TAUNTON— After two years on the throne, Taunton's reign over MIAA Division 1 baseball has come to a close.

Propelled by a two-run first inning and a strong showing on the mound from junior Jayden Souza (6? innings pitched, 9 hits, 1 run, 4 strikeouts), No. 11 Durfee (18-4) took down the No. 6 Tigers (19-5), 6-1, in the Division 1 Round of 16 Tuesday. It was the second win in three games the Hilltoppers recorded over their non-league rivals this spring.

"This whole game revolved around that two we put on the board in that first inning," Durfee coach Mike Martin said. "(Taunton) intimidates you before pitch one with how they carry themselves, how they prepare and how they come out (and) for three years, I’ve asked these guys to watch (what they do)."

After being eliminated by the Tigers last year in the same round on the same field, Martin feels the win is a testament to just how far his team has come this season.

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