WINTHROP — The Marblehead softball team may have shown up 30 minutes late to Little League Field in Winthrop, but for the traveling fans, it was well worth the wait.

The Magicians mercied the Vikings, 22-0, across five innings to improve to 5-1.

The visitors came out of the gates hot, scoring 17 runs across the first two innings. The scoring barrage was highlighted by a two-RBI double from Ashley Mortensen to make it 6-0 in the first.

In a flash, Ruby Calienes, Eva Walton, Lyla McGovern, and Sophia Halisey recorded consecutive RBI to make it 17-0 in the second inning.

“We got some good hits and we walked a lot,” said Marblehead coach Johnny Gold. 

Patience was on full display, too. The Magicians walked 16 times over the five innings. 

Despite the dominance and discipline all over the field, Gold didn’t want the scoreline to get to his players’ heads. 

“I told them the truth: never get complacent,” he said. “I told them to keep playing hard, but we’re not going to steal or bunt. I want them to learn from this type of game.” 

On defense, the Magicians didn’t give the Vikings any opportunities, thanks to the commanding pitching performance from Tessa Francis. She struck out 13 batters en route to a complete-game shutout. 

“Tessa controlled them from the mound. She threw nothing but bullets,” Gold said. “Having a pitcher like her makes it a lot easier. We’re going to play tougher teams, but she had another solid game. She dominates.” 

The Magicians added three runs in the third inning and another in the fourth. 

Next thing you know, ballgame.

But in high school sports, sometimes, there are things bigger than competition. The Magicians, who are still feeling the loss of assistant coach Todd Norman, received a card from the Winthrop softball team expressing its condolences. 

“They were nice kids. They gave us a beautiful card in memory of Todd,” Gold said. “They’re another classy program at Winthrop High.” 

Sitting at 5-1, Gold said he’s enjoying this season, and just wishes Norman was here to witness it.

“The only thing I keep on saying is that Todd should have been here to see this so far,” Gold said. “I’ve been enjoying this because the kids are really good kids. They come in every day, they’re polite, and they work hard. I’m having a blast – I just wish my friend was here with me.” 

Marblehead will look for its sixth win come Wednesday when it hosts traditional archrival Swampscott at 4:30 p.m. 

“We play Swampscott next and I’m a Swampscott native,” Gold said. “I hope they do well – except against us.”