Staff Report
SOUTH PLAINFIELD 4, INDIAN HILLS 3 (8 inn.): Pat Boyle drove in the winning run with a single to right center to score Chris Kukuch and picked up the win with four innings of relief. Mark Tomei went 2-for-4 with an RBI triple in the third to drive in the game’s first run for the Tigers (16-7).
THURSDAY'S SCHEDULE
GREATER MIDDLESEX CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT
FIRST ROUND
East Brunswick at Sayreville, 3:45
Edison at Iselin Kennedy, 3:45
Old Bridge at Dunellen, 3:45
Metuchen at St. Joseph, 3:45
Bishop Ahr at Middlesex, 3:45
North Brunswick at South Plainfield, 3:45
Monroe at South Brunswick, 3:45
J.P. Stevens at Perth Amboy, 3:45
Saturday - Quarterfinals
At Community Park, North Brunswick
2 games at 11
2 games at 2
Tuesday, May 22 - Semifinals
At East Brunswick
Games at 4 and 7
Saturday, May 26 - Finals
At East Brunswick Tech, 1 p.m.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
MIDDLESEX COUNTY: GMC Tournament pushed back
By John Haley/For The Star-Ledger
With Metuchen not playing Piscataway on Monday, coupled with anticipated rain on Tuesday, the GMC Tournament has been pushed back.
TEAMS TO WATCH
South Plainfield, 3-5 at one point this season, is now 15-7 with a seven-game winning streak. The Tigers have outscored their opponents, 61-15, during the streak.
Mark Tomei, The Star-Ledger’s reigning Middlesex County Player of the Year and an All-State pick last spring, entered the season with over 100 career hits. He is making things happen in the leadoff spot and everyone else throughout the lineup is contributing, including Stephen Petriello, Taylor Born, Quinn Cochrane, A.J. Celantano and Ryan Marcoux.
GAMES TO WATCH
The Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament is in full swing with the first round Tuesday at the higher seed, the quarterfinals scheduled for Thursday at Community Park in North Brunswick and the semifinals Saturday at East Brunswick Tech.
The teams with the deepest pitching staffs will have the advantage since three rounds of games will have taken place in four days since the preliminary round was scheduled for yesterday.
The championship game will take place Wednesday, May 23, at East Brunswick at 7 p.m.
Thursday
First Round
(All games at 3:45)
(16) East Brunswick at (1) Sayreville
(18) J.P. Stevens at (2) Perth Amboy
(19) Bishop Ahr at (3) Middlesex
(12) Old Bridge at (5) Dunellen
(11) North Brunswick at (6) South Plainfield
(10) Monroe at (7) South Brunswick
(9) Edison at (8) Kennedy
Metuchen-Piscataway winner at (4) St. Joe's
MIDDLESEX COUNTY STAT LEADERS
For games reported to njschoolsports.com through May 13:
EXTRA-BASE HITS
Player, School, 2B-3B-HR-Total
Jeff Puckett, Dunellen, 12-2-3-17
Chris Petiya, Middlesex, 5-1-10-16
Christian Campbell, Sayreville, 7-5-4-16
Casey Wenzel, Dunellen, 12-1-1-14
Anthony Brocato, Rutgers Prep, 8-2-3-13
Jose Hernandez, Perth Amboy, 7-4-2-13
Stephen Petriello, South Plainfield, 9-1-2-12
Nick Muha, South Brunswick, 5-4-3-12
Mark Tomei, South Plainfield, 5-4-3-12
MIDDLESEX COUNTY TOP 10
1-Sayreville (19-1)
2-Perth Amboy (17-4)
3-Middlesex (21-2)
4-St. Joseph (15-8)
5-South Plainfield (14-7)
6-South Brunswick (15-6)
7-Dunellen (18-2)
8-Iselin Kennedy (11-7)
9-Monroe (11-8)
10-Edison 12-10
With Metuchen not playing Piscataway on Monday, coupled with anticipated rain on Tuesday, the GMC Tournament has been pushed back.
TEAMS TO WATCH
South Plainfield, 3-5 at one point this season, is now 15-7 with a seven-game winning streak. The Tigers have outscored their opponents, 61-15, during the streak.
Mark Tomei, The Star-Ledger’s reigning Middlesex County Player of the Year and an All-State pick last spring, entered the season with over 100 career hits. He is making things happen in the leadoff spot and everyone else throughout the lineup is contributing, including Stephen Petriello, Taylor Born, Quinn Cochrane, A.J. Celantano and Ryan Marcoux.
GAMES TO WATCH
The Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament is in full swing with the first round Tuesday at the higher seed, the quarterfinals scheduled for Thursday at Community Park in North Brunswick and the semifinals Saturday at East Brunswick Tech.
