Baseball: South Plainfield leads a balanced GMC White Division.
South Plainfield is one of the team's to beat in the GMC White Division.
(David Gard | For The Star-Ledger)
By
on March 31, 2015 4:29 PM, updated March 31, 2015 4:44 PM
on March 31, 2015 4:29 PM, updated March 31, 2015 4:44 PM
While Monroe – with two stoppers on the mound – figures to be in the hunt for titles at the conference, county and state levels, the other teams in the league are all dangerous. Even rebuilding Woodbridge has a pitcher in Harry Rutkowski, who is capable of hurling a gem on a given day.
• Iselin Kennedy only lost two regulars.
• North Brunswick believes it has pitching depth.
• South Plainfield returns two starters with earned run averages 1.63 or lower.
Here’s a look at the GMC White Division.
Monroe has made a rapid rise in the GMC under the direction of fourth-year head coach Pat Geroni. The Falcons (17-8 last season) were the GMC White Division champs and reached the Central Jersey Group 4 final.
Geroni said Monroe said most of his returning players “look bigger, stronger and more offensively potent that in past years.”
Right-hander Robbie Peto – a North Carolina recruit wit 90 mph heat -- was 5-1 with a 2.26 ERA. Sophomore Eric Heatter is strong from the left side.
The Falcons return three tremendous hitters. Centerfielder Chris Hernandez scalded the ball at a .523 clip last spring with 34 hits. Outfielder Rico Viani batted .407 and catcher Anthony Tagliaferro was a .381 hitter.
Monroe lost to Jackson Memorial in the Central Jersey Group 4 final last season.
North Brunswick is another team that thinks it has pitching depth is (12-10 last season). The Raiders return senior lefty Steven Bloyed (1.09 ERA 38.2 innings, 29 strikeouts), righty Nate Dacey (1.20 ERA, 23.1 innings), left-hander Eric Reardon (34 strikeouts in 36 innings). The key for North Brunswick will be improving on defense. The Raiders could be improved offensively with Reardon (.419, 26 hits, 26 RBI) leading the way.
South Plainfield: The Tigers were 20-8 last year and a GMC Tournament finalist.
South Plainfield has already lost shortstop Kyle Dickerson (.322, 29 hits) to an injury, resulting in some infield maneuvering. Nick Polizzano and Wilfredo Rivera are working shortstop. Chris Graves moves from left field to third base.
Vince Pellegrino was 3-2 and Brandon Rickert was 4-0. Jake Alba was 2-3.
Woodbridge: The Barrons return Rutkowski, who had 1 .26 ERA. Nick Bradshaw had 10 career wins and a 3.30 ERA.
Colonia: The Patriots were 12-9 last season. Colonial is counting on shortstop Mike Wilson, who batted .409 with 27 hits. Now a year older, Tyler Kovalewich should improve on the .292 average he had last spring. On the mound, Chris Growney assumes the No.1 role after posting a 4-2 record in 2014.
Iselin Kennedy: JFK was 3-17 last year. Centerfielder Ariel Tejada hit .356 with 21 hits and 13 runs scored. Jonathan Cuzzola batted .326 and lefty Tom Sharfetz threw 31 innings last season with 38 strikeouts.
Check out the other GMC baseball previews on NJ.com:
• Blue Division
• Gold Division
• Red Division
Joe Zedalis can be reached at jzedalis@njadvancemedia.com or by leaving a note in the comments below. Follow him on Twitter @josephzedalis.. Find and like the NJ.com High School Baseball page on Facebook.
http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/-8041841748143449120/baseball-south-plainfield-leads-a-balanced-gmc-white-division/
GMC BASEBALL: Red, White, Blue and Gold division previews
CHECK OUT OUR: preseason All-Conference and All-Division selections by position as well as our preseason Top 10 rankings and a feature story on how GMC players combated the rugged weather during the preseason
STAY IN THE GAME: Follow Greg Tufaro on Twitter all season long for story links, live game coverage and insight
WHITE DIVISION
COLONIA
Coach: Vinny Esposito, 2nd season (12-9).
