TAUNTON — Whenever you face an archrival, it’s newsworthy. Add in the fact that you’re facing a nemesis from a recent state championship and things go to an entirely different level.
Locals still have vivid memories, but the Panthers are onto a new chapter.
Jake Shaugnessy allowed two earned runs and struck out six in 6.2 innings, as Franklin avenged its loss in the 2023 Div. 1 baseball final with a 6-2 victory over Taunton.
“My goal was to just pound the strike zone as much as I can,” he said. “I know I have a great defense behind me, so I was just going to let them hit the ball. I know they can make any play. Ball in play for them, I know they get the out.”
Franklin fell behind in the first inning, 2-0. The Panthers responded in the top of the second, as Rex Cinelli drove home the game-tying run with a fielder’s choice to short, knotting things 2-2.
“Any time you come and play against Taunton, at Taunton High School, and you come away with a win, it means a lot,” said Franklin coach Zach Brown. “They’re a great program. We have the utmost respect for them, and everything they’ve accomplished. I think Blair (Bourque) mentioned this about playing us, where it is kind of a good measuring stick. You know they’re going to be there at the end. It’s good to come out for 21 outs, and find a way.”
Shortly after, Dom Caccavelli decided to take a risk and darted toward third on a wild pitch. The catcher was unable to locate it immediately, and the base stealer turned home in a sprint.
Following a toss to the plate, the runner was ruled safe, and the Panthers had newfound life with a 3-2 advantage.
“It was a great read,” said Brown. “Dom’s a talented baserunner, he’s got a good skill set there. Unfortunately, the catcher didn’t see the direction of the ricochet, and Dom just stayed aggressive. Came hard around third, made a decision that he had a chance, and went for it. Honestly, it revitalized the dugout, and we carried it from there.”
In the fifth inning, Franklin turned to its offense, breaking the game open. Matt Miller started a three-run rally with a sacrifice fly, only to have two more runners cross following a series of wild pitches, as Franklin made it a 6-2 contest.
With one out to go in the bottom of the seventh, Shaughnessy glanced at the dugout as Brown made his way to the mound. The ace was closing in on a complete game, but knew his moment had come.
“I respect everything that coach says,” chuckled Shaughnessy. “I know he has the best thing for me at heart. He didn’t want to overdo me, hurt me. I respect everything he does, because it’s for the (greater) good.”
Leo Muese stepped into Shaughnessy’s place and immediately closed things with a strikeout. A perfect conclusion to a memorable day.
“This team, every year we have great competitors, great teammates,” said Shaughnessy. “Once we get the great camaraderie we need, we will be unstoppable.”
