In the midst of an impressive eight-game winning streak, the Gloucester High baseball team has gotten steady contributions for a number of different players.
That includes experienced, veteran leaders and up-and-coming underclassmen who are playing far beyond their years. It’s that depth and balance that’s allowed the Fishermen to string together a 16-1 campaign thus far with three regular season games remaining.
This past week alone, Gloucester went 4-0 and perhaps nobody contributed at a higher level than sophomore Nolan Aiello during that stretch. In wins over Marblehead (9-3), Northeast Metro Tech (8-0), Swampscott (11-8) and Winthrop (3-0), Aiello went 7-for-11 at the plate with four RBI and four runs scored. He also drew the start on the mound against Northeast, going 4 1/3 strong innings while allowing just one hit, no walks, no runs and striking out six.
“We knew what (Aiello) was capable of, but after not starting game one, he’s forged his way into being an everyday second baseman who bats fourth on a 16-1 team,” said GHS coach Rory Gentile.
Aiello’s best day at the plate in the past week also happened to come against Northeast Metro Tech, where he had three hits including a double to go with three RBI. For the season, Aiello is hitting a sizzling .405; he’s one of a slew of sophomores — Trey Marrone and Nico Alves included — that’s made a profound impact for a team that holds high aspirations come tournament time.
“Nolan is a kid who embodies what we are trying to accomplish all year, which is fostering competitiveness in practice amongst teammates to challenge each other to be our best,” added Gentile.
Having already clinched the Northeastern Conference Lynch Division crown, the Fishermen will look to finish out the regular season with a bang against Beverly (Monday), Peabody (Wednesday) and Ipswich (Friday) this week. The matchup with Beverly, which has won four straight of its own and is vying for an NEC Dunn title, has the makings of a late regular season classic.
“I think it might be the biggest of the year,” said Gentile. “They are one game back of Peabody and have their ace going. It’s going to be a battle.”
Sports Editor Nick Giannino may be contacted at 978-675-2712 or ngiannino@northofboston.com.