Grey Ghosts Defeat Acton-Boxborough in Walkoff Thriller

Anytime Westford Academy faces off against the Colonials of Acton-Boxborough, regardless of the time or the contest, it’s something special for both sides. But Tuesday’s MIAA Division 1 North sectional baseball quarterfinal will go down as a significant moment, even for this storied rivalry.

After 14 innings, the equivalent of two regular season games at the high school level, Westford finally emerged victorious against their visiting rivals, 2-1.

The scoreboard remained empty until the 13^th inning when Colonials senior Joe Euele crossed the plate, although the Ghosts came back to tie it with a run from Dan Cerullo off a triple from Mike Malynn.

Although Westford would leave the bases loaded, a sacrifice bunt down the third base line by Shane Wright one inning later to bring home Cam MacDonald would end the marathon and keep the Ghosts’ championship hopes alive.

“I don’t really know how to describe it,” said Wright. “All I did was focus on the bunt. I’ve never experienced anything this big in my life. Getting the game-winning hit in the Division 1 Sectional quarterfinals against our rival? It’s a moment I’ll remember forever.” 

Wright’s bunt actually came following a botched attempt at a sacrifice fly ordered by Westford manager Corey Roman, although the coach had nothing but superlatives for his club, and for the game itself.

“This was just a great baseball game between two great teams, it was just a shame that someone had to lose,” said Roman. “I can’t think too far ahead right now, I just have to savor this moment.”

Between the key hits, superb defense and stellar pitching on both sides, perhaps highlighted by a relief performance by Westford’s Max Mardany just one week after he received ten stitches to his throwing hand, Acton-Boxborough manager Patrick Grucela shared Roman’s sentiments on how notable this game was.

“I can’t think of one moment above any other. They made mistakes, we made mistakes. They played well, we played well,” said Grucela. “I tell my team that athletics is about making experiences to remember and today was one of those experiences. Westford has a great program, and this was a great game.”

Acton-Boxborough finishes its season 14-8, with playoff wins against Andover and Newton South while Westford (15-7) advances to meet the winner of Thursday's contest between Medford and Billerica at Lelacheur Park in Lowell on Saturday.