BY RYAN O'CONNOR
Sweeney is going to the American Legion baseball postseason tournament, and according to manager David Flurey, the contributions of three locals have made winning the state title a possibility.
“We’ve shown that we can beat anybody, and at times we’ve shown we can lose to anybody,” said Flurey. “I hope, going into the state tournament, that’s a sign we can play our best against the best.”
The Manchester-based Post 2 squad compiled a 14-6 record, placing it in a five-way tie for first place, but because of various tiebreakers, Sweeney enters the tournament as the No. 1 seed.
The top four teams from each of the two divisions make the playoffs.
Auburn’s Matt Skeffington and Kyle Morrill and Candia’s Zachary Lemire have all played key roles in this year’s run.
And no player on the talent-heavy squad has contributed more than Skeffington, said Flurey.
In fact, in Sweeney’s last divisional match-up against Plymouth, a must-win game, Skeffington delivered five RBI and hit a grand slam and triple to ensure a 10-7 victory and a playoff appearance.
“He’s definitely the leader of the team,” said Flurey of his everyday shortstop. “He just has a knack for producing in the big games.”
Skeffington has a .390 batting average this year, including 14 extra-base hits in 23 games, and leads the team with 22 RBI and 25 runs scored.
“If he gets hot, he can carry a team on his back and definitely make a difference,” Flurey added of his four-year starter.
Morrill is Sweeney’s third starter and has pitched two complete-game district victories, posting a 2-2 record with a 3.24 earned-run average.
The soon-to-be Memorial senior also plays both infield and outfield when he’s not on the mound.
“He’s very versatile,” said Flurey. “Definitely, for a 16-year-old, he’s played a much bigger role than I think anyone expected.”
Morrill also brings a .500 on-base percentage as a hitter.
“And he’s fast,” said the manager. “If he gets on base, he can definitely create some havoc with his legs.”
Lemire takes home this year’s all-hustle, all-the-time award, said Flurey of the left-handed hitter who sees most of his at bats against right-handed pitchers.
“He’s a high-energy kid with a football background, and you definitely know, at the end of the day, he’s not leaving anything on the field,” said Flurey. “He’s one of the few kids you never have to worry about coming ready to play, whether it’s starting or coming off the bench.”
Lemire has played catcher, third base, designated hitter and sports a .420 on-base percentage. He has also pitched this season.
After winning two of three games to close the season, including a 6-4 victory at Portsmouth, Flurey hopes the three locals can continue their solid play through the playoffs.
“It’s wide open,” he said. “I don’t think any team is actually going in there as the favorite. There has been a lot of parity throughout the state this year, which should make for an interesting tournament.”