Last year: 12-9 overall, 6-4 division.
Key Losses: Bryan Kopko (P), Vinnie Ferrentino (SS), CJ Lehmann (OF), Ryan Pennell (DH), Kyle Pietrapertosa (OF), Daniel Zalink (OF), Nick Margolin (OF).
Probable lineup: Salvatore Segreto (Sr., C-DH); Joe Sigona (Sr., LF); Mike Wilson (Jr., SS); Eric Nielson (Sr., CF); Chris Growney (Sr., P); Tyler Kovalewich (Sr., P-1B); Justin Desordi (Sr., 2B); Mike Parry (Jr., P-3B); Kyle Rajcevic (Jr., LF); Rocco Ferrentino (Jr., C); Joe Mazza (Sr., INF-OF).
Pitchers: Chris Growney (Sr., RH); Tyler Kovalewich (Sr., RH); Mike Parry (Jr., RH); Kyle Rajcevic (Jr., RH); Mike Wilson (Jr. RH).
Top reserves: CJ Nocciolo (Sr., INF); Julian Ayala (Sr., OF); Mike Welch (Jr., INF).
Outlook: The Patriots return six key players from last year’s squad. They must replace the bats of Pennell (.406), Kopko (.391) and Vinnie Ferrentino (.377). The trio, along with Pietrapertosa, combined for 85 hits. Kopko (3.11 ERA) and Lehman (2.78 ERA) combined for seven wins on the mound. Growney, who will now anchor the rotation, went 4-2 with a 3.61 ERA. Offensively, the Patriots have high hopes for Wilson who batted .409 with 27 hits. Colonia will also look for Kovalewich to improve upon his .292 average. Colonia batted .313 as a team, collecting 53 extra-base hits for a .442 slugging percentage. They were also vastly improved on defense under Esposito, a former Rutgers University and Minor Leaguer infielder, committing just 31 errors. The Patriots were opportunistic on the base paths, swiping 49 bases in 52 attempts.
J.F. KENNEDY
Coach: Eric Mills, 4th season (31-38).
Last year: 3-17 overall, 1-9 division.
Key losses: Peter Fiore (SS), Jeremy Vargas (RHP).
Probable lineup: Ariel Tejada (Jr., CF); Jonathan Cuzzola (Sr., C); Tom Sharfetz (Sr., 1B); Ryan Kelly (Sr., 3B); Josh Buchholz (Jr., 1B-LF); Jordy Mora (So., 1B); Sam Stolz (Sr., 2B,); Connor Aston (Sr., 3B); Michael Matusz (So., OF); Brian Bucher (Sr., IF).
Pitchers: Michael Matusz (So., LH); Jordy Mora (So., LH); Josh Buchholz (Jr., LH); Connor Aston (Sr., RH); Tom Sharfetz (Jr., LH); Nick Lepinski (So., RH); David Morales (So., RH); Vivek Patel (So., RH).
Top reserves: Nick Lepinski (So., P); David Morales (So., INF-P); Vivek Patel (So., INF-P); Joseph Mastroserio (Sr., OF); Devin Moscarelli (Sr., OF).
Outlook: Decimated by graduation after winning the GMC Tournament title in 2013, last season marked a rebuilding year for the Mustangs. J.F. Kennedy, however, lost just two key players from the 2014 squad including Fiore, who led the team with 14 RBI, and Vargas, who compiled a 1-5 record and ranked second on the team with 26 innings pitched. The Mustangs batted .228 and posted a 5.25 team ERA a year ago. Tejada (.356, 21 hits, 13 runs) was among the conference’s most underrated players. Cuzzola batted .326 with 15 hits. Sharfetz was the workhorse of the staff, throwing a team-high 31 innings and accounting for nearly half (38 of 80) of the team’s strikeouts. Messina hurled J.F. Kennedy’s lone complete game. After stealing just nine bases last season, look for the Mustangs to emphasize team speed and use a small ball-minded offensive approach. After paying its dues a year ago, a more experienced team will be competitive.
