FILE PHOTO
Amanda Crawford hit a three-run home run in Tuesday’s win.
By ANNE MARIE TOBIN
The Peabody Tanners senior all-star softball team took another giant step toward doing something no team has ever done in the history of Peabody softball: go to a World Series.
On Tuesday at Ty Cobb Field, the Tanners completed a perfect 4-0 run in the pool play portion of the Senior East Regional tournament with a 16-4 win over Rhode Island state champion Elmwood Little League. The win clinched the Pool A top seed in today’s semifinals and puts the Tanners just two games away from securing a spot in the 2016 Senior Softball World Series, which is scheduled to play in Lower Sussex, Del. from July 31-Aug. 4.
Peabody dominated its bracket, outscoring opponents 53-5 in four games.
Sydney Lowry got her first start of the tournament, and did an admirable job filling in for Mallory LeBlanc, who was given a rare day off to be well-rested for the next two games.
“Once we clinched first place at 3-0, we decided to give Mallory the day off,” manager Keith LeBlanc said. “Sydney stepped in today and gave up two runs in the first inning, but the girls backed her up with six runs in the bottom. She settled in and pitched a great game.”
LeBlanc said that Lowry had not pitched since the Salem game in the district tournament.
Peabody put the game out of reach with nine more runs in the fourth inning.
“The team is hitting and playing great defense,” he said.
The hit parade continued Tuesday, with Amanda Crawford providing the highlight, a three-run home run. She went 2-for-3. Caroline Kukas went 2-for-3 with a triple and three RBI out of the leadoff spot, and Lowry got it done with the bat as well, going 3-for-4 with two doubles and three RBI. Kelsie Blake went 2-for-3, Janine Goggin went 2-for-2 with a walk and two RBI, and Alyssa Alperen reached three times, drawing three walks.
Peabody will take on the winner of the early semifinal game today at 2:30 at Vernon Hill.