The teams with the deepest pitching staffs will have the advantage since three rounds of games will have taken place in four days since the preliminary round was scheduled for yesterday.
The championship game will take place Wednesday, May 23, at East Brunswick at 7 p.m.
First Round
(All games at 3:45)
(16) East Brunswick at (1) Sayreville
(18) J.P. Stevens at (2) Perth Amboy
(19) Bishop Ahr at (3) Middlesex
(12) Old Bridge at (5) Dunellen
(11) North Brunswick at (6) South Plainfield
(10) Monroe at (7) South Brunswick
(9) Edison at (8) Kennedy
Metuchen-Piscataway winner at (4) St. Joe's
MIDDLESEX COUNTY STAT LEADERS
For games reported to njschoolsports.com through May 13:
EXTRA-BASE HITS
Player, School, 2B-3B-HR-Total
Jeff Puckett, Dunellen, 12-2-3-17
Chris Petiya, Middlesex, 5-1-10-16
Christian Campbell, Sayreville, 7-5-4-16
Casey Wenzel, Dunellen, 12-1-1-14
Anthony Brocato, Rutgers Prep, 8-2-3-13
Jose Hernandez, Perth Amboy, 7-4-2-13
Stephen Petriello, South Plainfield, 9-1-2-12
Nick Muha, South Brunswick, 5-4-3-12
Mark Tomei, South Plainfield, 5-4-3-12
MIDDLESEX COUNTY TOP 10
1-Sayreville (19-1)
2-Perth Amboy (17-4)
3-Middlesex (21-2)
4-St. Joseph (15-8)
5-South Plainfield (14-7)
6-South Brunswick (15-6)
7-Dunellen (18-2)
8-Iselin Kennedy (11-7)
9-Monroe (11-8)
10-Edison 12-10
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Alumni Update - Brandon Downes ('11)
![]() |
| Brandon Downes rounds 3rd after hitting his first career collegiate home run. |
Downes led off the Cavaliers' half of the second with his first career home run, a long ball over the left-center field wall.
The Cavaliers moved ahead in the eighth. Fisher hit a high fly to lead off which dropped in between the left and center fielder and shortstop, with Fisher hustling all the way for a double. King then reached when Dove booted a hard grounder to third base, which allowed Fisher to move to third. Colin Harrington (R-So., Johnstown, Pa.) laid down a bunt in front of the plate, but Cruz made a nice play to scoop up the ball and tag Fisher before he touched the plate for the first out. Downes followed with a solid single to left, scoring King from second to give Virginia the lead once again.
Game #22 vs Briarcliff, NY at Staten Island
SOUTH PLAINFIELD 8, BRIARCLIFF 7 (8 inn.): Quinn Cochrane went 2-for-2 with a double, an RBI and a run for the Tigers in a game played Saturday night at Staten Island Yankees Stadium. Chris Kukuch contributed with two hits, a run and an RBI. Right fielder Patrick Boyle ended the game with a double play, throwing a runner out at home after making a catch. The Tigers have won seven straight.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Game #21 vs Metuchen
Metuchen (1) at South Plainfield (11)
Taylor Born (3) of South Plainfield steals second, beating the tag of Metuchen's Stephen Fortuna (13) during South Plainfield's 11-1 victory on Friday. - (Noah K. Murray/The Star-Ledger)
Ryan Marcoux (9, right) of South Plainfield is congratulated by teammate Taylor Born after scoring a run during their team's 11-1 victory over Metuchen on Friday. - (Noah K. Murray/The Star-Ledger)
Mark Tomei (32) of South Plainfield receives high fives from teammates after scoring against Metuchen at Frank Jost Field. South Plainfield, NJ 5/11/12 (Noah K. Murray -The Star Ledger)
Mike Hronich (21) of Metuchen runs into the tag of Ryan Marcoux (9) of South Plainfield during baseball game at Frank Jost Field. South Plainfield, NJ 5/11/12 (Noah K. Murray -The Star Ledger)
John Haley, May 11, 2012 7:33 p.m.
South Plainfield, which belted out 14 hits, including four doubles, has outscored its opponents 53-8 during its win streak.
Nine players had at least one hit, eight players had at least one RBI, and seven players scored at least one run in a total team effort. Pitcher Tim O’Leary made his first start a memorable one as he tamed a hot-hitting Metuchen team on two hits with two strikeouts, two walks, and a hit batter.
Stephen Petriello and A.J. Celantano led the barrage with two hits and two RBI each, while Taylor Born, Justin Marks, and Ryan Marcoux all had two hits.
“We’re finally playing the game the way it’s supposed to be played,’’ said South Plainfield head coach Anthony Guida. “We’re pitching, we’re catching the ball, we’re hitting and doing all the little things like running the bases. We’re playing a complete game right now, which is what you want to do this time of the season.’’