MONROE
Coach: Pat Geroni, 4th season (44-31).
Last year: 17-8 overall, 8-2 division.
Key losses: Mario Danza (RHP), Anthony Parente (SS), Willie Levier (2B), Ryan Jendras (LF), Mike Rela (1B), Danny Gregor (OF).
Probable lineup: Chris Hernandez (Sr., CF); Rico Viani (Jr., OF); Anthony Tagliaferro (Jr., C); James Eldridge (Sr. OF); Steve Cornish (Sr., INF); Chris Savino (Jr., SS); Matt Benitez (Sr., INF); Kyle Daly (Jr., 2B); Will Tsal (Sr., C); Ryan Divins (Sr., 1B); Eric Houlihan (Sr., OF).
Pitchers: Robbie Peto (Jr., RH); Eric Heatter (So., LH); Alex Hyman (Sr., RH); Kevin Ludden (Sr., LH); Matt Benitez (Sr., RH); Kenny Sysyn (Jr., RH); Nick Payero (Fr., RH).
Top newcomers: Mike Perrotta (Sr., OF); Chris Perdoni (So., 3B); Matt Sorrento (So., 1B); Nick Payero (Fr., SS); Shawn Eldridge (Fr., INF); Andrew Isola (Jr., 1B); Matt Horn (Jr. OF); John Bobish (Jr., 1B).
Outlook: The defending division champion Falcons may have graduated workhorse Mario Danza, but the Falcons remain deep on the mound with University of North Carolina commit Peto (5-1, 2.26) and southpaw Heatter. Peto averaged more than a strikeout per inning pitched and his fastball has topped out at 90 mph. Monroe lost six starters, but returns three outstanding hitters. Hernandez batted .523 with 34 hits, while Viani (.407) and Tagliaferro (.381) also hit for average. Monroe reached the Central Group IV final last spring.
NORTH BRUNSWICK
Coach: Ryan Lillis, 11th season (112-123).
Last year: 14-13 overall, 4-6 White Division.
Key losses: Chris Iocca (OF-P), Victor Konstantinovsky(C), Dominick Scialabba (INF).
Probable lineup: Tyler Petrillo (Jr., LF); Justin Garcia (So., 2B); Steven Bloyed (Sr., CF); Eric Reardon (Jr., 1B); Nate Facey (Sr., 3B); Roger Gomez (Jr., SS); Anthony Lupo (Sr., RF); Mike Dempsey (Jr., C); Dylan Martin (Jr., C).
Pitchers: Steven Bloyed (Sr., LH); Eric Reardon (Jr., LH); Nate Facey (Sr., RH); Matt Maranca (Sr., RH); Jesse Scher (Jr., LH).
Top reserves: Neil Dhawan (Sr., 3B); Brandon Koodish (Sr., OF); Nick Maranca (Sr., OF); Bryan Taveras (Sr., OF); Neal Gaeta (Jr. IF).
Outlook: North Brunswick struggled at the plate, batting .272 as a team, and in the field, committing 51 errors. In doing so, it failed to support a quality pitching staff that boasted a 2.49 team ERA. Iocca (3-2, 1.53) is the lone loss on the hill to graduation. Reardon (3-3, 4.62), Bloyed (2-3, 1.09) and Facey (3-0, 1.20) combined to hurl 97 innings last season. Reardon is among the league’s most complete players. He batted .419 with 26 hits and 26 RBI. Facey (.324, 18 RBI, 12 runs) and Bloyed (.286, 21 runs, 9 RBI) are among the team’s top returning hitters. The graduation of Konstantinovsky, a three-year starter at catcher who batted .323 last season but was even more important because of his strong and accurate arm, creates a huge void behind the plate.
SOUTH PLAINFIELD
Coach: Anthony Guida, 7th season (121-50).
Last year: 20-8 overall, 6-4 division.
