SOFTBALL

"I’ll put her up against anybody": Middleboro pitcher Cassidy Machado does it all

The Patriot Ledger

MIDDLEBORO – Cassidy Machado's latest shot at a Division 3 state title is unfolding much like how she fell in love with softball.

By giving it a second try.

“My parents made me play T-ball which I did not like it,” Machado said of her introduction to the game. “Then they made me play another year, which is not that instructional, and I fell in love with it. I’ve been playing ever since.”

Now she’s committed to play softball at Division 3 Nichols College in Dudley as a pitcher. Before she can think about college, though, she can’t forget about the Sachems' loss to Greater New Bedford Voke in last year's state final. After walking across the stage for graduation two days ago, she has one more mission: redemption.

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“Eight of us are seniors, so I know this year we’re really trying our hardest,” said Machado. “We’re working hard during practice, and putting all of it into this because this is our last chance.

“Some of us are going to play college softball and for some of us this could be our last game, so we’re just trying to take it all and do the best we can."

Middleboro pitcher Cassidy Machado pitched a good game but lost her footing while trying to shag this short ground ball. She was able to make the throw but not in time. However, she was able to shut down this Hanover threat without any runs coming in from the Hawks on Monday, June 5, 2023.

Nine strikeouts in playoff win

Machado stayed on track for her mission Monday as the No. 6 Sachems defeated No. 27 Hanover, 8-2, in a Division 3 Round-of-32 game. Machado went 3-for-4 with three doubles at the dish and struck out nine batters in the circle. She appeared to be laser-focused for all seven innings.

“When she’s in the circle she’s as good as anyone out there,” said Middleboro coach Dan Sylvia. “I don’t care if it’s D-1, D-2, or D-3, the kid can keep you in the game and that’s all you can ask her to do. What she means to the program in the years she’s been here, I’ll put her up against anybody.”

Cassidy Machado who was the starting pitcher for the Middleboro Sachems, pitched a strong complete game, allowing 6 scattered hits, 2 runs, with 9 strikeouts and 2 walks in the tourney game against Hanover on Monday, June 5, 2023. She also went 3-4 at bat with 2 doubles.

Machado means business

Machado works hard at her craft and plays club ball with the South Shore Chaos.

She knew she wanted play in college. She lost out on her freshman year when the MIAA spring season was cancelled due to the pandemic. As a sophomore, she won a starting job and she knew she was in for a bright future at Middleboro.

“I knew I wanted to play in college, so I worked my butt off sophomore year,” said Machado. “I was fighting with a senior and I worked my butt off to be the starting pitcher for our state games.”

Mel Rees, who plays pitcher and third base, is committed to play at Regis next year and finished with an RBI against Hanover. She and Machado are leaders and key cogs to Middleboro's success.

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“She’s a very big power hitter,” said Machado. “She’s one of the other girls who are going to play college softball at Regis. She’s a very strong player and an amazing hitter, and is a great deep hitter.”

Olivia Gallo (two), Haley Puzzo (two), Eva Jenness, Maddie Ryder, Kayleigh Graham and Alex Welch crossed the plate for the Sachems.

Abigail Hanna of Hanover got a big hit in the middle of the softball game with Middleboro to try to get a rally going, but the Middleboro defense tightened, and got out of the inning before Hanover could add any runs to the two they got in the first inning on Monday, June 5, 2023.

Despite the six-run margin of victory, the game was competitive throughout. Hanover's Kaelyn Chase and McKenzie Foley scored in the first inning to give the Hawks a 2-0 lead.

“They gave us (a) good contest," Sylvia said. "They came out the gate and made us work. Obviously, we did our job, too."

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On to the next one

Middleboro now advances to the Round of 16, where the Sachems will host No. 22 Arlington Catholic on Wednesday at 3 p.m. Monday's win feels good, but the Sachems have bigger aspirations.

“It feels really good. After our loss in the state final game, I know our goal is to make it farther (this year),” said Machado. “Now we’re just looking at the next game."