MILFORD — In a matchup between the top two teams in Massachusetts District 4 American Legion Baseball, Milford Post 59 delivered when it mattered most, rallying for four runs in the fifth inning before surviving a tense seventh to defeat first-place Leominster Post 151, 5-2, Friday night at Fino Field.
The victory improved Milford to 11-2 on the season and handed Leominster just its second loss of the year.
After Leominster grabbed a 2-1 lead in the top of the fifth inning, Milford answered immediately with the game’s defining rally. Brayden Lewis drew a walk and Jackson Fournier reached safely before Joey McGee singled to load the bases. With two outs, Ben Maiorano stepped to the plate and ripped a three-run double, clearing the bases to put Milford ahead 4-2. Sean Burchard followed with an RBI double to score Maiorano, capping a four-run inning that gave Post 59 a 5-2 advantage.
Maiorano finished 3-for-3 with two doubles and three RBIs, delivering the biggest swing of the night. Joey McGee added a hit and scored a run, while Sean Burchard doubled and drove in a run. Brayden Lewis reached base three times, scored twice, tripled, and drew two walks to ignite the Milford offense.
Tyler Ballard turned in a strong start on the mound, allowing just two runs on two hits over 4⅔ innings while striking out six. Cole McGovern earned the win with 1⅓ scoreless innings of relief, striking out two.
The drama unfolded in the top of the seventh. Jackson Fournier entered in relief and found himself in immediate trouble as Leominster loaded the bases with two outs, bringing the potential winning run to the plate. Fournier stayed composed under the pressure, striking out the final batter to end the game and preserve the 5-2 victory for Milford.
Milford’s pitching staff combined to allow just three hits while striking out 10 batters, helping the club secure a statement win over the league leaders on its home field.
