N. Reading gets it done

SCHOOLS

It seems like every time out the North Reading lineup has someone new step forward in a big moment.

Yesterday it was Cassandra Pascucci’s moment to shine.

Pascucci finished 2-for3 with three RBI, and her sixth inning run-scoring triple proved to be the difference as the Hornets handed rival Amesbury its first loss of the spring, 4-3, in a Cape Ann League showdown at Coach Chris Perry Field in Amesbury.

Starter Christina Simblaris went six innings for North Reading before Pascucci came out in the seventh to close the door.

“We’ve done a good job all season of coming back in games, and usually somebody steps up offensively,” said North Reading coach Michelle Morales. “What we have that a lot of teams don’t have is good hitters 1 through 9 — there is potential all the way through the lineup.”

The Hornets (7-0) jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead in the top of the first against Amesbury starter Hayley Catania. With two outs and Cassidy Gaeta (walk) and Jess Ferrazzani (walk) on first and second, Giuliana Peppe plated Ferrazzani with a single before Pascucci cleared the bases with a two-run double to left.

Amesbury (3-1) could do nothing against Simblaris (six strikeouts) until the last of the fourth when the Indians put two runners on with two outs, but the junior hurler got Ashley Napoli to groundout to end the threat.

The Indians’ bats awoke in the bottom of the fifth as Kaylie Cloutier led off with a single. Pinch runner Meg Aponas soon came around to score on a two-out RBI bunt from Maddie Napoli to make it 3-1. A single by Caity Baker put two on for Catania, whose two-run triple tied the game at 3-3.

But a two-out single by Peppe in the top of the sixth set the stage for Pascucci’s game-winning triple.

Elsewhere, Kate McGrath tossed a complete game to lead Boston Latin (1-3) to its first win of the season in a 5-4 decision over Newton South in the Dual County League.

Tianna Dawe pitched a no-hitter as Peabody (3-4) shut out Medford, 2-0, in the Northeastern Conference.

Kelly Nelson threw her second consecutive no-hitter, striking out 15 to propel Norton (7-1) to an 11-0 victory over Millis in the Tri-Valley League.

Elise Pereira only allowed three hits in an 11-strikeout performance as King Philip (72) trumped Stoughton, 14-0, in Hockomock League play.

Lauren Sablone notched two triples and four RBI, while her sister Caroline went 3-for-3 with three RBI as Austin Prep (6-0) defeated Matignon, 20-1, in Catholic Central League action. . . . Sophia Boncaldo scored the winning run as Archbishop Williams (5-3) edged Cardinal Spellman, 2-1.

Baseball

Sophomore Josh Rivera tossed a no-hitter, striking out 10, as East Boston (7-0) posted a 10-0 win over New Mission in the Boston City League.

Brennan Quigley and Kevin O’Brien each homered as Braintree (7-0) knocked off Wellesley, 7-2, in the Bay State Conference.

Owen Webb pitched a complete game, striking out six, as Dover-Sherborn (6-2) edged Ashland, 5-2, in Tri-Valley League action.

Bobby Long improved to 3-0 on the season, scattering seven hits and striking out five, as Bridgewater-Raynham (4-4) earned a 9-2 non league win over East Bridgewater.

Boys lacrosse

Jack Dylan scored four goals to go with five assists, as Dover-Sherborn (8-3) won a 16-15 thriller over Hopkinton in the Tri-Valley League.