Baseball: South Plainfield leads a balanced GMC White Division

 

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 Joe Zedalis | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on March 31, 2015 4:29 PM, updated March 31, 2015 4:44 PM

 

 

The White Division may be the most balanced in the Greater Middlesex Conference.

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/
 



In Lieu of Baseball.....a snowball fight has been scheduled instead.

Meet the inspiring 7-year-old South Plainfield baseball player with one arm

By Jim Dolan

Friday, July 11, 2014

SOUTH PLAINFIELD (WABC) --

Like kids all over America, Matthew Hannon plays baseball with his brothers in the front yard. Sometimes he is serious, and other times he is goofy. However, just being out there - being anywhere for Matthew is a victory.

Matthew was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma as an infant. The cancer is in his lungs, liver and left arm.

"His chance of survival was 30%," says Matthew's Dad, Chris.

Matthew survived after aggressive chemotherapy and an operation to remove his left arm near the elbow. Now, Matthew has some stuff to do - like swimming and baseball.

This year, Matthew pitched on a local baseball team, perfecting the exchange of his mitt from his left arm to his right, just like former Yankees pitcher Jim Abbott did. Matthew admires Abbott, but his real hero is Bethany Hamilton, a surfer who had her arm bitten off by a shark.

Hamilton was not slowed down, and neither has Matthew.

"Stay strong and believe," he says. 

 

http://7online.com/177780/

 

 

 

 

Matthew Hannon lost his arm to cancer as a toddler. "I don't want to be treated any different," he said. "No one does."

Mary Ann Bourbeau, Correspondent 3:58 p.m. EDT July 10, 2014

SOUTH PLAINFIELD – Matthew Hannon doesn't let anyone tell him he can't do something just because he has one arm. That includes playing on the Marlins with the South Plainfield Junior Baseball Club.
The 7-year-old has the support of his family, the coaches and his teammates, which was evident when he pitched for the first time recently.
"He did really well," said coach Ray Downey. "It's amazing to watch him."
In the first inning he pitched, Matthew had two strikeouts and one walk, and no runs scored.
Of course his parents, Keri and Chris Hannon, worry about their son, afraid that he might get hit with the ball. Hannon keeps his mitt under his partial left arm when he pitches, then quickly puts it on his right hand after he throws the ball.
"You can see he doesn't want his disability to stop him from doing anything," SPJBC board member Joe Scrudato said.

Matthew Hannon pitches during a game this season.(Photo: Mary Ann Bourbeau/For the Courier News )

Keri Hannon said her son was born with cancer. She found a lump in his arm when he was six weeks old. The doctor thought it was a deformed bone, but by five months, it had grown quite large.

Matthew started undergoing tests and at eight months he was diagnosed with metastatic Ewing's sarcoma, a rare cancer that primarily affects children. The cancer had spread to one lung and a good part of his liver.
"Matthew is a miracle," his mother said. "They didn't expect him to live the first year."
His left arm was amputated one-inch above the elbow a week before his first birthday.
"The doctors told us because of his age, he would probably never realize the difference," she said.
Matthew, who is in second grade at Riley School, will tell you the same thing.
"I don't want to be treated any different," he said. "No one does."
He grew up playing baseball in the yard with his brothers, 8-year-old Justin and 11-year-old Nicholas. He also has a stepsister, Laura, who is 21.

Mattew Hannon at bat during a game this season.(Photo: Mary Ann Bourbeau/For the Courier News )

"Matthew will try anything," Hannon said. "He tries to keep up with what Justin does. He played rec basketball this year and he held his own. He swims, dives and plays Wii and Xbox just as good as everybody else. He even climbed the rope in school. He tried riding a bike, but sadly he can't do it. It's very frustrating for him."

In the SPJBC, Matthew has played every position except catcher, which is logistically too difficult for him. But this year, he had the league's very first hit of the season, and the umpire, Tyler Berardi, gave him the game ball.
"The umpire was very impressed," said Scrudato. "He didn't give him the ball because he had one arm. He did it because Matthew had a great game."
Hannon's family sees him as an inspiration to others and they are right beside him in anything he tries to do.
"Matthew is just a miracle," said his brother Justin. "He's a great baseball player for a kid with only one arm. All of us Marlins are lucky to have him on the team."


http://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/life/2014/07/10/meet-inspiring-year-old-baseball-player-one-arm/12490295/

Brandon Downes Signs Pro Contract with Kansas City Royals

NEWSPLEX.COM

 

 

Updated: Fri 6:48 PM, Jun 27, 2014  By: Nathan Sulham

 

Brandon Downes made it official Friday, signing a rookie contract with the Kansas City Royals.
Downes tweeted a picture of him signing his first contract this afternoon.
Jim Callis of Baseball America also tweeted that Downes contract is worth $150,000.
Kansas City selected Downes in the 7th round of last month's draft, No. 213 overall.
He finished his junior season at Virginia second on the team with seven home runs and added 40 RBIs and nine stolen bases for the National Finalists



http://www.newsplex.com/sports/headlines/Downes-Signs-Pro-Contract-with-Kansas-City-Royals-264978491.html

Middlesex County baseball season in review, 2014

By Connor Hughes/For The Star-Ledger
on June 22, 2014 1:20 a.m.

