English Edges Zebras In Jackie Robinson Game, 11-10
By: Kevin Anderson, Assistant Athletic Director
JAMAICA PLAIN, Mass. – Host Boston English scored the game-winning run in the bottom of the sixth inning and they walked off with an 11-10 decision over Middlesex on Tuesday afternoon.
The game between the 2024 MIAA State Champions and the Zebras came together to celebrate Jackie Robinson and honor the pioneering baseball player who broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier on April 15, 1947.
English, who also played for the state title in 2025, jumped out to a 8-0 lead in the second but Middlesex struck back with five in the top of the third highlighted by RBI triples from Chris Rao (Little Neck, N.Y.), Colt Bagnulo (Hanover, N.H.) and EJ McAuliffe (East Hampton, N.Y.).
After English added a single run in the third, Connor O’Malley (Lancaster, Mass.) got that run back with an RBI groundout in the fourth that pushed Milo Conlin (Lexington, Mass.) across the dish.
Down 9-6 heading into the sixth, Middlesex powered ahead beginning when Hanyuaan Zhang (Concord, Mass.) doubled to lead off the frame and then pinch runner Kai Raczkowski (Cohasset, Mass.) scored on an O’Malley single. O’Malley then came home on a pinch hit single from Jack West (Littleton, Mass.) and after Bagnulo stole third, he came home on a Paul Chamberland (Stow, Mass.) single to right. The hits kept coming and the Zebras took the lead on an Andrew Reid (Lowell, Mass.) single to center and West sped around from second to give the visitors a 10-9 edge.
The game was shortened to six innings due to darkness and field availability, and things started off well in the bottom of the frame for Middlesex who got a miraculous defensive play from Zhang who made a sensational diving grab in foul territory that drew oohs and ahhs.
Unfortunately for Middlesex, they couldn’t hold on to the lead as the hosts pushed two runs across after Zhang’s amazing catch and escaped with the win.
Everyone who had an at-bat for the Zebras had a hit or scored a run led by Bagnulo who went 2-for-4 with an RBI, two runs scored and a pair of stolen bases while Sam Elfner (Cohasset, Mass.) had two stolen bases and a run scored.
Middlesex is back in action on Wednesday as they return to ISL action on the road at Lawrence Academy. First pitch is slated for 3:30 PM.