Key losses: Kyle Moroney (RHP), Justin Marks (C), Aidan McDermott (CF), Rob Eggert (3B).
Probable lineup: Chris Marrero (Sr., C); LJ Scarpitto (Sr., 1B); Bryan Gillen (Sr., 2B); Nick Polizzano (Jr., SS); Chris Graves (Sr., 3B); Kyle Dickerson (Sr., SS); Brandon Rickert (Sr., OF); Xavier Wilson (Sr., OF); Tommy Dunn (Sr., OF); Sean Erhardt (Sr., OF); Brian Cullen (Sr., OF); Jack Gillis (Jr., OF); Wilfredo Rivera (Jr., OF).
Pitchers: Vincent Pellegrino (Sr., RH); Brandon Rickert (Sr., LH); Jake Alba (Jr., RHP).
Outlook: Among the state’s most balanced clubs, South Plainfield boasted a .330 team batting average and a 1.85 team ERA while reaching the conference tournament final, where the Tigers dropped a 1-0 decision to St. Joseph on a walk-off walk. The loss to injury of two-year starter Kyle Dickerson, one of the conference’s best all-around athletes, means Polizzano and Rivera will vie for time at shortstop until Dickerson returns in late April or early May. Dickerson batted .322 with 29 hits last season. Scarpitto is among the league’s best defensive first basemen, being particularly adept with the scoop. Graves move from left field to his natural position at third base, replacing Eggert, who batted a team-high .468 with 37 hits, 22 RBI and 21 runs. South Plainfield is loaded in the outfield with seven players capable of seeing action. Marrero and Jared Marks are competing for time behind the plate. Pellegrino (3-2, 1.63) pitched against quality foes last season, defeating Westfield and Rutgers Prep before dropping a 2-0 decision to reigning Group IV champion Jackson Memorial. Rickert (4-0, 1.15) pitched the Tigers past Immaculata and South Brunswick. Alba (2-3, 2.92) was victorious on the mound against North Hunterdon and Paramus. Their combined experience will help compensate for the graduation of Moroney (7-1, 0.42 ERA) who allowed just three earned runs in 50-plus innings. The graduation of Marks (.407, 37 hits, 22 RBI) and McDermott (.441, 21 RBI, 23 runs) creates huge voids in the lineup. McDermott, on partial scholarship at St. John’s, led the Tigers with 41 hits.
WOODBRIDGE
Coach: Lou Urbano, 8th season (92-87).
Last Year: 12-13 overall, 6-4 division.
Key losses: Josh Solano (C); Juan Penas (3B); Matt Figueroa (SS), John Keucsh (RHP).
Probable lineup: Anthony Gonzalez (Jr., C); Trevor Cykowski (So., SS); Justin Silva (So., 3B); Kyle Mortensen (Jr., 1B); Nick Bradshaw (Jr., RF); Zach Joe (So., CF); Nick Diaz (Jr., 2B); Jeudy Rodriguez (Jr., LF).
Pitchers: Harry Rutkowski (So., LH); Nick Bradshaw (Jr., RH); Justin Silva (So., RH); Kyle Mortensen (Jr., LH); Gerry Penna (Jr., RH); Trevor Cykowski (So., RH).
Top reserves: Anthony Paulino (Sr., INF); Tyler Bork (Jr., OF); Pablo Suriel (Jr., OF).
Outlook: The Barrons graduated 13 seniors. Woodbridge will be built around quality pitching. Rutkowski went 3-2 with a 1.26 ERA last year. Bradshaw has 10 career wins with a 3.30 ERA. The young Barrons goals are to compete in the division and qualify for the state tournament. The all-around performance of Mortensen will be integral to the team’s success.
http://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/sports/high-school/baseball/2015/03/29/gmc-baseball-red-white-blue-division-previews/70633514/
GMC BASEBALL: Red, White, Blue and Gold division previews
CHECK OUT OUR: preseason All-Conference and All-Division selections by position as well as our preseason Top 10 rankings and a feature story on how GMC players combated the rugged weather during the preseason
STAY IN THE GAME: Follow Greg Tufaro on Twitter all season long for story links, live game coverage and insight
WHITE DIVISION
COLONIA
Coach: Vinny Esposito, 2nd season (12-9).