South Plainfield scored single runs in the first and second innings and led, 2-1, before breaking things open with four runs in the third and four more in the fourth to claim a 10-1 lead.
In the third, after an out, a hit by pitch, and a bloop single by Pat Boyle, South Plainfield scored on RBI singles by Marks and Marcoux, a sacrifice fly by Jeff Pellegrino, and an RBI single by Sal Esposito, the No. 9 batter.
In the fourth, a two-run single broke things open by Celantano, who was the first batter to face Metuchen ace Stephen Fortuna, who pitched two innings of relief (five hits, two runs).
“We hit from up and down in the order,’’ said Guida. “And Tim pitched great. He had pitched a handful of innings in relief, so he was nervous, especially against a good hitting team. They hit some shots, but right at people, and we made the plays.’’
Friday, May 11, 2012
Game #20 at Neptune
Tomei's homers help South Plainfield roll past Neptune
Justin Marks went 3-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI to help the Tigers (13-7).
Junior lefthander Pat Boyle hurled a complete game one-hitter, allowing a double in the fifth inning.
Staff Report
Senior Mark Tomei clubbed two homers, a two-run shot and a solo blast, and the South Plainfield High School baseball team pummeled Neptune 10-0 in five innings on Thursday.Justin Marks went 3-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI to help the Tigers (13-7).
Junior lefthander Pat Boyle hurled a complete game one-hitter, allowing a double in the fifth inning.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
South Plainfield Getting Big Time Experience
Posted on May 9, 2012 by Harry Frezza
South Plainfield will play Briarcliff (N.Y) Saturday night at Richmond County Stadium in Staten Island. Game time is 7 p.m.
Coach Anthony Guida said the trip is being footed by the South Plainfield youth league and director Mike Pellegrino.
South Plainfield will play Briarcliff (N.Y) Saturday night at Richmond County Stadium in Staten Island. Game time is 7 p.m.
Coach Anthony Guida said the trip is being footed by the South Plainfield youth league and director Mike Pellegrino.
Alumni News - Mark Benak ('10)
2012 NEW JERSEY COLLEGIATE BASEBALL ASSOCIATION DIVISION II/III
JERSEY CITY, NJ – Rowan University third baseman Mark Benak (Soph. South Plainfield, NJ/South Plainfield) received All-State second team honors. Benak has a .353 batting average with 22 runs scored, 20 RBIs and six doubles. He has a .421 on-base percentage. Last season, he collected NJCBA All-Rookie Team honors.Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Game #19 vs Monroe
Staff Report
SOUTH PLAINFIELD 5, MONROE 4: The Tigers rallied for four runs in the home seventh. After Stephen Petriello’s RBI single made the score 4-2, South Plainfield loaded the bases. An infield throwing error allowed two runs to cross before Nick Kukuch delivered a walk-off single. Taylor Born and A.J. Celentano each went 2-for-3 for the Tigers (12-7).
Vic Sorrento and Tyler Paquette (double and RBI) each went 3-for-4 for the Falcons (10-8). Mark Tomei leaped three feet over the right-center field fence to rob Frank D’Agostino of a homer in the top of the seventh.
FINAL
SOUTH PLAINFIELD 5, MONROE 4: The Tigers rallied for four runs in the home seventh. After Stephen Petriello’s RBI single made the score 4-2, South Plainfield loaded the bases. An infield throwing error allowed two runs to cross before Nick Kukuch delivered a walk-off single. Taylor Born and A.J. Celentano each went 2-for-3 for the Tigers (12-7).
Vic Sorrento and Tyler Paquette (double and RBI) each went 3-for-4 for the Falcons (10-8). Mark Tomei leaped three feet over the right-center field fence to rob Frank D’Agostino of a homer in the top of the seventh.
FINAL
| GMC STANDINGS - WHITE DIVISION | |||
| Place | Team | Win | Loss |
| 1 | Perth Amboy (16-3) | 12 | 2 |
| 2* | South Plainfield (12-7) | 10 | 4 |
| 3 | JF Kennedy (10-7) | 9 | 5 |
| T4 | Monroe (10-8) | 8 | 6 |
| T4 | North Brunswick (10-9) | 8 | 6 |
| 6 | Woodbridge (8-8) | 6 | 7 |
| 7 | Colonia (3-16) | 2 | 11 |
| 8 | Carteret (1-19) | 0 | 14 |
*Strong finish for our boys as they won their last 8 White Division games after a 2-4 start.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Game #18 vs Carteret
Staff Report
SOUTH PLAINFIELD 11, CARTERET 1 (5 inn.): Tommy Bowden allowed one hit and struck out five for the Tigers and Patrick Boyle drove in three runs while going 2-for-3. Justin Marks went 2-for-2 with a run scored and an RBI and Mark Tomei scored three runs while going 2-for-4 for South Plainfield (11-7). Erik Fruscella singled for the lone Ramblers’ (2-18) hit.