Kyle Moroney was the best pitcher in the GMC this year (Saed Hindash/The Star-Ledger)

 

Pitcher of the year: Entering the 2014 season, South Plainfield's Kyle Moroney was a little known talent that had been promoted to the top his team's rotation. The long time reliever was now an ace, and few knew what to expect.
Would Moroney be below average? Average? Great? Turns out, he was near unhittable.
The Rowan commit finished 2014 with a 7-1 record and 0.42 ERA. Through the entire season, he allowed just three earned runs in 50 1/3 innings pitched.

He said what?!: South Plainfield's Aidan McDermott was no stranger to boasts, brags and claims throughout the 2014 season. Versus South Brunswick in the GMC quarterfinals, he made sure his walk matched his talk. With South Plainfield trailing by one, McDermott turned to reporters and said 'Watch this,' before stepping to the plate.
The senior proceeded to hit an RBI single to tie the game.

Game of the year: In what will go down as one of the best pitching matchups in GMCT history, Brandon Bielak and Kyle Moroney (SP) went toe-to-toe for seven innings. St. Joseph escaped with a 1-0 victory.
Each pitcher went the distance. Moroney allowed four hits, one earned run and one walk while striking out two. Bielak pitched a one-hitter, striking out nine and walking one.

ALL-MIDDLESEX COUNTY

FIRST TEAM

Justin Marks, South Plainfield, 6-0, 175, Sr.
Paired with fellow First Teamer Aidan McDermott, Marks batted cleanup and finished the season with a .407 batting average. The catcher drove in 22 runs and hit six doubles, one triple and two home runs.
Aidan McDermott, South Plainfield, 6-2, 195, Sr.
Not many pitchers enjoyed facing the St. John’s-bound McDermott, who batted .441 with 23 runs, 21 RBI and eight extra-base hits. The center fielder also possessed a cannon for an arm and did not commit an error.
Kyle Moroney, South Plainfield, 6-4, 195, Sr.
After working in the bullpen last year, he established himself as one of the county's better starters. Moroney, who will play football at Rowan, finished 7-1 with a 0.42 ERA and allowed three earned runs in 50 1/3 innings.

ALL-MIDDLESEX COUNTY
SECOND TEAM

Rob Eggert, South Plainfield

ALL-STATE
THIRD TEAM

Kyle Moroney, South Plainfield

ALL-GROUP 3
FIRST TEAM

Kyle Moroney, South Plainfield

ALL-GROUP 3
SECOND TEAM

Aidan McDermott, South Plainfeld


CHECK OUT ALL OF THE MIDDLESEX BASEBALL ACTION
Connor Hughes: chughes@njschoolsports.com Twitter:@Connor_J_Hughes


http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/1628908380018020205/baseball-middlesex-county-2014-year-in-review/

Aidan McDermott and Kyle Moroney named to NJSBCA Senior All-Star Game

The New Jersey Scholastic Baseball Coaches Association will host its annual Senior All-Star Games on Thursday at 7 p.m. at Diamond Nation in Flemington.  Aidan McDermott and Kyle Moroney will represent South Plainfield

 

 



http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/235810709848223813/baseball-central-roster-for-njbca-senior-all-star-game/

GMC All-Star game rosters and schedule announced

The GMC All-Star game rosters have been assembled and the game scheduled. On Monday, June 9 at the North Brunswick Community Park, some of the best in Middlesex County will gather for a nine-inning game.
The All-Star underclassman game will be played at 6pm. The seniors will play at 7pm. Underclassman will use a wood bat.

South Plainfield players named:

Seniors - Justin Marks, Aiden McDermott, Rob Eggert, and Kyle Moroney.

Underclassmen - Kyle Dickerson, Bryan Gillen, Nick Polizzano,  Vincent Pellegrino, and Jake Alba.

