Few can say they have done more for the sport of baseball in Massachusetts than Don Fredericks.

Since his passing at age 79 last year, the community has come together to honor his memory with something the longtime Braintree baseball coach would have truly loved — an in-season tournament featuring some of the premier schools in the Commonwealth.

On Saturday, the inaugural installment of the showcase kicked off along Morrissey Boulevard at Monan Park. During the opener, junior right-hander Matt Reardon tossed five innings for the win, surrendering just two runs on three hits while striking out six, as BC High (11-8) knocked off Plymouth North in a 4-3 nail-biter.

“The tournament is obviously super meaningful,” Reardon said. “But I think it’s also a great opportunity for us as a team to just try and move forward. Just kind of get the wheels on the bus rolling before the tournament.”

The Eagles enjoyed a big fourth inning, during which they would plate three runs. Senior Brenden Ryan launched a two-run double to right during the sequence to help put BC High ahead for good. Wyatt Miller also connected for an RBI single in the frame.

Danny Kenney carried Plymouth North (15-3) all day, as he fired six innings while allowing four runs (three earned) on eight hits to go with seven strikeouts. He also cranked a two-run homer at the plate.

For BC High coach Steve Healy, the tournament brought back fond memories of his days learning from Fredericks.

“As I got into my coaching career, (Fredericks) was somebody I could lean on for advice and council,” Healy said. “He always had an open door. He’s given me some of my best practice ideas. At the Mass. Baseball Coaches Association, we would always meet in the lobby at like 7:30 in the morning before the conference. It was just me with my notebook, being a sponge taking wisdom from Donny Fredericks.”

During the afternoon clash, sophomore Luke Joyce turned in a performance Fredericks would have been proud of. The ace fired a complete-game shutout, surrendering just three hits while racking up 15 strikeouts as Braintree punched its ticket to the final with a 2-0 blanking of Westwood.

“We’re happy and thrilled that BC High was able to take this over today,” said Braintree coach Bill O’Connell. “Great venue, and a really good vibe here today. Coach Fredericks would have been thrilled. That’s Braintree baseball right there. Grind it out, play some small ball, get guys in scoring position. We were able to produce some runs today, and obviously Luke is our guy. He’s our dude. We play well behind him, and today he was exceptional on the mound.”

All day, Westwood hitters attempted to throw Joyce out of his rhythm. Some took steps out of the batter’s box, others delayed tying their cleats, anything to slow the sophomore down. It didn’t matter, as he continued to fire one strike after the next. Joyce provided the Wamps (18-3) a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second, connecting for an RBI single to left. Braintree would tack on one more run in the third following a fielder’s choice to make it 2-0.

It was more than enough insurance for the sophomore, who coasted into the sixth before running into some trouble. With two outs and runners on second and third, Westwood attempted to get tricky with a steal of home. Joyce’s pitch was just off the mark, but catcher Sean Stenmon made a diving tag to preserve the lead.

With the game hanging in the balance during the seventh, Joyce put a cap on things with his 15th and final strikeout, the ultimate explanation point.

Braintree will now face BC High for the Don Fredericks Memorial title on Sunday.

“It means a lot,” said Joyce. “Having Fredericks from our town, we’re supposed to win this. A lot of people look at us, and just say, ‘They kind of have to win this. It’s their town.’ It means a lot, so we’ve got to play like it’s a playoff environment. It’s not just a regular season game. That’s for sure.”