John Haley, For The Star Ledger
South Plainfield 11, Carteret 1: Tommy Bowden gave up one hit over five and Patrick Boyle drove in 3.
MIDDLESEX COUNTY TOP 10
1-Sayreville (15-1)
2-Middlesex (19-1)
3-Perth Amboy (15-3)
4-St. Joseph (Met.) (13-7)
5-South Brunswick (12-5)
6-South Plainfield (10-7)
7-Dunellen (16-2)
8-Monroe (10-7)
9-Iselin Kennedy (9-7)
10-Edison (11-9)
SOUTH PLAINFIELD 11, CARTERET 1 (5 inn.): Tommy Bowden allowed one hit and struck out five for the Tigers and Patrick Boyle drove in three runs while going 2-for-3. Justin Marks went 2-for-2 with a run scored and an RBI and Mark Tomei scored three runs while going 2-for-4 for South Plainfield (11-7). Erik Fruscella singled for the lone Ramblers’ (2-18) hit.
John Haley, For The Star Ledger
South Plainfield 11, Carteret 1: Tommy Bowden gave up one hit over five and Patrick Boyle drove in 3.
| GMC STANDINGS - WHITE DIVISION | |||
| Place | Team | Win | Loss |
| 1 | Perth Amboy (16-3) | 12 | 2 |
| 2 | South Plainfield (11-7) | 9 | 4 |
| 3 | JF Kennedy (10-7) | 9 | 5 |
| 4 | Monroe (10-7) | 8 | 5 |
| 5 | North Brunswick (10-9) | 8 | 6 |
| 6 | Woodbridge (8-8) | 6 | 7 |
| 7 | Colonia (3-16) | 2 | 11 |
| 8 | Carteret (1-19) | 0 | 14 |
MIDDLESEX COUNTY TOP 10
1-Sayreville (15-1)
2-Middlesex (19-1)
3-Perth Amboy (15-3)
4-St. Joseph (Met.) (13-7)
5-South Brunswick (12-5)
6-South Plainfield (10-7)
7-Dunellen (16-2)
8-Monroe (10-7)
9-Iselin Kennedy (9-7)
10-Edison (11-9)
Monday, May 7, 2012
Kean Claims 2012 NJAC Baseball Championship
Union, N.J. (5/6/12) – Junior Kevin Herget pitched a gritty eight inning performance to help the #11/14 Kean University baseball team to their third straight New Jersey Athletic Conference Tournament Championship on Sunday afternoon as the Cougars topped Ramapo College, 3-0.
With the win, Kean (31-10) advances to the NCAA Division III Baseball Tournament, slated to begin on Wednesday, May 16th. It will be the seventh straight season the Cougars have advanced to the regional tournament.
South Plainfield Tiger alum Dan Hansen ('11) enjoyed a fine Freshman season as he pitched 15 1/3 innings with a 2-0 record and a 3.52 ERA. Congratulations on being a part of a championship season at Kean!
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Game #17 at Carteret
Staff Report
SOUTH PLAINFIELD 11, CARTERET 1: Ryan Hughes pitched the first four innings, allowing no runs and just one hit. Senior catcher Stephen Petriello had three doubles, two RBI and scored two runs. Sophomore Isaaiah Northington had a RBI single in a losing effort for Carteret (2-17).
Tigers roar for cause
Greg Tufaro
South Plainfield raised nearly $600 for the Teamwork Unlimited Foundation, which is a beneficiary of the GMC Autism Awareness Challenge involving 16 league members who competed in last weekend’s showcase.
Baseball players went to home rooms throughout the high school to heighten autism awareness and encourage students to donate to the cause.
“What I like is it gives the kids a sense of community,” South Plainfield coach Anthony Guida said.
