Greenfield Post 81 edged out Monson Post 241, 8‑3, in a rain‑soaked Western Massachusetts American Legion playoff contest on Tuesday night, turning a damp field into a stage for a gritty showdown.
Evan Tsipenyuk took the mound and worked into the sixth inning, surrendering just three hits and two earned runs while striking out six batters, a performance that steadied the Greenfield side amid the drizzle.
The hosts struck first, plating a quick run in the bottom of the first frame that set the tone for a contest that would see the scoreboard swing back and forth.
Relief efforts came from Conner Bergeron and Bodie Burke; Burke, tasked with closing out the seventh, battled heavy rain and still managed to keep the opposition at bay, preserving the lead.
Greenfield’s offense was anchored by a multi‑hit effort from Bodie Burke, who went 4‑for‑4 with two runs scored, while Conner Bergeron added a 2‑for‑3 line with two RBI and a walk, contributing to the insurance runs that proved decisive in the sixth inning.
Monson’s starter Brayden Mega absorbed the loss, throwing five innings and yielding five runs on eight hits with six strikeouts, but the early surge left his team playing catch‑up.
Additional contributions came from Nicholas Prasol and Shawn Baumann, each drawing two walks, and Sebastian Mayberry, who collected two hits for the visitors.
Looking Ahead
Greenfield will now travel to face the winner of the Aldenville and East Springfield matchup at Veterans Memorial Field on Tuesday, a test that could further gauge the team’s depth as the playoffs progress.