Medford High baseball team ready for home opener

Travers Moodie delivered a quality start, as the Mustangs suffered tough-luck loss on opening day.

A senior captain, Moodie tossed a gem holding a potent Lynn English lineup to six hits, no walks, and one earned run. The Medford High hurler fanned 10 in six strong innings, as the Bulldogs nipped the Mustangs 3-2.

“Travers was outstanding,” said Medford coach Orazio Azzarello, whose team plays host to arch-rivals Malden today at Playstead Park. First pitch is slated for 4 p.m.

The defending Greater Boston League champs, Medford rolled to a 12-2 run to clinch the GBL pennant, while sporting a 14-8 overall record. They came out swinging in postseason play edging Brookline 8-6 in preliminary round action, before getting shutout by King Phillip in the first round.

Despite losing a handful of players from that run over the off-season, including Rocco Pucci, Justin Marino, Mike Piccolo, and Alex Gazzola, the returning cast still has plenty to play for.

“We had a successful year in 2025,” said Azzarello, in his sixth year at the helm, 14th overall with Medford. “This year's team would like to win the GBL in consecutive years, and also make a deep run in the tournament. Our eleven returners got a taste of a tournament win and would like to get back.”

But the coach and his team are not content to just live in the past. Accomplishing this feat will take a lot of hard work.

“Every season is a reset,” said Azzarello. “Last year’s record, good or bad, doesn't carry you through the first pitch of this one. What does carry over is the standard you set in the off-season: how you trained, how you prepared, and how much accountability you built as a team.”

Leading the way for Medford this season are senior quad captains Travers Moodie, John Wright, Dave Crohan, and Mike Morando.

The Greater Boston League MVP, Moodie has established himself as the staff ace. The pitcher/outfielder was a perfect 7-0 last year with 57 strikeouts. Based off Monday’s effort, the hurler is primed and ready.

A league all-star and corner infielder, Wright can flat out rake, hitting .400 with 25 hits last season. The first/third baseman can also pitch. The Mustangs catcher, Crohan sports a strong arm behind the plate. He’s also one of Medford’s most patient hitters in addition to playing first and pitching. A slick-fielding middle infielder, Morando is a defensive stalwart at both second or short, respectively. He also possesses quality leadership skills on the diamond.

They front a battle-tested group which also includes five other upperclassmen.  Senior third baseman Jayden Burns is defensively sound and consistent at the plate. Super sophomore Jaren Sanchez has also impressed with his sheer athleticism. His flexibility gives Medford an added dimension at pitcher, shortstop and catcher.

“Jaren is a great athlete who will contribute on the mound and get consistent at bats,” said Azzarello.

The veteran cast should give Medford a strong foundation to continue to build from.

“We have a great nucleus coming back,” said Azzarello. “And expectations are high with this senior class.”

The Mustangs are also giving a pair of JV call-ups some prime-time status. Dom Branley (P/2B) and Owen Regan (C/P/2B) provide plenty of options on the field, as the coach draws up his daily lineup.

“Each player has put in the work this off-season,” said Azzarello. “And it showed from the first week of tryouts.”

As defending Greater Boston League champions, the Mustangs are keenly aware they’ll have a bullseye on their backs.

“The GBL will be strong,” said Azzarello. “Lynn Classical is always a team to beat, but if you’re not ready to play, anyone can beat anyone on any given day.”

The Medford High baseball team plays host to Malden, Wednesday, April 8 at 4 p.m.

Medford High Baseball 2026 Schedule

Date     Opponent                         Time

4/6        @ Lynn English             3-2 L

4/8        Vs. Malden                       4 p.m.

4/11     Vs. Winchester              11 a.m.

4/13     Vs. Somerville                4 p.m.

4/15     @ Lynn Classical         7 p.m.

4/18     @ Woburn                        11 a.m.

4/21     @ Everett                          10 a.m.

4/22     Vs. Revere                         4 p.m.

4/27     Vs. Chelsea                     4:15 p.m.

4/29     Vs. Lynn English           4:15 p.m.

5/1        Vs. Saugus                       4:15 p.m.

5/4        @ Malden                         4 p.m.

5/6        @ Somerville                  4 p.m.

5/7        @ Reading                       4:15 p.m.

5/11      Lynn Classical @ LaLacheur Park, Lowell 4:15 p.m.

5/13     Vs. Everett                        4 p.m.

5/18     @ Revere                           4:15 p.m.

5/20     @ Chelsea                       4 p.m.

5/21     @ Stoneham                  4:15 p.m.

5/23     Vs. Woburn                      11 a.m.

All Medford home games are played at Playstead Park.