| GMC STANDINGS - WHITE DIVISION* | |||
| Place | Team | Win | Loss |
| 1 | Perth Amboy (15-3) | 12 | 2 |
| 2 | North Brunswick (11-8) | 9 | 5 |
| 3 | South Plainfield (10-7) | 8 | 4 |
| T4 | Monroe (10-7) | 8 | 5 |
| T4 | JF Kennedy (9-7) | 8 | 5 |
| 6 | Woodbridge (7-7) | 5 | 6 |
| 7 | Colonia (2-15) | 2 | 13 |
| 8 | Carteret (2-17) | 0 | 13 |
Friday, May 4, 2012
Rankings
as of May 1
THE STAR-LEDGER BASEBALL TOP 20
1-Jackson (12-1)
2-Gloucester Catholic (13-2)
3-Seton Hall Prep (14-1)
4-Immaculata (13-0)
5-Washington Twp. (13-0)
6-Red Bank Catholic (10-2)
7-Don Bosco Prep (13-3)
8-St. Joseph (Mont.) (15-2)
9-Wall (11-2)
10-Steinert (14-2)
11-Gov. Livingston (12-3)
12-Cranford (11-2)
13-Toms River South (11-2)
14-Montclair (10-2)
15-Audubon (12-2)
16-Middlesex (15-0)
17-Sayreville (13-1)
18-Jackson Liberty (9-2)
19-Paramus (12-2)
20-Millville (10-3)
GROUP 3
1-Wall (11-2)
2-Cranford (11-2)
3-Jackson Liberty (9-2)
4-Paramus (12-2)
5-West Morris (11-3)
6-Hammonton (10-2)
7-Indian Hills (11-4)
8-West Milford (10-3)
9-Hamilton (12-3)
10-Millburn (9-4)
MIDDLESEX
1-Middlesex (15-0)
2-Sayreville (13-1)
3-South Brunswick (11-4)
4-Perth Amboy (12-3)
5-St. Joseph (Met.) (11-6)
6-Monroe (9-5)
7-North Brunswick (10-5)
8-South Plainfield (8-7)
9-Metuchen (10-3)
10-Woodbridge (7-7)
THE STAR-LEDGER BASEBALL TOP 20
1-Jackson (12-1)
2-Gloucester Catholic (13-2)
3-Seton Hall Prep (14-1)
4-Immaculata (13-0)
5-Washington Twp. (13-0)
6-Red Bank Catholic (10-2)
7-Don Bosco Prep (13-3)
8-St. Joseph (Mont.) (15-2)
9-Wall (11-2)
10-Steinert (14-2)
11-Gov. Livingston (12-3)
12-Cranford (11-2)
13-Toms River South (11-2)
14-Montclair (10-2)
15-Audubon (12-2)
16-Middlesex (15-0)
17-Sayreville (13-1)
18-Jackson Liberty (9-2)
19-Paramus (12-2)
20-Millville (10-3)
GROUP 3
1-Wall (11-2)
2-Cranford (11-2)
3-Jackson Liberty (9-2)
4-Paramus (12-2)
5-West Morris (11-3)
6-Hammonton (10-2)
7-Indian Hills (11-4)
8-West Milford (10-3)
9-Hamilton (12-3)
10-Millburn (9-4)
MIDDLESEX
1-Middlesex (15-0)
2-Sayreville (13-1)
3-South Brunswick (11-4)
4-Perth Amboy (12-3)
5-St. Joseph (Met.) (11-6)
6-Monroe (9-5)
7-North Brunswick (10-5)
8-South Plainfield (8-7)
9-Metuchen (10-3)
10-Woodbridge (7-7)
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Game #16 at Monroe
Staff Report
SOUTH PLAINFIELD 5, MONROE 1: Winning pitcher A.J. Celentano allowed a run on five hits while striking out seven in a complete-game win. Stephen Petriello went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI for South Plainfield (9-7). Dan Marsh (4-1) tossed his fifth straight complete game, allowing four runs on eight hits and striking out six for Monroe (9-6).
*own tie-breakers over Monroe & JFK
SOUTH PLAINFIELD 5, MONROE 1: Winning pitcher A.J. Celentano allowed a run on five hits while striking out seven in a complete-game win. Stephen Petriello went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI for South Plainfield (9-7). Dan Marsh (4-1) tossed his fifth straight complete game, allowing four runs on eight hits and striking out six for Monroe (9-6).
| GMC STANDINGS - WHITE DIVISION | |||
| Place | Team | Win | Loss |
| 1 | Perth Amboy (13-3) | 10 | 2 |
| 2 | North Brunswick (10-6) | 8 | 3 |
| 3 | South Plainfield (9-7)* | 7 | 4 |
| T4 | Monroe (9-6) | 7 | 4 |
| T4 | JF Kennedy (8-6) | 7 | 4 |
| 6 | Woodbridge (7-8) | 5 | 7 |
| 7 | Colonia (3-13) | 2 | 10 |
| 8 | Carteret (1-16) | 0 | 12 |
Monday, April 30, 2012
Home News TOP 10
Written by Greg Tufaro
TOP 10
1. Sayreville 10-1
2. Middlesex 14-0
3. St. Joseph 10-6
4. South Brunswick 10-3
5. Perth Amboy 10-3
6. North Brunswick 10-4
7. South Plainfield 7-6
8. Edison 7-7
9. Monroe 8-4
10. Metuchen 8-3
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Middlesex extends undefeated streak, beats South Plainfield
Posted by Harry Frezza
NORTH BRUNSWICK — The 5-1 victory by the MIddlesex High School baseball team over South Plainfield Saturday was a testament to how complete the unbeaten Blue Jays have become.
