By Jim Lockwood
Staff Writer

Heading to Bow for Lamprey River's District I Little League baseball contest, Candia's Sean MacDonald experienced life as a local celebrity.

Candia's Sean MacDonald cheers on his teammates from first base in the fifth inning of District I baseball action against Bow. The locals eventually lost, 3-1, but their tremendous tournament success resulted in a taste of stardom. (Jim Lockwood Photo)

Stopping at the Hooksett Mobil station before the trip to Hanson Park on Wednesday, July 13, MacDonald donned his game jersey, which resulted in instant recognition.

"It was kind of cool," MacDonald said of the experience. "We're a small team and a small town. It was kind of funny to be noticed."

The Mobil attendant asked for a team update, realizing the locals made names for themselves in the 2005 state tournament.

MacDonald said he was en route to an elimination game and received plenty of good luck wishes for himself and his teammates.

Later that evening, Lamprey River lost to Bow, 3-1, ending its summer run. Still, the team had a successful '05 stint.

At the start of the tourney, LR had one goal: Advance deeper in the D-I bracket than the '03 edition.

Two years ago, Lamprey River went 4-2. This year, the team powered through to the losers. bracket semifinals, playing a total of eight games. In tourney action, LR was 6-2.

Of those six wins, two were extra-inning triumphs and three were victories decided by two runs or less.

Lamprey River head coach Dwight Barnes said experience was critical in the team's run. LR had nine players who were members of last season's squad.

The team also welcomed three newcomers - the Candia trio of Sam Graham, Addison Lufbery and MacDonald.

Lufbery embraced the roles of pitcher and first baseman. He threw a no-hitter in the team's 5- 0 win against Goffstown and in 18 innings of work, he recorded 26 strikeouts.

In his three starts, Lufbery surrendered only five hits and allowed just two runs. He also recorded a save.

At the plate, Lufbery posted five hits and five RBI.

MacDonald was the catcher when Lufbery was on the hill since they played together for the Candia team in the regular season. When Lufbery played first base, MacDonald was right by his side at second.

During the tourney, MacDonald had an on-base percentage around .500, collecting nine total bases. He posted three singles, three doubles, four runs scored and three RBI.

In the fourth inning against Bow, Lamprey River had its best chance to score against fireballer Jordan Shoubash.

Trailing to that point, 1-0, LR knotted the score before Bow could record a defensive out. But Shoubash settled down, struck out the side and preserved the tie.

Lamprey River had only one runner reach base after that frame, when MacDonald worked a walk in the fifth.