Guilford Offense Comes Alive in Win at Morgan

Apr 9, 2023

After winning their first 2 games in matchups that featured pitching, defense and minimal offense, the Guilford Varsity squad finally broke out the bats in a 17-5 victory over the Morgan Huskies on Saturday morning in Clinton. The Grizzlies recorded 15 hits in the 5-inning win, improving their record to 3-0 after their opening week of the 2023 season.

The Grizzlies scored 4 times in their first turn at bat, highlighted by a 2-out, 2-RBI, bases-loaded single by Colin Pompano. (video) However, Morgan answered with 3 runs in the bottom of the 1st, and Guilford held just a 1 run lead after 1.

But in the top of the 2nd, Guilford would score 5 more. A RBI single by Carter Williams, followed by a 2-RBI double by Michael Buccaro (video) made it 7-3 Grizzlies. A few batters later, Pompano recorded his 3rd RBI in the first 2 innings when he singled to score Alex Vincent making it 9-3 in the middle of the 2nd.

Although Morgan was able to add a run in the bottom of the 2nd, the Grizzlies answered with another run of their own in the top of the 3rd when Bryce Meder lined a base hit to left scoring Sam Ametrano for a 10-4 Guilford lead.

In the top of the 4th, Guilford pulled away for good, scoring 5 more times, and a 15-5 lead. Joe Tafro had a RBI single (video) and Lucas Deshefy had a 2-RBI double (video) to highlight the scoring in the frame.

With a very busy schedule ahead for the Grizzlies, the coaching staff opted to use 3 pitchers to get through the 5-inning win. Sam Ametrano started the game and pitched 2 innings, followed by Deshefy in the 3rd, and Preston Markham finished things up, tossing 2 scoreless frames while striking out 4.

Colin Pompano went 3-3 with 3 RBI, Lucas Deshefy went 2-2 with a double and 3 RBI and Mike Buccaro went 1-2 with a double and 3 RBI to lead the Grizzlies' 17-run attack. GHS Captains Jack Farrah and Carter Williams both recorded 2 hits each, while WIlliams and Bryce Meder both had 2 RBI in the game.

Meanwhile, a busy road lies ahead as Guilford will play 4 games in 5 days during "vacation" week. It all begins on Monday, when the Daniel Hand Tigers come to GHS for a 4 pm. first pitch. On Tuesday, the Griz will travel to Wilton to play their twice-rained-out game vs. the Warriors (2 pm. start time). On Wednesday, it's a trip to West Haven HS for a game vs. the Blue Devils at 3:45. And finally, on Friday, 4/14, Guilford will take on Cheshire in their highly anticipated game at Dunkin' Park in Hartford - a 3:30 p. start.