Junior lefty Kris Fellin threw 66 pitches in a complete game to help Middlesex improve to 15-0.
Senior designated hitter Chris Petiya slugged a two-run homer and junior first baseman Dan Berardi hit a solo shot. Fellin (3-0) ended the speedy 1-hour and 46-minute game by picking off a pinch-runner at first, then getting South Plainfield standout senior center fielder Mark Tomei on a lineout to junior shortstop Tyler Heisch, who stabbed the ball trotting into shallow left to send everybody home.
The game was one of eight in the annual Autism Awareness Tournament at Community Park in North Brunswick.
Though the game wasn’t perfect for the Blue Jays – they did have some careless base running and South Plainfield (8-7) completed three double plays, two by senior second baseman Chris Kukuch – Fellin’s doggedness, fine fielding and the big bats made that facet of the game irrelevant.
Fellin said he wanted to pitch to contact. He struck out one, gave up five hits, walked two and got 14 outs in the air – junior center fielder Tommy Marcinczyk getting eight putouts.
“As long as we catch the ball he (Fellin) is always going to be good, in the last couple of years when he’s on that’s how his games have gone – 70 pitches, 80 pitches, he battled,’’ said Middlesex coach Mike O’Donnell.
Berardi’s homer in the second was certainly noteworthy. His line drive to center hit off Tomei’s glove and over the fence.
The Blue Jays scored four runs in the bottom of the third. Petiya had the big hit, a home run – his fourth in three years at the Community Park complex and second of the season here.
NORTH BRUNSWICK — The 5-1 victory by the MIddlesex High School baseball team over South Plainfield Saturday was a testament to how complete the unbeaten Blue Jays have become.
Junior lefty Kris Fellin threw 66 pitches in a complete game to help Middlesex improve to 15-0.
Senior designated hitter Chris Petiya slugged a two-run homer and junior first baseman Dan Berardi hit a solo shot. Fellin (3-0) ended the speedy 1-hour and 46-minute game by picking off a pinch-runner at first, then getting South Plainfield standout senior center fielder Mark Tomei on a lineout to junior shortstop Tyler Heisch, who stabbed the ball trotting into shallow left to send everybody home.
The game was one of eight in the annual Autism Awareness Tournament at Community Park in North Brunswick.
Though the game wasn’t perfect for the Blue Jays – they did have some careless base running and South Plainfield (8-7) completed three double plays, two by senior second baseman Chris Kukuch – Fellin’s doggedness, fine fielding and the big bats made that facet of the game irrelevant.
Fellin said he wanted to pitch to contact. He struck out one, gave up five hits, walked two and got 14 outs in the air – junior center fielder Tommy Marcinczyk getting eight putouts.
“As long as we catch the ball he (Fellin) is always going to be good, in the last couple of years when he’s on that’s how his games have gone – 70 pitches, 80 pitches, he battled,’’ said Middlesex coach Mike O’Donnell.
Berardi’s homer in the second was certainly noteworthy. His line drive to center hit off Tomei’s glove and over the fence.
The Blue Jays scored four runs in the bottom of the third. Petiya had the big hit, a home run – his fourth in three years at the Community Park complex and second of the season here.
GMC WHITE STANDINGS
| GMC STANDINGS - WHITE DIVISION | |||
| Place | Team | Win | Loss |
| 1 | Perth Amboy (12-3) | 9 | 2 |
| 2 | North Brunswick (9-4) | 8 | 3 |
| 3 | Monroe (9-4) | 7 | 3 |
| 4 | South Plainfield (8-6) | 6 | 4 |
| 5 | JF Kennedy (7-6) | 6 | 4 |
| 6 | Woodbridge (6-7) | 5 | 6 |
| 7 | Colonia (2-12) | 1 | 10 |
| 8 | Carteret (1-14) | 0 | 11 |
Friday, April 27, 2012
Game #14 vs St. Joseph (at Rutgers)
Staff Report
ST. JOSEPH 3, SOUTH PLAINFIELD 0: The St. Joseph High School baseball team scored three runs in the eighth inning Thursday to beat South Plainfield 3-0 at Rutgers University’s Bainton Field.
Anthony Texiera doubled in the first run and Brad Terpanick delivered a two-run single later in the inning. St. Joseph (10-6) had eight hits, with Texiera going 2-for-3 with a walk. South Plainfield (8-6) had just three hits against starter James Ziemba and winner Sean Rappleyea.
Stephen Petriello doubled to lead off the sixth and moved to third on a groundout to first, but a botched squeeze ended the threat. Senior righty Ryan Hughes went 71/3 innings for South, but took the loss.
