In an exciting nine-inning baseball game at North Adams, the North End Athletic Association (NEAA) Dodgers (13-15-year-olds) defeated a competitive team from North Adams in the first game of the LaFesta Baseball Exchange, a home and away four game series.
The Dodgers traveled to North Adams for a two-game series, cut short by weather problems, and only one game, a nine-inning contest was played with the Dodgers coming on top 7-5.
Both teams will square off again in a two-game series at Puopolo Park in the North End, kicking off the North and Family Fund Festival.
Led by Alex Parisi’s four-hit, 12 strikeout pitching performance and a solid save by Matt Giffin the Dodgers secure the first game victory.
Parisi was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the road game.
While at North Adams, the players enjoyed a cookout at Lake Windsor hosted by the North Adams Committee.
“They swam in the lake, enjoyed a great cookout, played wiffleball and got together to know each other as is the custom of the Exchange,†NEAA Baseball Coordinator John Romano said.
Romano, on behalf of Boston Mayor Kim Janey, presented citations to the many volunteers of the Exchange including George Canales, a 30-year veteran of the City Exchange.
“The key component of the Exchange isn’t about winning, it’s all about fun and making friends,†Canales noted.
Transportation to and from North Adams was provided by Marco Imbergamo who participated in the Exchange years ago.
Results of the two North End home games will be published in the next issue of the Review.