With two games to go in the regular season, the Gloucester High baseball team has a chance to accomplish something they haven’t been able to do in over a decade.
Currently sporting an impressive 17-1 record, the Fishermen have an opportunity to reach at least 18 wins prior to entering the state tournament for the first time since 2014. That squad went 18-2 before winning two playoff games and advancing to the sectional finals in the now defunct Division 2 North tourney.
The Fishermen’s best campaign since then came in 2019 when they went 16-4 and secured two playoff victories before bowing out in the North semifinals. They also reached the D2 North title game in 2017, but that team won just 13 total games.
This spring, thanks in large part to a balanced, experienced lineup and stellar pitching, head coach Rory Gentile’s group is capable of besting all of those runs.
“Before the season started me and all my friends were talking and we always expected to do really well this year because we had the potential,” said GHS senior captain and ace pitcher Brayden Francis. “We returned our entire lineup besides one or two kids, so we always thought it was there.
“We just believe in ourselves and we’ve always said after games, win or lose, that we’re still 0-0 looking for that first win,” he added. “I think that mentality of staying hungry no matter what has really helped us.”
While Gloucester’s lineup is littered with talent on both sides of the ball, it’s hard to argue that Francis hasn’t made the biggest impact of all.
The Endicott College-bound hurler finished the regular season with a perfect 7-0 record and an ERA of 0.667. In 42 innings pitched he allowed just 21 hits, nine runs (4 earned), and yielded 19 walks. He struck out 58 batters and holds a WHIP of .952 and a batting average against of just .145.
When you figure in the fact that fellow senior Giacomo Martell and sophomore Nico Alves, among others, have also been terrific on the mound, it’s easy to see how Gloucester boasts a stingy 2.77 runs against average.
“Pitching has definitely been a huge advantage for us. We basically have three starters and it’s held throughout the year,” said Francis, his team also getting some strong outings from the likes of Nolan Aiello and Pip Emerson in recent weeks. “No matter who comes up we trust whoever has the ball that day and it’s been easy to back each other up.”
On a personal level, Francis, who was already an established starter last year, attributes his sustained success to exceptional defense behind him and command with his fastball.
“I think the days that I’ve been on I hit my outside corner really well with my fastball,” he said. “The (velocity) — (he reaches the mid 80s on his fastball) — helps overpower some kids but getting ahead in counts early gives me an advantage to throw any pitch, any location and batters have to chase on two strikes. So that’s been a huge advantage all year.”
When Francis has the ball, freshman Luke Salah takes over at shortstop and hasn’t missed a beat. And in right field, Matt Smith has stepped up big time in a starting role.
Sophomore catcher Trey Marrone has been superb behind the plate, while Jaylen Severino and Amero have shined in the outfield. Gloucester makes few errors, something that will certainly benefit them come playoff time.
Offensively, Albano (team-high 19 hits), Alves (17 hits), Aiello (17 hits) and Severino (team-high 18 RBI) have led the charge, but they’re not the only ones producing. Francis says even a guy like Cade Cooper, a senior, has come up with some clutch at bats in a pinch hitting role.
“Everyone is contributing,” said Francis.
In Gloucester’s latest victory, a 5-1 decision over rival Beverly on Monday afternoon, Francis was on his game and the offense backed him up. He went six innings on the mound, allowing just two hits and one run with seven Ks. Martell then slammed the door in the seventh with two strikeouts after helping his cause with a massive two-RBI double to break open a tie game at the time.
Alves added insurance with a two-RBI single of his own, while Francis, Lukas Albano (2) and Charlie Amero all added hits.
The victory kept the Fishermen unbeaten in Northeastern Conference play (its only loss came to Division 1 power Springfield Central back in late April), and a win over Peabody on Wednesday would secure their perfect NEC season. Gloucester will then close out the regular season against Ipswich at home on Friday (6:30 p.m.).
“Of course we’re looking at these last few games to get the wins, but we’re really looking to get into the top 8 (in Division 3) so that we can get two home games (in the playoffs),” said Francis, his team currently occupying the No. 9 ranking. “That would be huge for us to play at our home field. But we’ll continue to just take it one game at a time and see where we can go.”
Sports Editor Nick Giannino may be contacted at 978-675-2712 or ngiannino@northofboston.com.