ST. JOSEPH 3, SOUTH PLAINFIELD 0: The St. Joseph High School baseball team scored three runs in the eighth inning Thursday to beat South Plainfield 3-0 at Rutgers University’s Bainton Field.
Anthony Texiera doubled in the first run and Brad Terpanick delivered a two-run single later in the inning. St. Joseph (10-6) had eight hits, with Texiera going 2-for-3 with a walk. South Plainfield (8-6) had just three hits against starter James Ziemba and winner Sean Rappleyea.
Stephen Petriello doubled to lead off the sixth and moved to third on a groundout to first, but a botched squeeze ended the threat. Senior righty Ryan Hughes went 71/3 innings for South, but took the loss.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
SOUTH PLAINFIELD ON A ROLL
By John Haley/For The Star-Ledger
South Plainfield beat Kennedy in a recent home-and-home, 12-1 and 12-2, but neither game made the roundup in the paper. South Plainfield has won five straight and six of its last seven.
On Tuesday, in a 12-1 win, A.J. Celantano pitched a three-hitter with four strikeouts and no walks, while collecting two hits and two RBI. Stephen Petriello had a double, a homer and two RBI.
In Wednesday's 12-2 win, Patrick Boyle pitched a six-hitter with two K's and a walk. Sal Esposito had two hits.
As I make my rounds around the baseball circuit, I can't help but notice the amount of quality pitchers out there. Its seems as though every team has an ace (some have two) who can go out and shut down anyone on a given day.
Which gets me thinking about two things: 1) What a great GMC Tournament it's going to be and 2) I'm going to dred picking the pitchers come All County time.
Also looking to see such arms this season as Haydn Warren from East Brunswick, Adonis Hernandez from Kennedy, Jose Hernandez from Perth Amboy, Brandon Charles from Piscayaway, Mike Bernet from Bishop Ahr, Dan Kacsmar from Woodbridge, Steve Guarriello from St. Joe's, Tommy Marcinczyk from Middlesex, Steven Fortuna from Metuchen, A.J. Celantano from South Plainfield, Jordan Fetterman from Old Bridge and Scott Griffin from Sayreville, among others.
South Plainfield beat Kennedy in a recent home-and-home, 12-1 and 12-2, but neither game made the roundup in the paper. South Plainfield has won five straight and six of its last seven.
On Tuesday, in a 12-1 win, A.J. Celantano pitched a three-hitter with four strikeouts and no walks, while collecting two hits and two RBI. Stephen Petriello had a double, a homer and two RBI.
In Wednesday's 12-2 win, Patrick Boyle pitched a six-hitter with two K's and a walk. Sal Esposito had two hits.
As I make my rounds around the baseball circuit, I can't help but notice the amount of quality pitchers out there. Its seems as though every team has an ace (some have two) who can go out and shut down anyone on a given day.
Which gets me thinking about two things: 1) What a great GMC Tournament it's going to be and 2) I'm going to dred picking the pitchers come All County time.
Also looking to see such arms this season as Haydn Warren from East Brunswick, Adonis Hernandez from Kennedy, Jose Hernandez from Perth Amboy, Brandon Charles from Piscayaway, Mike Bernet from Bishop Ahr, Dan Kacsmar from Woodbridge, Steve Guarriello from St. Joe's, Tommy Marcinczyk from Middlesex, Steven Fortuna from Metuchen, A.J. Celantano from South Plainfield, Jordan Fetterman from Old Bridge and Scott Griffin from Sayreville, among others.
Game #13 vs JF Kennedy
Staff Report
SOUTH PLAINFIELD 12, J.F. KENNEDY (6 inn.): Junior shortstop Sal Esposito went 2-for-3 with an RBI single in the bottom of the sixth to give South Plainfield (8-5) its second straight mercy-rule win over the Mustangs (7-6). Junior righty Pat Boyle (1-1) pitched complete game to earn his first varsity win. He struck out two and allowed six hits and a walk.
SOUTH PLAINFIELD 12, J.F. KENNEDY (6 inn.): Junior shortstop Sal Esposito went 2-for-3 with an RBI single in the bottom of the sixth to give South Plainfield (8-5) its second straight mercy-rule win over the Mustangs (7-6). Junior righty Pat Boyle (1-1) pitched complete game to earn his first varsity win. He struck out two and allowed six hits and a walk.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Game #12 at JF Kennedy
Staff Report
SOUTH PLAINFIELD 12, J.F. KENNEDY 1 (6 inn.): Stephen Petriello went 2-for-4 with a double, homer and three RBI. Winning pitcher A.J. Celentano (2-for-3 with two RBI and a run) went the distance. He fanned four, scattered three hits and walked none. Taylor Born (2-for-3) had a run and an RBI.
