BLACKSTONE VALLEY MEMORIES

May 30

1967 Phil Marchese, a 37-year-old Pawtucket jockey, rode

his most memorable winner – his first in 16 years – when he guided the two-year-old Pyroplast to a head victory in the third race at Suffolk Downs. Marchese resumed his trade last November at Narragansett Park when he was granted a license to ride again after an affirmative decision by the Hearing Board of the R. I. Racing and Athletics Commission. Marchese was suspended for life in August 1951 for alleged “fixed” races in Canada. He was cleared of conspiracy-to-defraud in October 1951 but had been unsuccessful in seeking reinstatement for the past 16 years.

1987 Jeff Erickson twirled a four-hitter, fanned seven,

walked one and drove in one run as Burrillville won its second straight game, 5-2 over Shea in a state tournament Series C winners’ bracket tilt. The Broncos, who had only two hits off losing pitcher Bill Asermely, were led by Dennis Dwyer and Mike Cote with two runs scored apiece. John Larose’s RBI single and Joe Britte’s sacrifice fly accounted for the Raiders’ runs.

1997 Coach Joe Braganca’s relentless Raiders hammered

North Providence 9-1 to capture Shea’s first-ever Division 2-East slow-pitch softball championship finishing with a school record 13 wins against a mere two defeats. Laura Boulais led the Raiders’ 18-hit assault with four hits, including two doubles, four RBI and a run, Morgan Briden lashed three hits and Melanie Church, Liz Turillo and Renee Kullander chipped in with two hits each. Lena Vinnitsky scattered five hits, walked only two and retired 14 of the 30 Cougar batters on flyouts.