Andy Mendlowitz
MyCentralJersey.com
SOUTH PLAINFIELD
Coach: Scott Gleichenhaus, 5th season
Last year: 22-6-1 overall, 10-2 Red Division
Key losses: Zach Robinson (SS), Jayden Alvarez (3B), Chase Donovan (P), Brandon Bickunas (1B/DH), Aldo Pigna (P), Andrew Csordos (P)
Roster: Dan Kapsch (Sr., SS); Nick Irizarry (Sr., 2B); Kevin Penny (Sr., LHP/1B/OF); Ryan Balent (Sr., RF/RHP); Mike Castagna (Sr., RHP); Steve Studlack (Sr., C); Jack Jones (Sr., RHP/OF/DH); Lorenzo Fuscoletti (Sr., RHP/LF); Anthony Tomei (Sr., DH/LF); Dave Butrico (Sr., P/DH); Matt Falcone (Sr., RHP); Dominic Massaro (Jr., CF);Aiden McCarthy (Jr., LHP/1B); Jayden Jimenez (Jr., RHP); Joe Stanzione (Jr., LHP/OF); Dylan Oller (Jr., U/DH); Alex Pigna (Jr., RHP/U); Aidan Kaplan (Jr., RHP/OF); Ed Budzinski (Jr., LHP/OF); Chris Loniewski (So., 3B/C/OF); Andrew Bena (Fr., LHP)
Outlook: The Tigers like to keep things fun and loose on the diamond and that no-panic approach paid off in a 22-win season and trips to the GMCT and North 2 Group 3 finals. They produced a 14-game unbeaten streak at one point. Now, the Red Division champs return an experienced group of well-tested veterans primed for success. They do, however, have to replace All-GMC players Zach Robinson and Jayden Alvarez and their prolific bats, as well as pitchers Aldo Pigna, Andrew Csordos and Chase Donovan. There’s a lot to like as pitching and defense will once again be a key. A trio of seniors: Kevin Penny (39 2/3 IP, 36 Ks, 3.35 ERA), Mike Castagna (35 IP, 27 Ks, 1.60 ERA) and Ryan Balent (20 IP, .70 ERA), return as the projected aces of this staff. Juniors Aiden McCarthy and Jayden Jimenez will provide depth to the rotation and can serve in relief. The Tigers possess a collection of other arms who will be called upon to get some tough outs throughout the course of the season.
NJ Baseball preview: A team-by-team look at the GMC
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