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Righty pair have Knights flying high

Wednesday, April, 30 By Hector Longo
Staff writer

Mike Hashem made for plenty of boring afternoons on the diamond.

"Last year, it was easy just to sit and watch Hashem go out and strike out 18 guys in a game," admitted Brian Meikle, North Andover High senior and former teammate of the UConn freshman.

"This year is a little different. Every guy in the lineup knows he has to make plays. We all know we're going to have to put numbers up to win."

The righty Meikle, who was 4-1 with a 3.50 ERA as a junior, inherited the stopper spot from Hashem. He's backed by junior Aaron Brunette.

Together, the duo has coach Todd Dulin's Scarlet Knights off to a flying 6-1 start.

"I love being known as the No. 1," said the 3-1 Meikle, whose only blemish came in a tough, 5-4, decision to unbeaten Masconomet. "I love the hype. But Aaron's tough. He throws hard and is smart. If he is the No. 2, he's the best No. 2 in the Cape Ann League.

"We use each other to compete off of. And it's a friendly competition, which is good for the team."

Brunette, a lanky righty, has pretty much matched Meikle pitch for pitch in his 3-0 beginning. Not bad for a guy who began his sophomore year on the JVs, only to get the late callup with the big boys.

"It feels like I've picked up where I left off," said Brunette, who was 1-1 with a 1.98 ERA last year. "It's definitely starting to sink in. I like the responsibility of going out there regularly. The year has been everything I expected so far."

Dulin had high hopes for the duo, but there were some doubts. When both players attacked the challenge like bulldogs, it put the coach at ease.

"Aaron came up at the end of the year last year and had that great start in the start in the Lawrence Tournament. Nothing seems to bother him," said Dulin. "And Brian, he's the type of kid who'll fight you over a penny laying on the ground."

Right from the start, the Knights have fed off them.

Taylor Livingston, a surprise behind the plate a year ago, has picked up right where he left off as a junior. Brent Ringland has been a rock at short and centerfielder Ryan Sifferlen extends that strength up the middle.

"It was tough losing Hashem, I mean the kid was a phenom, but as a team, we've gotten better, hitting and the fielding," said Meikle. "There's a lot of competition on this team. Guys are fighting for spots, and they're playing like it."

Role players are chipping in as well.

"The sophomore (third baseman Connor Walsh) basically won the Lynnfield game with his glove," said Dulin. "And for a No. 9 hitter, Josh Breeden has more big hits than anyone."

While there is no denying the early schedule has been a bit soft, including a 12-0 win over Notre Dame of Lawrence, a first-year varsity program, the Knights remain one of the teams to beat in the CAL.

"Masco obviously is the team to beat, defending champs," said Dulin. "We had our chances against them. I think we should be able to play with anyone."