Hornets Punch Playoff Ticket With Rout

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — There have been some tense moments in the last six games for the McCann Tech baseball team, but the result was never in doubt for the Hornets on Friday, as McCann finally punched its playoff ticket with a 15-0 home win over Westfield Voc. in a game shortened to just five innings due to the mercy rule. 

Freshman pitcher Sean Davis gave the Hornets (10-10) the start it needed, and the Hornets' offense ended the game early by scoring 11 runs combined over the fourth and fifth innings. Pat Ryan's club was competitive all season long but needed to win four out of its last six games in order to qualify for the Division 3 Western Mass. tournament. 

"This was a nice win to put us into the Western Mass. tournament," Ryan said. "If we can bring our bats there, we will do just fine. Producing runs will be our key factor in determining our success in the tournament." 

Getting starts like the one Davis had on Friday will help as well. The young hurler tossed an abbreviated no-hitter, striking out six batters with just one walk to improve his record to 3-2 this year. He got plenty of help from his offense as well, which pounded out 11 hits against four different Tigers' pitchers. McCann led 4-0 after two innings before breaking the game open with a six-run fourth frame. 

Junior Chad Raimer was a tough out for the Hornets, going 2 for 2 with two walks, two runs scored and one RBI. Seniors Zach Tatro and Steven Barbeau also chipped in, each collecting two hits as well as driving in a pair of runs. 

McCann will find out its first-round opponent when the tournament seedings are released on Tuesday night.