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/5860351876649188877/middlesex-baseball-all-star-game-rosters-and-schedule-announced/

Kansas City Royals Draft Brandon Downes

The Kansas City Royals drafted 2011 South Plainfield Alumni Brandon Downes in the 2014 Major league draft today.  Downes, currently playing for the University of Virginia, was selected in the 7th round and number 213 overall.  Downes had previously been selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 2011 draft but opted to attend UVA instead.

2014 SOUTH PLAINFIELD TIGERS (20-8)

GAME #28 Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament, Final Round St. Joseph's 1, South Plainfield 0

By Star-Ledger
on May 28, 2014 9:22 p.m.

Mark Bobko stood at third base and looked across the infield, seeing the bases full of his teammates.
In the bottom of the seventh inning with the bases loaded, one out and St. Joseph locked in a scoreless tie with South Plainfield, Bobko represented the winning run. He just needed to get home, and Reid Miranda was his ticket to do so.
“He has the best eye on the team,” Bobko said.
Miranda watched as a fastball sailed high and out of the strike zone for a five-pitch walk, bringing Bobko home and giving St. Joseph a walk-off 1-0 victory over South Plainfield in the championship game of the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament last night at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater.
“This is just a crazy amount of anxiety right now,” Bobko said. “Everything is going through me. It’s a surreal feeling.”
Entering the seventh inning, neither team had been able to register any success offensively, as St. Joseph ace Brandon Bielak pitched a one-hitter to out-duel South Plainfield’s Kyle Moroney, who allowed just four hits.
Both starters turned in a complete game. Bielak finished with nine strikeouts and one walk. Moroney struck out two and walked one.
“I just wanted to get up there in the seventh and start something,” Bobko said. “I just wanted to put the ball in play.”
Bobko led off the seventh with a line-drive single into right field, advanced to second when Bielak singled up the middle and went to third when J.T. Shorter was hit by a pitch.
That sent Miranda to the plate and he managed to bring home Bobko with the only run.
“I waited my entire life for this,” Bobko said. “It’s the greatest feeling in the world.”

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/-8678341191030165684/south-plainfield-0-at-st-joseph-met-1-greater-middlesex-conference-tournament-final-round-baseball/

 

St. Joseph walks off with GMC baseball title

 

Greg Tufaro, @GregTufaro

10:24 p.m. EDT May 28, 2014

 

