The Stoneham Sabers dropped a decisive game 5, 9-8 at Brandeis University. The Sabers had bases loaded and 1 out in the top of the 7th, when two controversial calls both went against the Sabers.  Curtis Tirone had a full count when a borderline strike went against Stoneham.  The Saber runner on first, lost track of the outs and ran on the pitch.  While that runner was caught in a pickle, Saber Luis Gil ran home from third.  Gil appears to be safe, as he slides by the Brighton catcher who tags him in the back.  Unfortunately, the umpire went against Stoneham again.  The video to the final play is  below:

 

https://www.facebook.com/StonehamSabers/videos/1002001437293000 

 

Player/Manager Angelo Colucci said, "It is a shame the way the game ended. Gil appears to be safe, he tagged him in the back.  It is not the MLB, so we unfortunately can't go to replay.  It is difficult to umpire in such a high intensity situation and everyone makes mistakes.  In the end, the Sabers lost the series more than Brighton won, I truly believe that.  We had our chances and we should have not let it come down to an umpire's call."

 

In game 3 of the series, Captain Ryan Flanagan was cruising through the Brighton lineup, until he unfortunately had to leave the game due to a contentious collision at first base, that swung the momentum of the game and the series as well. 

 

It was a dramatic series indeed, and the Sabers will be back for vengeance.  

 

The Stoneham Sabers are heading back to the YBL playoffs for a 10th consecutive season!  The Sabers have made the postseason every year, with the exception of their inaugural season.

 

The 3rd seeded Sabers are set to host the 6th seeded Brighton Braves, on Sunday August 8th at 12:15 PM at Stoneham HS.  The first round of the playoffs is a best of 3 series, round 2 is best of 5 and the finals is best of 7.

 

 

Rookie Tommy Callanan earned the win on Friday night for Stoneham. Callanan has been a great two way player for the Sabers this season.

 

 

Luis Gil has been heating up for Stoneham down the stretch.  Luis is also another two way player who is now a veteran in the Stoneham lineup.

 

 

Matt Consigli had himself a phenomenal rookie year for Stoneham.  Consigli has been an asset in both the infield and outfield.

 

The Stoneham Sabers have three games left, before they start their playoff campaign.  They are currently sitting in the 3 seed, as they have games in hand on the Black Sox.