GMC Preview

Staff Report, 11:33 PM, Mar. 29, 2012
SOUTH PLAINFIELD

Coach: Anthony Guida, fourth season (59-26).
Last year: 21-9 overall.

Projected lineup: Stephen Petriello (Sr., C); Robert Eggert (So., INF); Sal Esposito (Jr., INF); Ryan Marcoux (Sr., INF); A.J. Celentano (Jr., INF); Mark Tomei (Sr., OF); Quinn Cochrane (Jr., OF).

Pitchers: Tommy Bowden (Sr., RH); Nick DeMarco (Sr., RH); Ryan Hughes (Sr., RH); A.J. Celentano (Jr., LH); Pat Boyle (Jr., LH); Tim O’Leary (Jr., RH).

Key reserves: Chris Kukuch (Sr., INF); Nick Kukuch (Sr., OF); Nick Muglia (Jr., OF); Pat Boyle (Jr., INF-OF-P); Tim O’Leary (Jr., INF-P); Jeff Pellegrino (Jr., U); Taylor Born (Jr., INF).

Outlook: South Plainfield graduated two-time first-team All-Area selection Brandon Downes (.389, 5 HR, 23 RBI), who is playing at the University of Virginia, and three top pitchers. Charlie Huber (6-2, 3.16) and Ryan Hutchison (2-1, 2.60) departed, along with ace Dan Hansen (6-2, 3.91). The trio combined for 24 of the team’s 30 starts. Bowden (2-4, 3.13) will emerge as the team’s ace, while DeMarco (two saves, 1.52 ERA in 23 innings) could move from closer to a starting role. The Tigers boast two of the area’s best players in Tomei (.496, 9 HR, 26 RBI) and Petriello (.396, 4 HR, 31 RBI). Tomei moves from left to center to replace Downes. Expect another big year from Cochrane (.330, 3 HR, 24 RBI). A potent offense makes South Plainfield a contender to reach the conference tournament final for a second straight year.



RETURNING GMC WHITE DIVISION BATTING LEADERS

AVERAGE: Richard Vega (Perth Amboy) .500; Mark Tomei (South Plainfield) .496; Fernando Rosa (Perth Amboy) .446; Tilson Brito (Perth Amboy) .419; Waldo Diaz (New Brunswick) .417.

HITS: Mark Tomei (South Plainfield) 58; Fernando Rosa (Perth Amboy) 41; Stephen Petriello (South Plainfield) 38; Jose Hernandez (Perth Amboy) 36.

DOUBLES: Mark Tomei (South Plainfield) 20; Stephen Petriello (South Plainfield) 13; Andrew Niech (Colonia) 10; Frank D’Agostino (Monroe) 8; Fernando Rosa (Perth Amboy) 8; Quinn Cochrane (South Plainfield) 8; Dan Kacsmar (Woodbridge) 8.

TRIPLES: Mark Tomei (South Plainfield) 5; Victor Sorrento (Monroe) 4.

HOME RUNS: Mark Tomei (South Plainfield) 9; Frank D’Agostino (Monroe) 7; Andrew Niech (Colonia) 6; Adonis Hernandez (J.F. Kennedy) 6; Fernando Rosa (Perth Amboy) 4; Stephen Petriello (South Plainfield) 4.

RBI: Andrew Niech (Colonia) 35; Victor Sorrento (Monroe) 35; Ismael Paulino (Perth Amboy) 32; Stephen Petriello (South Plainfield) 31; Mark Tomei (South Plainfield) 26; Frank D’Agostino (Monroe) 24; Quinn Cochrane (South Plainfield) 24.

RUNS: Mark Tomei (South Plainfield) 47; Adonis Hernandez (J.F. Kennedy) 27; Frank D’Agostino (Monroe) 23.

RETURNING GMC WHITE PITCHING LEADERS

WINS: Victor Sorrento (Monroe) 6; Danny Marsh (Monroe) 5; Jake Rickard (Monroe) 4; Placido Torres (North Brunswick) 4; Nick DeMarco (South Plainfield) 4.