Last year: 12-9 overall, 6-4 division.
Key Losses: Bryan Kopko (P), Vinnie Ferrentino (SS), CJ Lehmann (OF), Ryan Pennell (DH), Kyle Pietrapertosa (OF), Daniel Zalink (OF), Nick Margolin (OF).
Probable lineup: Salvatore Segreto (Sr., C-DH); Joe Sigona (Sr., LF); Mike Wilson (Jr., SS); Eric Nielson (Sr., CF); Chris Growney (Sr., P); Tyler Kovalewich (Sr., P-1B); Justin Desordi (Sr., 2B); Mike Parry (Jr., P-3B); Kyle Rajcevic (Jr., LF); Rocco Ferrentino (Jr., C); Joe Mazza (Sr., INF-OF).
Pitchers: Chris Growney (Sr., RH); Tyler Kovalewich (Sr., RH); Mike Parry (Jr., RH); Kyle Rajcevic (Jr., RH); Mike Wilson (Jr. RH).
Top reserves: CJ Nocciolo (Sr., INF); Julian Ayala (Sr., OF); Mike Welch (Jr., INF).
Outlook: The Patriots return six key players from last year’s squad. They must replace the bats of Pennell (.406), Kopko (.391) and Vinnie Ferrentino (.377). The trio, along with Pietrapertosa, combined for 85 hits. Kopko (3.11 ERA) and Lehman (2.78 ERA) combined for seven wins on the mound. Growney, who will now anchor the rotation, went 4-2 with a 3.61 ERA. Offensively, the Patriots have high hopes for Wilson who batted .409 with 27 hits. Colonia will also look for Kovalewich to improve upon his .292 average. Colonia batted .313 as a team, collecting 53 extra-base hits for a .442 slugging percentage. They were also vastly improved on defense under Esposito, a former Rutgers University and Minor Leaguer infielder, committing just 31 errors. The Patriots were opportunistic on the base paths, swiping 49 bases in 52 attempts.
J.F. KENNEDY
Coach: Eric Mills, 4th season (31-38).
Last year: 3-17 overall, 1-9 division.
Key losses: Peter Fiore (SS), Jeremy Vargas (RHP).
Probable lineup: Ariel Tejada (Jr., CF); Jonathan Cuzzola (Sr., C); Tom Sharfetz (Sr., 1B); Ryan Kelly (Sr., 3B); Josh Buchholz (Jr., 1B-LF); Jordy Mora (So., 1B); Sam Stolz (Sr., 2B,); Connor Aston (Sr., 3B); Michael Matusz (So., OF); Brian Bucher (Sr., IF).
Pitchers: Michael Matusz (So., LH); Jordy Mora (So., LH); Josh Buchholz (Jr., LH); Connor Aston (Sr., RH); Tom Sharfetz (Jr., LH); Nick Lepinski (So., RH); David Morales (So., RH); Vivek Patel (So., RH).
Top reserves: Nick Lepinski (So., P); David Morales (So., INF-P); Vivek Patel (So., INF-P); Joseph Mastroserio (Sr., OF); Devin Moscarelli (Sr., OF).
Outlook: Decimated by graduation after winning the GMC Tournament title in 2013, last season marked a rebuilding year for the Mustangs. J.F. Kennedy, however, lost just two key players from the 2014 squad including Fiore, who led the team with 14 RBI, and Vargas, who compiled a 1-5 record and ranked second on the team with 26 innings pitched. The Mustangs batted .228 and posted a 5.25 team ERA a year ago. Tejada (.356, 21 hits, 13 runs) was among the conference’s most underrated players. Cuzzola batted .326 with 15 hits. Sharfetz was the workhorse of the staff, throwing a team-high 31 innings and accounting for nearly half (38 of 80) of the team’s strikeouts. Messina hurled J.F. Kennedy’s lone complete game. After stealing just nine bases last season, look for the Mustangs to emphasize team speed and use a small ball-minded offensive approach. After paying its dues a year ago, a more experienced team will be competitive.
