2024 South Plainfield Tiger Preview

 

Baseball preview: South Plainfield -Greater Middlesex Conference

Andy Mendlowitz

MyCentralJersey.com

Coach: Scott Gleichenhaus, fourth season. 

Last year: 15-14 overall, 6-8 in Red Division 

Key losses: Ashton Donovon (1B/P), Frank Flannery (C), Joseph Maroney (OF), Mike Sbailo (P)

Roster: Aldo Pigna (Sr., OF/LHP); Chase Donovan (Sr., RHP); Zach Robinson (Sr., INF); Andrew Csordos (Sr., RHP); Jayden Alvarez (Sr., INF); Brandon Bickunas (Sr., 1B/OF); Dan Kapsch (Jr., INF); Nick Irizarry (Jr., C/OF/INF); Kevin Penny (Jr., 1B/OF/LHP); Ryan Balent (Jr., OF/RHP); Mike Castagna (Jr., RHP); Steve Studlack (Jr., C); Jack Jones (Jr., OF/RHP); Lorenzo Fuscoletti (Jr., UTL/RHP); Dominic Massaro (So., OF/LHP); Aiden McCarthy (So., 1B/LHP); Anthony Tomei (Jr., 1B); Dave Butrico (Jr., RHP); Anthony Grzan (Sr., OF)

Outlook: The Tigers return an experienced squad looking to avenge a pair of one-run semifinal losses that ended both their GMCT and state playoff bids against the eventual champions in St. Joseph and Millburn. The team has plenty of proven varsity talent that trickles from seniors to sophomores. Leading the way are captains and heavy hitters Jayden Alvarez (Wagner commit, .410 BA, 3 HR, 24 RBI, 32 hits, 20 runs) and Dan Kapsch (.350, 29 hits, 21 runs last year as a sophomore). Sophomore OF Dom Massaro (.402, 39 hits, 14 extra base hits, 31 runs, 29 RBI, 18 stolen bases) was one of the state’s best freshmen, and senior slugger Zach Robinson (Gardner-Webb commit, .393 BA, 4 HR, 26 RBI, 26 runs) adds to the lineup’s firepower. Kevin Penny (.333 BA) and senior Brandon Bickunas (12 runs) are also counted on to produce, while veterans Aldo Pigna and Nick Irizarry will be competing with others to figure into the mix. The Tigers are equally strong on the mound with returning aces Pigna (Kean commit, 2.72 ERA in 38 2/3 IP) and Penny (2.33 ERA in 33 IP). Both carried this team down the stretch last year with their pitching performances. The staff includes seniors Chase Donovan, Andrew Csordos and Robinson, along with newcomers Aiden McCarthy, Ryan Balent, Mike Castagna, Lorenzo Fuscoletti, Jack Jones and Dave Butrico. Those arms look to provide the staff with the depth needed to compete in the Red Division.

NJ Baseball preview: A team-by-team look at GMC (mycentraljersey.com)