Grizzlies Defeat Cheshire, End Regular Season at 14-6

May 18, 2024

Guilford wrapped up its regular-season schedule on Saturday morning with a 5-2 win over the Cheshire Rams at Middletown's rainy Palmer Field. The win set the Grizzlies record at 14-6 for the season and secured them 1st place in the SCC Quinnipiac Division. It is the team's 3rd consecutive winning season under Head Coach, Nick Merullo.

The win over Cheshire did not come easy, as Guilford found themselves trailing 1-0, until the bottom of the 5th. Adam Copeland started on the mound and tossed 3, high-quality innings, with the Rams scratching out 1 run on just 2 hits in their 3 turns at bat vs. Copeland. However, Cheshire starting pitcher, Josh Bonomo, worked 4 scoreless innings before the Grizzlies finally broke through in the 5th on Michael Buccaro's 2-out, RBI single that tied the game at 1. (video)

But the game wasn't tied for long as Cheshire re-took the lead on a Bennett Crerar sacrifice fly that made it 2-1 in the top of the 6th.

Cade Rinehart had come in to relieve Copeland in the top of the 4th, and would end up earning the win, allowing just 1, unearned run without allowing a Cheshire hit through his 3 innings of work.

In the bottom of the 6th, Guilford surged ahead for good when Lucas Deshefy singled, Colin Pompano walked, and both moved up a base on Adam Copeland's sacrifice bunt.  A few batters later, a Cheshire infield error off the bat of Joe Tafro, allowed 2 runs to score, giving the Grizzlies a 3-2 lead. Alex Tafro, followed with a RBI double that scored his brother Joe, for a 4-2 lead. (video) Then Lucas Ametrano capped off the Grizzlies scoring with a RBI triple that scored Alex Tafro, making it 5-2 Guilford after 6. (video)

Tanner Smith took the mound in the top of the 7th, and picked up a save by getting the final 3 outs without allowing a run.

Now that the regular season is in the books, Guilford will prepare for the SCC Playoffs, that begin on Mon., 5/20, - when the Grizzlies will take on the North Haven Nighthawks, 4 pm. at GHS Field. If the Grizzlies are victorious on Mon., they will play a 2nd round game on Tue., 5/21 - opponent and venue TBD, check back here for updates.

We have also posted the Team Stat Leaders for the 2024 Regular Season, click here to view.

Once the SCC Tournament has concluded, the Grizzlies will play in the CIAC Class L, State Tournament that will begin on Tuesday, May 28th. Guilford is currently ranked #10 in Class L, and will host an opening round game on 5/28.