MILFORD, MASS. — Milford Post 59 tasted defeat for the first time this season on Sunday, falling to Leominster Post 151 by a score of 2-1 in a tightly contested American Legion matchup.
Runs were at a premium throughout the afternoon as both teams received strong performances on the mound. Milford managed just one hit in the game, while Leominster collected only two, but timely hitting proved to be the difference.
Leominster broke a scoreless tie in the third inning before adding what would become the winning run in the sixth. Milford answered in the top of the seventh when Nick Pedroli came around to score, cutting the deficit to 2-1 and bringing the tying run into play. However, Leominster was able to record the final out and preserve the victory.
Brady Wajda accounted for Milford’s lone hit of the game, driving in the team’s only run. Pedroli scored the run after reaching base earlier in the inning.
Despite the loss, Milford received another strong pitching effort from Josh Giancola, who allowed just two runs on two hits over five innings while striking out three. Tyler Ballard was effective in relief, striking out one.
Leominster pitcher Danny Nelson proved difficult to solve, carrying a no-hitter into the seventh inning and finishing with 10 strikeouts while allowing just one hit and one run over 6.2 innings.
Although the unbeaten start came to an end, Milford Post 59 remained competitive throughout the contest and showed the pitching and defensive consistency that helped fuel its strong start to the season. One swing or timely hit could have changed the outcome in what was ultimately a classic pitchers’ duel.
