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Methuen bats stay hot

METHUEN — It's too soon for conclusions, but Methuen coach Jason Smith is definitely happy with his offense.

"We have a lot clean up on defense but we are hitting the ball," said Smith. "It's still early but that is looking good."

After Thursday's 12-7 victory over Andover, the numbers certainly back up Smith. The Rangers have scored 40 runs in two game  and, perhaps more significant, have shown significant power with six home runs and two triples.

Two of those extra-base hits accounted for six runs against the Warriors. Cori Rizzo had a three-run triple in the first and impressive freshman Stephanie Tardugno (2 for 3, 3 runs scored) had a three-run homer in the third.

But, trailing 7-4 after three innings, Andover battled back with a run in the fourth and two in the top of the sixth to tie the game only to see the Rangers score five times in the bottom of the sixth for the decisive runs.

Emma McAlpine, who had five RBIs in the first game, had the winning RBI with a single against the Warriors. Kayla Allbee, meanwhile, was 2 for 3 with two runs scored for the second straight game and Claudia Crowe was also 2 for 3.

For Andover, six different players had one hit and four different players had an RBI. Five Methuen errors helped account for seven runs.

"That's something we have to work on," said Smith.