The Tigers (7-5) won their fifth straight. They scored five unearned runs in the second to build a 7-1 lead. Eric Giordano had an RBI single for the Mustangs (7-5).
SOUTH PLAINFIELD 12, J.F. KENNEDY 1 (6 inn.): Stephen Petriello went 2-for-4 with a double, homer and three RBI. Winning pitcher A.J. Celentano (2-for-3 with two RBI and a run) went the distance. He fanned four, scattered three hits and walked none. Taylor Born (2-for-3) had a run and an RBI.
The Tigers (7-5) won their fifth straight. They scored five unearned runs in the second to build a 7-1 lead. Eric Giordano had an RBI single for the Mustangs (7-5).
| GMC STANDINGS - WHITE DIVISION | |||
| Place | Team | Win | Loss |
| T1 | Perth Amboy (10-3) | 7 | 2 |
| T1 | North Brunswick (8-4) | 7 | 2 |
| T3 | Monroe (7-4) | 6 | 3 |
| T3 | JF Kennedy (7-5) | 6 | 3 |
| T5 | South Plainfield (7-5) | 5 | 4 |
| T5 | Woodbridge (6-5) | 5 | 4 |
| T7 | Carteret (1-13) | 0 | 9 |
| T7 | Colonia (1-10) | 0 | 9 |
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Middlesex County Top 10
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| By Bob Behre and Star-Ledger Staff |
MIDDLESEX COUNTY TOP 10
1-Sayreville (9-0)
2-Middlesex (11-0)
3-South Brunswick (8-3)
4-Perth Amboy (8-3)
5-St. Joseph (Met.) 8-5
6-North Brunswick (8-3)
7-Monroe (6-4)
8-Iselin Kennedy (7-4)
9-South Plainfield (6-5)
10-Metuchen (7-3)
By John Haley/For The Star-Ledger
The GMC Autism Awareness Challenge will take place Saturday at Community Park in North Brunswick with eight games going on all day and night.
Eight members of the Middlesex County Top 10 will be in action in addition to two teams ranked in The Star-Ledger Top 20 , No. 17 Sayreville and No. 19 Middlesex.
The schedule for Saturday in North Brunswick -- 10 a.m.: Sayreville vs. North Brunswick, Carteret vs. Metuchen. 1 p.m.: South River vs. Dunellen, Perth Amboy vs. Edison. 4 p.m.: Middlesex vs. South Plainfield, Spotswood vs. Colonia. 7 p.m.: Woodbridge vs. East Brunswick, Monroe vs. South Brunswick.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Game #11 vs. Paramus
Tomei collects 100th hit in Tigers' victory
Staff Report
Senior center fielder Mark Tomei hit a lead-off single to right-center field in the bottom of the first inning to collect his 100th career hit for the South Plainfield High School baseball team, and the Tigers defeated Paramus 10-5 on Saturday.
Tomei went 2-for-4 and senior catcher Stephen Petriello added two RBI and two runs.
Quinn Cochrane went 2-for-3 with a double, two runs and two RBI for South Plainfield, which improved to 6-5. Paramus fell to 8-2
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Game #10 vs. Colonia
Staff Report
SOUTH PLAINFIELD 6, COLONIA 1: Ryan Hughes allowed one run, five hits, one walk, and struck out four in six innings of work for the Tigers. Stephen Petriello was 2-for-4 with a triple for South Plainfield (5-5). The triple was Petriello’s 100th career hit. Taylor Born had a double and a run scored en route to the victory. Joe Coutihno was 2-for-3 with a single and a double for Colonia (1-9).
| GMC STANDINGS - WHITE DIVISION | |||
| Place | Team | Win | Loss |
| 1 | North Brunswick | 7 | 1 |
| T2 | Perth Amboy | 6 | 2 |
| T2 | JF Kennedy | 6 | 2 |
| 4 | Monroe | 5 | 3 |
| T5 | South Plainfield | 4 | 4 |
| T5 | Woodbridge | 4 | 4 |
| T7 | Carteret | 0 | 8 |
| T7 | Colonia | 0 | 8 |
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Game #9 at Colonia
Posted by Harry Frezza
SOUTH PLAINFIELD 3, COLONIA 1: South Plainfield (4-5) took a 2-1 lead in the top of the seventh on an infield error. Winning pitcher A.J. Celantano plated an insurance run with a single. Joe Handville had an RBI for the Patriots (1-8), who have lost six games by a total of 11 runs.
SOUTH PLAINFIELD 3, COLONIA 1: South Plainfield (4-5) took a 2-1 lead in the top of the seventh on an infield error. Winning pitcher A.J. Celantano plated an insurance run with a single. Joe Handville had an RBI for the Patriots (1-8), who have lost six games by a total of 11 runs.
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