PITCHING AND D PROPEL A'S TO 3-0 START IN 2012

The 2012 season has finally gotten under way, and the Al Thomas Club has jumped out to a 3-0 record to begin the campaign. Under the direction of new pitching coach John Kostas and assistant coaches Mark Daly and Aidan Powers, and team captain Steve Lambert, the A's had their most comprehensive offseason in history, and things have carried into the season.

In game one, the A's took on arch-rival McKay Club in a rematch of last year's quarterfinals. Will Clang scattered 7 hits in 6 innings as the Al Thomas Club defeated the Beacons 6-3. Three players had two hits for the A's, while Tim Vogel picked up a save in his AT debut. John Kostas, Chris McDonough and Mike Niland led the offense with two hits apiece. Clang walked none and struck out 9 in picking up his first win of the year. Vogel fanned two in his inning of work.

Game two pitted the A's against the up-and-coming East Boston Knights. Dan Gaughan tossed 6 innings of 3-hit shutout ball as the A's won 7-0. Nick Malatos threw a 1-2-3 7th inning in his Al Thomas debut. Bill Donahue and Zach Smith had 2 hits each to lead a balnced attack.

Game three followed the same blueprint as the first two as sharp pitching and a few timely hits set the tone. Matt McDougall threw 5 shutout innings, allowing 2 hits, as the A's snuck by Beacon Hill 3-0. Tim Vogel pitched a scoreless 6th and Brendan Busa struck out the side in recording the save in his Al Thomas debut. Steve Lambert led the offense with a 2-2 day, while John Kostas, Bill Donahue and Aidan Powers drove in the runs. Donahue also made a nice catch in right field, while left fielder Zach Smith made a couple of great catches of his own.