MONROE
Coach: Pat Geroni, 4th season (44-31).
Last year: 17-8 overall, 8-2 division.
Key losses: Mario Danza (RHP), Anthony Parente (SS), Willie Levier (2B), Ryan Jendras (LF), Mike Rela (1B), Danny Gregor (OF).
Probable lineup: Chris Hernandez (Sr., CF); Rico Viani (Jr., OF); Anthony Tagliaferro (Jr., C); James Eldridge (Sr. OF); Steve Cornish (Sr., INF); Chris Savino (Jr., SS); Matt Benitez (Sr., INF); Kyle Daly (Jr., 2B); Will Tsal (Sr., C); Ryan Divins (Sr., 1B); Eric Houlihan (Sr., OF).
Pitchers: Robbie Peto (Jr., RH); Eric Heatter (So., LH); Alex Hyman (Sr., RH); Kevin Ludden (Sr., LH); Matt Benitez (Sr., RH); Kenny Sysyn (Jr., RH); Nick Payero (Fr., RH).
Top newcomers: Mike Perrotta (Sr., OF); Chris Perdoni (So., 3B); Matt Sorrento (So., 1B); Nick Payero (Fr., SS); Shawn Eldridge (Fr., INF); Andrew Isola (Jr., 1B); Matt Horn (Jr. OF); John Bobish (Jr., 1B).
Outlook: The defending division champion Falcons may have graduated workhorse Mario Danza, but the Falcons remain deep on the mound with University of North Carolina commit Peto (5-1, 2.26) and southpaw Heatter. Peto averaged more than a strikeout per inning pitched and his fastball has topped out at 90 mph. Monroe lost six starters, but returns three outstanding hitters. Hernandez batted .523 with 34 hits, while Viani (.407) and Tagliaferro (.381) also hit for average. Monroe reached the Central Group IV final last spring.
NORTH BRUNSWICK
Coach: Ryan Lillis, 11th season (112-123).
Last year: 14-13 overall, 4-6 White Division.
Key losses: Chris Iocca (OF-P), Victor Konstantinovsky(C), Dominick Scialabba (INF).
Probable lineup: Tyler Petrillo (Jr., LF); Justin Garcia (So., 2B); Steven Bloyed (Sr., CF); Eric Reardon (Jr., 1B); Nate Facey (Sr., 3B); Roger Gomez (Jr., SS); Anthony Lupo (Sr., RF); Mike Dempsey (Jr., C); Dylan Martin (Jr., C).
Pitchers: Steven Bloyed (Sr., LH); Eric Reardon (Jr., LH); Nate Facey (Sr., RH); Matt Maranca (Sr., RH); Jesse Scher (Jr., LH).
Top reserves: Neil Dhawan (Sr., 3B); Brandon Koodish (Sr., OF); Nick Maranca (Sr., OF); Bryan Taveras (Sr., OF); Neal Gaeta (Jr. IF).
Outlook: North Brunswick struggled at the plate, batting .272 as a team, and in the field, committing 51 errors. In doing so, it failed to support a quality pitching staff that boasted a 2.49 team ERA. Iocca (3-2, 1.53) is the lone loss on the hill to graduation. Reardon (3-3, 4.62), Bloyed (2-3, 1.09) and Facey (3-0, 1.20) combined to hurl 97 innings last season. Reardon is among the league’s most complete players. He batted .419 with 26 hits and 26 RBI. Facey (.324, 18 RBI, 12 runs) and Bloyed (.286, 21 runs, 9 RBI) are among the team’s top returning hitters. The graduation of Konstantinovsky, a three-year starter at catcher who batted .323 last season but was even more important because of his strong and accurate arm, creates a huge void behind the plate.
