Simpson, Burrillville top Tigers
First-place Broncos ready for Novans
PAWTUCKET — It was during the early innings of Friday’s Division II game against Tolman when Burrillville senior pitcher Josh Simpson realized he could reap the benefits of a particular area of the strike zone.
Already possessing the necessary talent to be included in any discussions related to the top arms in R.I. high school baseball, Simpson realized that he could thrive in the lower portion of the zone upon getting over the first strike. It was a recipe that proved paramount as the righthander tossed a complete-game five-hitter with nine strikeouts in Burrillville’s 9-2 win at Slater Park.
“There are so many things you can do once you throw that first strike. Drop in the curveball or throw another fastball for a strike,” said Simpson after picking up his second win of the week – he was on the hill for last Monday’s 9-1 triumph over St. Raphael. “I always try to get ahead early in the count.”
Added Burrillville head coach Nick Harriman, “Josh is our No. 1 guy and that’s what makes him our No. 1 guy. He adjusts to the umpire and hits his spots. When he sees that low strike call going in his favor, he decides to live there.”
Simpson retired the first seven Tolman batters of the game. All the run support he would need came on one powerful swing in the second inning. Senior leadoff batter Carlo Acquisto jumped on a 2-1 pitch and sent it over the right-field fence for a grand slam.
“Having a lead definitely makes me more comfortable,” said Simpson.
The only true inning where Simpson ran into trouble was the third. He allowed a solo home run to Tolman senior Eastyjon Gousie-Turcotte with the Tigers looking for more with runners on first and second and two down. Simpson prevented the home team from cutting into a 4-1 lead with a grounder to third base to end the frame.
Acquisto was front and center during the Broncos’ three-run uprising in the fourth. He singled with one down and eventually scored on a fielder’s choice. Senior Ben
DiChiaro and junior Jack Farrell came through with RBI singles as Burrillville upped its advantage to 7-1. Mike Allen capped the scoring for the Broncos with a two-run double in the sixth.
Simpson did his part in making sure the Broncos (11-3, Division II) bounced back after losing at St. Raphael on Wednesday.
“The guys are confident in me and I’m confident in them. I know they’re going to make plays behind me,” said Simpson.
“Josh threw well and did his job,” said Harriman.
The Broncos host Tolman on Monday before turning their attention to a homeand-home series against fellow Division II contender Woonsocket. The first game is Thursday at Burrillville with the second game set for a week from next Monday at Renaud Field.
“We basically control our own destiny, but you can’t overlook Tolman before we play Woonsocket,” said Harriman.