked] this team up on his back. We had multiple chances to get the 'W' for him. We need those bats."

Armour continued, "It hurts me for Will because I couldn't be more proud of Will McGrath and what he displayed here not only as a player, as a captain and what Stoughton baseball is all about." 

Trailing 2-0 in the bottom of the fifth inning, Zach Gibb walked with one out. Jovani Pires then hit a double to drive in Gibb to cut the deficit to 2-1. 

In the sixth, Mike Gallagher and McGrath both singled to lead off the inning. Pat Jackman (2 hits, 3 stolen bases) then laid down a sacrifice bunt, advancing the baserunners to second and third with one out. But Taunton pitcher Matt Nunes got out of the jam unscathed. 

In the seventh, Zach Gibb walked with one out, and then stole second. Pires walked to put runners on first and second with one out, but Taunton closer Connor Johnson prevented either from scoring. 

Stoughton will look to bounce back Wednesday at Sharon (4-0), in the team's first Hockomock League Davenport Division contest of the season.