Brockton, MA (May 11, 2025) - The #9 nationally ranked and top seeded Northern Essex Community College baseball team defeated CCRI on Sunday afternoon by a 6-4 final score and advanced to the Region 21 championship game seeking their fourth straight title.

A championship would send the Knights to the Northeast District Championship series at Suffolk County Community College in Selden, NY.

Five strong innings of work from Jack Kelleher (Haverhill) set the tone with five solid innings of work allowing two runs on four hits, while striking out four and walking three.

Larsen Burch (Painting Post,NY) and Eric Bridges (Saugus) closed out the final four innings each allowing one run on one hit each.

After falling behind 2-0 in the first the Knights got one back in the second on a solo home run from Thomas Fratto (Reading) deep over the left center field fence. The Knights would take a lead they wouldn't relinquish in the bottom of the third on a two run home run from Manny Castro (Manchester, NH) that stayed just inside the right field foul pole. Fratto scored the third running of the inning on a fielders choice from Mark McKay (Plymouth).

The Knights plated two more runs in the sixth inning for the insurance they would need as CCRI played single runs in the seventh and eighth innings.

NECC outhit CCRI 11-6 as Michael Fabiano (Reading) went a perfect 4-4 at the plate. Fratto had three hits and Castro had two.

First pitch at Haverhill Stadium on Monday is scheduled for 9:00am