Middleboro High’s Newcomb makes first Sox start

MIDDLEBORO — Every Massachusetts ballplayer dreams of pitching one day for the Red Sox.

Middleboro High School alum Sean Newcomb had that dream come true Monday, March 31.

Newcomb was the starting pitcher for the Sox against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards. With that start, he became only the 28th Massachusetts-born pitcher to start a game in Red Sox history.

NESN announcer Dave O’Brien described  him on air as “the pride of Middleboro High School.’’

Newcomb had a rough start, allowing four runs on eight hits during the first inning. But he settled down, following up with three scoreless innings.

He threw 40 of 64 pitches for strikes. He took the loss in the game, which the Sox dropped 8-5.

The result wasn’t what he hoped for but the start still represents a remarkable feat for a player who was a spring training non-roster invitee. 

He more than made the most of his chance. He allowed just two runs, one earned, in more than 14 innings in spring training play.

His earned run average was less than 1. He was described by some as the most impressive pitcher of the spring.

As he made his Sox debut, no doubt he had a lot of locals cheering him on. He was a standout for Middleboro High, with a .46 earned run average as a senior. He registered 110 strikeouts in 58 innings pitched.

As a senior, he helped lead the Sachems to a title by going 9-0 with three saves.

Newcomb was inducted into the Middleboro High School Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016. 

He picked up even more local fans as he played for the Wareham Gatemen in 2012 and 2013.

Newcomb is expected to pitch in St. Louis this weekend against the Cardinals but may be moved to the bullpen as a reliever when injured pitchers Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito return to the line-up, according to some pundits.

One thing is certain though: Every time he takes the mound, he will have Middleboro and Wareham fans cheering him on.