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Bedford righty Harrington carries Merrimack Legion on playoff bid

By HECTOR LONGO

Staff Writer

MERRIMACK – The Merrimack American Legion team dropped a tough doubleheader Wednesday, but remains right in the thick of the playoff chase.

Bedford’s Pat Harrington is a major reason why.

The Assumption-bound righty has been impeccable on the hill this summer for Merrimack, according to skipper Mike Henzley.

Even in defeat on Wednesday against Derry, Harrington was sharp but was doomed by seven Merrimack errors behind him.

Harrington strolled through the first four scoreless frames, despite needing to pick up extra outs because of the defense.

But the pitch count rose, and Derry finally took advantage with four in the fifth.

“Pat has been oustanding for us. He pitches strikes, and they put the ball in play against him, but it’s never really a hard-hit ball,” said Henzley. “We usually track them down and make the plays, but the guys weren’t behind him today.”

Harrington left with two outs in the frame, trailing 4-1, and deserved a better fate.

In the fifth, Derry put it away when Connor Jenkins launched a three-run triple. That offensive eruption was plenty for Post 9 southpaw George Welch, who settled in brilliantly in his six innings of work.

“George is a heck of a pitcher,” said Henzley. “He kept us off balance. We had our opportunities, and we just seemed to squander them.”

Merrimack remains in a four-team fight for the final three playoff spots in District B.

Another Bedford native making an impact for Merrimack is righty Sam Froio.

Froio has been in the Merrimack Legion system for three years.

“He’s a good kid, and he’s doing well for us,” said Henzley. “He’s working really hard out there and doing a nice job.”

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