This story originally ran in The Standard-Times on July 4, 2002.

By Nick Tavares
Standard-Times correspondent

DARTMOUTH — Dartmouth Post 307 broke out the fireworks a day early yesterday, slugging out eight runs off of seven hits and a home run in the first two innings of a 14-3 victory over Fall River Post 314.

Leadoff hitter Vin DiSanti got things rolling early for Dartmouth (7-7), smacking a double into right field on a full count. He then scored on Scott Ferguson's double to right-center. Dartmouth batted around the first inning, scoring six runs off of five hits and two sacrifice flies to take the lead they would not give up. DiSanti finished the game 2-for-3 with two runs scored and two runs batted in.

Brett Sousa kept things going in the second, hitting a two-run home run with no outs to give Dartmouth an 8-0 lead. Sousa added two more RBI in the next inning off of a single to left field.

Starting pitcher Cory Catelli did not give up a hit and only surrendered one walk for the win, striking out seven of 13 batters over four innings. Catelli also went 1-for-2 at the plate with a run scored to help his own cause.

"Well, every night's different," said Dartmouth head coach Tom McDermott. "They're not a bad team, it's just one of those nights. Cory pitched real well and we scored six in the first inning, so it always makes it a little easier when you can do that."

The win comes at a pivotal time for Dartmouth with the postseason looming.

"We had a little discussion before the game," said McDermott. "We're at a crossroads for the season now at 7-7, so with five games left we still have a shot at the playoffs. Hopefully, we control our own destiny."

Catcher Joe Bagatti kept things going in the third, hitting a single to right, followed by Dave LaHaie, who dropped a bloop hit into right field, and DiSanti again with a single to center to drive in Bagatti. Both LaHaie and DiSanti would score on a single by Sousa.

Eric Bonneau, who entered the game in relief of Catteli, drove in two more runs in the fifth with the second home run of the night in his only at-bat.

Left fielder Matt Rezendes got Post 314 (3-11) on the board in the fifth with a two-run single, driving in Chris Hathaway and Chris Atkins. Hathaway was responsible for Fall River's only other hit with a single to left field.

Post 314 starting pitcher Eric Yelle was chased early, lasting only one inning after facing 10 batters.

This story appeared on Page B1 of The Standard-Times on July 4, 2002.