Chappell Keeps Hope Alive For McCann
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Needing two wins in its final two games of the season to qualify for the Division 3 Western Mass. Tournament, the McCann Tech baseball team needed a strong start from senior Mike Chappell on Thursday. The Hornets' hurler did not let his team down, carrying a no-hitter until the sixth inning before locking up a 2-1 home win over Gateway.Hornets senior Zach Tatro drove in two runs with a single in the bottom of the first and then left the rest up to Chappell. The Gators got a run back in the top of the seventh inning, however, and had men on second and third base when Willis Pollard tried a safety squeeze bunt to try and score the tying run. Chappell quickly got off the mound and was able to throw to catcher Nate Gutmann, though, who tagged the runner out at the plate. Gateway then loaded the bases with a walk, but Chappell would strike out the final two hitters to secure the win and a chance to qualify for the postseason.
It was the first time in four tries this season that Chappell (4-4) came out on the right end of a one-run game. He allowed just three hits and struck out nine batters in the game, bringing his season total to 103. He has only allowed 28 walks and has an ERA of 1.14 this year.
McCann will close out the regular season with a home game against Westfield Voc. at 4 p.m. on Friday.