Some SMACK-TALK

Top Row: Coach Anthony Guida, Mark Tomei, Matt Cesare, Kyle Hughes,

Brandon Downes, Ryan Harrington, Carlos Ruiz, Dylan Papa, Coach Michael Battista.
Front Row: Mark Benak, Stephen Petriello, Dan Hansen, Mark McCullen,

Rob Pasternak, Coach Nick McKee

South Plainfield New Jersey - TIGERS

After being blanked 8-0 by St. Joseph’s Metuchen in the opening round of the Don Mattingly AABC State Tournament, the South Plainfield Tigers exploded to win the next 5 straight games to win the New Jersey State Championship. Not being satisfied with their lackluster first game performance, the Tigers turned up the heat in their second game against their county rival, JFK - Iselin. Making short work of them by a score of 12-1, the Tigers moved on to their next match-up against Bridgewater. A series of “questionable” calls against the Tigers in the field served as a rallying point for the Tigers to bombard their opponent from that point on. Much like Popeye’s response to spinach, the Tigers began clobbering the ball and making spectacular plays in the field, all behind solid pitching from a deep pitching staff. After defeating Bridgewater in the third game, there came the rematch against St. Joseph’s Metuchen. Revenge was sweet. The Tigers produced 14 hits to match St. Joe’s 14, but South Plainfield produced 4 more runs than St. Joe’s for the win, knocking them out of the tournament. At this point, the Tigers, feeling confident, performed admirably in the finals against South Brunswick. Facing an undefeated team, the Tigers came out and blasted 9 runs in the first inning. Every batter in the order scored in the first inning before an out was made. They went on to win the game handily, 11-6. The final game was a blowout, like swarming sharks, the Tigers consumed South Brunswick 18-4. Having a solid team chemistry, and giving no quarter to their opponents, the South Plainfield Tigers are the New Jersey State Champions.