SOUTH PLAINFIELD
Coach: Anthony Guida, 7th season (121-50).
Last year: 20-8 overall, 6-4 division.
Key losses: Kyle Moroney (RHP), Justin Marks (C), Aidan McDermott (CF), Rob Eggert (3B).
Probable lineup: Chris Marrero (Sr., C); LJ Scarpitto (Sr., 1B); Bryan Gillen (Sr., 2B); Nick Polizzano (Jr., SS); Chris Graves (Sr., 3B); Kyle Dickerson (Sr., SS); Brandon Rickert (Sr., OF); Xavier Wilson (Sr., OF); Tommy Dunn (Sr., OF); Sean Erhardt (Sr., OF); Brian Cullen (Sr., OF); Jack Gillis (Jr., OF); Wilfredo Rivera (Jr., OF).
Pitchers: Vincent Pellegrino (Sr., RH); Brandon Rickert (Sr., LH); Jake Alba (Jr., RHP).
Outlook: Among the state’s most balanced clubs, South Plainfield boasted a .330 team batting average and a 1.85 team ERA while reaching the conference tournament final, where the Tigers dropped a 1-0 decision to St. Joseph on a walk-off walk. The loss to injury of two-year starter Kyle Dickerson, one of the conference’s best all-around athletes, means Polizzano and Rivera will vie for time at shortstop until Dickerson returns in late April or early May. Dickerson batted .322 with 29 hits last season. Scarpitto is among the league’s best defensive first basemen, being particularly adept with the scoop. Graves move from left field to his natural position at third base, replacing Eggert, who batted a team-high .468 with 37 hits, 22 RBI and 21 runs. South Plainfield is loaded in the outfield with seven players capable of seeing action. Marrero and Jared Marks are competing for time behind the plate. Pellegrino (3-2, 1.63) pitched against quality foes last season, defeating Westfield and Rutgers Prep before dropping a 2-0 decision to reigning Group IV champion Jackson Memorial. Rickert (4-0, 1.15) pitched the Tigers past Immaculata and South Brunswick. Alba (2-3, 2.92) was victorious on the mound against North Hunterdon and Paramus. Their combined experience will help compensate for the graduation of Moroney (7-1, 0.42 ERA) who allowed just three earned runs in 50-plus innings. The graduation of Marks (.407, 37 hits, 22 RBI) and McDermott (.441, 21 RBI, 23 runs) creates huge voids in the lineup. McDermott, on partial scholarship at St. John’s, led the Tigers with 41 hits.
WOODBRIDGE
Coach: Lou Urbano, 8th season (92-87).
Last Year: 12-13 overall, 6-4 division.
Key losses: Josh Solano (C); Juan Penas (3B); Matt Figueroa (SS), John Keucsh (RHP).
Probable lineup: Anthony Gonzalez (Jr., C); Trevor Cykowski (So., SS); Justin Silva (So., 3B); Kyle Mortensen (Jr., 1B); Nick Bradshaw (Jr., RF); Zach Joe (So., CF); Nick Diaz (Jr., 2B); Jeudy Rodriguez (Jr., LF).
Pitchers: Harry Rutkowski (So., LH); Nick Bradshaw (Jr., RH); Justin Silva (So., RH); Kyle Mortensen (Jr., LH); Gerry Penna (Jr., RH); Trevor Cykowski (So., RH).
Top reserves: Anthony Paulino (Sr., INF); Tyler Bork (Jr., OF); Pablo Suriel (Jr., OF).
Outlook: The Barrons graduated 13 seniors. Woodbridge will be built around quality pitching. Rutkowski went 3-2 with a 1.26 ERA last year. Bradshaw has 10 career wins with a 3.30 ERA. The young Barrons goals are to compete in the division and qualify for the state tournament. The all-around performance of Mortensen will be integral to the team’s success.
http://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/sports/high-school/baseball/2015/03/29/gmc-baseball-red-white-blue-division-previews/70633514/
