Friday, May 31, 2024

Group 3 sectional semifinals baseball preview

 

By Luis Torres | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Kevin Minnick | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
PJ Potter | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com


The first two rounds of the state tournament certainly produced their share of dramatic wins and standout individual performances.

Up next: sectional semifinals.
North 2 | Bracket

5-Colonia (19-6) at 1-South Plainfield (21-5-1)

When: Friday, 2

Coaches: Mike Scialfo, Colonia; Scott Gleichenhaus, South Plainfield


What to know about Colonia: 
Fifth-seeded Colonia is coming off of its second consecutive shutout of the state tournament when it defeated fourth-seeded West Morris in the quarterfinals. Colonia’s strength is its pitching staff, which has been phenomenal this season, posting a team ERA of 1.27, riding the arms of Cory Pascarella, Colin Kroner and Anthony Singh. The lineup has been able to string together enough hits to push runs across for Colonia, but will have to be productive with a berth in the sectional final on the line.

What to know about South Plainfield: 
Top-seeded South Plainfield, the No. 13 team in the NJ.com Top 20, is having a heck of a year under coach Scott Gleichenhaus. South Plainfield defeated Cranford in the quarterfinals to clinch a berth in the semifinals, where it will face a fellow Greater Middlesex Conference team in Colonia. South Plainfield has an athletic lineup, capable of putting up runs in bunches with the players like senior Zack Robinson. The lineup will have to contend with a really good Colonia pitching staff. South Plainfield’s pitching staff has been solid as well, posting a team ERA of 2.68.

Prediction: South Plainfield over Colonia

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