Wayland baseball wins season opener despite lacking home field

Warriors defeat Framingham 2-1 in 8 innings despite practicing indoors and on turf all preseason

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:07am

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The Wayland High School baseball team, which has been practicing indoors or on turf fields due to construction on their home field, defeated Framingham 2-1 in 8 innings in their season opener. The Warriors made several impressive defensive plays, including a diving catch by right fielder Cooper McFarlane and a running catch in center by Albin Valdez. Wayland scored the winning run in the top of the 8th inning after Framingham had tied the game in the bottom of the 7th.

Why it matters

Wayland's ability to win their season opener despite lacking a true home field to practice on shows the team's resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. The victory also sets them up well for the rest of the season as they await the completion of their new home field.

The details

Wayland starting pitcher Joey Fay went beyond his original pitch count, striking out 6 batters and allowing just 2 hits and no walks over his outing. Framingham's Noah Sonnenberg also pitched well, keeping the game scoreless through the first 5 innings. Wayland took a 1-0 lead in the top of the 7th when Valdez doubled to drive in Max Berkowitz, but Framingham tied it in the bottom half on a sacrifice fly by Brian Chagnon. In the top of the 8th, Owen Harrington reached on an error, stole second, and scored the winning run on a single by freshman Jack Hartunian.

  • Wayland's home field is out of play until May as it undergoes construction on a new infield surface.
  • The game was played on Wednesday, April 2, 2026.

The players

Cooper McFarlane

Wayland's right fielder who made a diving catch.

Albin Valdez

Wayland's senior captain who hit a pair of doubles and made a running catch in center field.

George Bressler

Wayland's third baseman who made a scoop and throw on the run.

Joey Fay

Wayland's starting pitcher who went beyond his original pitch count, striking out 6 batters and allowing just 2 hits and no walks.

Noah Sonnenberg

Framingham's starting pitcher who kept the game scoreless through the first 5 innings.

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What they’re saying

“It shows a lot of fight and a lot of grit.”

— Albin Valdez, Wayland senior captain

“We had the indoor batting cage, so It didn't affect us as much as it might affect other teams.”

— Mikey Johansson, Wayland captain

“It was a great way to respond. That really set the tone. It was a really great first-game win.”

— Joey Fay, Wayland captain

“It's always fun to start the season 1-0. It's was really one of our first times out on the field. Defensively, we played well and we pitched really well. I'm proud of them.”

— Chris Fay, Wayland coach

“That's two really well-played games for us. The pitching has been awesome.”

— Matt Milano, Framingham coach

What’s next

Wayland will look to build on their opening day win as they await the completion of their new home field, which is expected to be ready by May. Framingham will try to bounce back from their close losses in their next game.

The takeaway

Wayland's ability to win their season opener despite lacking a true home field to practice on demonstrates the team's resilience and adaptability. This victory sets them up well for the rest of the season as they await the completion of their new home field, which should provide a boost once it is ready.