EPHS Softball & Baseball in Opening Day Wins

Both teams play Thursday 4:30 pm at EPHS. McCoy Stadium seats dedication at 4 pm.

EPHS SOFTBALL WIN:
East Providence High School's softball team commenced their season with an 11-2 victory over neighboring Bay View Academy. East Providence took the lead in the first inning with two runs. Audrey Bernard initiated the bottom of the first with a walk, subsequently stealing second and third bases on passed balls. Trinity Provencher then hit a home run to deep left field in her first at-bat of the season, bringing in two runs.
Bay View equalized the score by adding one run each in the third and fourth innings. East Providence responded by scoring three runs in the fourth inning, two in the fifth, and four more in the sixth, securing their win.

"Provencher seems poised for another dominant season at the plate, and the rest of the team demonstrates a strong balance with good offense and defense," stated Coach Katie Solitro. "Caroline Welch, Sylvie Patterson, and Ella Grimley contributed significantly, with six of the team's ten hits, scoring three runs, and driving in seven."

In the bottom of the fourth, East Providence broke the tie when Patterson doubled, bringing in two runs. Grimley extended the lead to 5-2 with a groundout. Cassie Dulude achieved the complete game win, striking out nine batters across seven innings. East Providence recorded ten hits, with Patterson driving in three runs from the eighth spot in the lineup. Welch led the team with three hits in four at-bats, while Provencher and Grimley also had multiple hits. The Townies successfully stole four bases during the game. East Providence is scheduled to play Smithfield at home on Thursday, April 3rd at 4:30 pm.

TOWNIE BASEBALL WIN:
The Townie baseball team began their 2025 season with a 3-1 victory over Pilgrim High School in an away game. Senior pitcher Annicelli delivered a three-hit, 13-strikeout performance into the seventh inning, leading the team to their first win of the season. The Townies established a 1-0 lead in the first inning, not scoring again until the fifth when they added two more runs. Aidan Martins walked, followed by Gavin Palombo being hit by a pitch. With two outs, Martins advanced to third on a wild pitch and subsequently scored on a Pilgrim passed ball.

The game remained tied until the top of the fifth inning, where Martins singled and advanced to second base on a groundout. Tim Robitaille and Max Correiro both walked, loading the bases. Oliver Andrews then sharply singled to Center Field, scoring Martins and Robitaille, giving the Townies a 3-1 lead. Annicelli kept Pilgrim scoreless, and EP secured the win with Kyle Desrosiers closing the game.

Head Coach Rodericks expressed optimism about the team's return to Division 1 play, stating, "With only one varsity starter lost from last season, our lineup remains defensively strong, especially with all the returning pitchers." He added, "We are aware that the level of play in Division 1 is higher, and we look forward to the challenge and aim to win as many games as possible."

McCOY SEATS DEDICATION:
East Providence's next game is a home opener against Portsmouth on Thursday, April 3rd at 4:30 pm. A special dedication will be held at 4:00 pm as the Townies inaugurate their newly installed seats behind home plate, which were donated by the City of Pawtucket from McCoy Stadium.

PLAYERS RETURN TO HELP:
Coach Rodericks noted, "The best part about coaching is connecting with my players. Four of my current assistants are former players of mine. I am looking forward to another great season, especially with this group of players who exhibit excellent attitudes and respect for everyone."

UNIFIED TEAM EXCELS:
Also playing at EPHS on Tuesday was the EP Unified Basketball team who held a tribute fundraiser for Military. Boys Lacrosse also played and is off and running!

(article written with contributions from coaches and Game Changer Media, Inc.@ Andrea Annicelli photos)