You know what I’ve been thinking? Quite literally, as I’ve wondered when the last time a high school player tossed back-to-back no-hitters was. Yes, Abby Bettencourt of Peabody did just that, earning herself this week’s Item Athlete of the Week. In a 13-0 victory against Swampscott on Wednesday, Bettencourt saw 15 batters and retired each and every one of them – a perfect, full-strikeout game. Of course her head coach Tawny Palmieri was happy, and even Swampscott coach Gary Moran said his team ran into a “buzz saw.” On a side note, Bettencourt picked up a multi-hit game as well, including a few doubles – but you haven’t seen anything yet. Against Masconomet two days later – another 13-0 win for Peabody – she recorded another no-hitter. This time, she retired 10 batters to go with a 4-for-4 performance at the plate. Peabody is off to a strong start, and hosts Bishop Fenwick Monday at 4:30 p.m. Will the Tanners stay hot, or will the Crusaders cool things down? Either way, what a week it was for the ace. Abby, good week.