BRIDGEWATER – As soon as the pitch left Kyle Moroney’s right hand, the South Plainfield senior knew his high school career and his team’s season were over.
Moroney issued a bases-loaded walk to Reid Miranda with one away in the bottom of the seventh as St. Joseph snapped a scoreless deadlock for a dramatic 1-0 victory over the Tigers in Wednesday’s Greater Middlesex Conference Baseball Tournament final before a crowd of more than 1,000 at TD Bank Ballpark.
The championship was the first for the Falcons (21-9) since 2009 and their fifth in the last decade.
Senior right-hander Brandon Bielak, headed to the University of Notre Dame on a full baseball scholarship, was near flawless in outdueling Moroney (7-1), who entered the game having allowed just two earned runs in 44 innings.
Bielak struck out nine, walked one and allowed one hit (a second-inning single to Nick Polizzano) on a brilliant 83-pitch effort. He retired the last 15 batters after working out of a second-and-third jam with none away in the third inning.
“That’s why he’s our guy,” St. Joseph coach Steve Bucchignano said of Bielak, who improved his record to 8-1 and lowered his ERA to 0.60.
“I bet there were a lot of people here who thought he was going to break (in the third inning). I’ve watched that movie 100 times and 100 times I’ve watched him escape and not give up anything. He bended and he didn’t break. Notre Dame is getting a real good one. We are going to miss the heck out of that kid because of his competitiveness and what he does for us out on the field.”
After Mark Bobko (2-for-3) led off the seventh with his team-leading 42^nd hit of the season, Bielak followed with a single of his own.
“Before the inning started I said (to Bobko), ‘You get on, I’ll get on,’ and that’s how it went,” Bielak said. “As soon as that happened, I knew we were going to win that game.”
Pat Geiger struck out when he failed to sacrifice with two strikes, sending JT Shorter to the plate with one away. Moroney hit Shorter in the left arm with his initial offering to load the bases. The South Plainfield coaching staff protested that Shorter, who wears a protective guard over his elbow and forearm, made no effort to move out of the way of the pitch.
Moroney, whose pinpoint accuracy resulted in just seven walks through 51 innings this season, uncharacteristically worked the count to 3-0 to Miranda (it marked only the second time that Moroney threw more than two balls to any batter in the entire game). Miranda took a called strike before Moroney’s next fastball was high and outside, forcing Bobko home with the game’s only run as one of the best pitchers’ duels in GMCT history came to an unfitting end.
“Going down 3-0 (in the count) I was shaken,” Moroney said. “I knew that my season was coming to its end. I looked at my teammates and they had all the trust in the world in me. That wasn’t an issue. I think I might have been trying a little too hard and it (the 3-1 pitch) just got away from me. As soon as I let it go, I just started walking away. I knew it wasn’t going to end well and I didn’t want to look at that.”
As Miranda casually walked to first base after tossing his bat toward the St. Joseph dugout, Bobko sprinted home to be mobbed by teammates after touching the plate. Moroney immediately walked off the back of the mound, removed his cap and knelt to the ground as the raucous celebration behind him ensued.
“To be honest,” Miranda said of his final at-bat, “I was nervous but I knew there were three runners on base. It was a team effort from everybody. I wouldn’t have done it (delivered the game-winning RBI) without Bielak’s pitching.”
Miranda was robbed of an extra-base hit in his previous at-bat by right fielder Nick Polizzano’s spectacular diving catch. Miranda became St. Joseph’s starting outfielder after teammate Brandon Ciambruschini was felled by an injury.
“It came down to the last pitch and I had faith in Reid,” Bielak said. “He didn’t start in the beginning of the year but when (Ciambruschini) went down, he took a spot and did really well this year. I’m proud of him.”
Until the seventh inning, St. Joseph did not advance a runner past first base as Moroney took a two-hitter into the final frame.
Catcher Justin Marks erased Bobko on an attempted steal of second following an infield single to end the first, and Dan Iannaccone was doubled off first after singling to lead off the sixth when Nick Johnson lined back to Moroney on an attempted sacrifice.
South Plainfield’s only chance to score came in the third. Chris Graves fouled off two two-strike offerings to work the count full and earn an eight-pitch walk. Mike Polizzano reached on an infield error when freshman second baseman Justin Willis threw the ball away attempting to force Graves at second on a hard-hit grounder. With runners on second and third, L.J. Scarpitto was retired on a comebacker. Bielak fanned leadoff batter Kyle Dickerson on three pitches, the last a nasty curveball. Willis redeemed himself, snaring a line drive off the bat of Bryan Gillen to end the inning.
“I’ve been in plenty of those spots,” Bielak said of the third-inning jam. “I just went out there and bulldogged it. I did my best out there for the guys.”
Moroney did his best as well, but in the end, the South Plainfield ace, who entered the seventh having thrown just 59 pitches, said “the pressure” just snowballed after he allowed those back-to-back singles.
“It was the one time he really wasn’t locating (pitches the entire game),” South Plainfield coach Anthony Guida said. “Maybe the pressure of the game got to him for the first time all year.
“It definitely wasn’t a fitting way to lose on a bases-loaded walk as well as he pitched.”

 

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/sports/high-school/baseball/2014/05/28/st-joseph-walks-gmc-baseball-title/9702263/

 





Middlesex baseball: GMCT Championship postponed

By Connor Hughes/For The Star-Ledger
on May 27, 2014 3:31 p.m.

In a season that began with cancellations and postponements throughout the first two weeks, it seems only fitting the end of the season follows the same path.
The Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament championship between South Plainfield and St. Joseph (Met.) has been postponed. Rain, thunder and lightning are expected to hit Middlesex County beginning at 6:30 P.M.
The championship will now be played tomorrow (Wednesday, May 28) at 7pm at TD Bank Ballpark, home of the Somerset Patriots. Weather.com has forecasted a "few showers" between 7pm and 10pm. The percentage chance of rain begins at 30 percent at 7pm and decreases to 10 percent by 10pm.
If the field is deemed unplayable on Wednesday, the game could potentially be moved to Thursday. The Somerset Patriots are in the midst of a six-game road trip and do not return home until June 2.
Stay tuned to NJ.com for the latest.

CHECK OUT ALL OF THE MIDDLESEX BASEBALL ACTION
Connor Hughes: chughes@njschoolsports.com Twitter:@Connor_J_Hughes

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/-814038674047638979/middlesex-baseball-gmct-championship-postponed/

Middlesex baseball: GMC Tournament championship- What to watch for

By Connor Hughes/For The Star-Ledger
on May 27, 2014 7:30 a.m.

Well, it's all come down to this.
After beginning the tournament with 31 teams all hoping for a shot at a championship, the GMCT has just two remaining: South Plainfield and St. Joseph (Met.). The two will battle it out at TD Bank Ballpark to see whom is crowned GMC Champion.
Will it be St. Joseph's first title in Steve Bucchignano's tenure as head coach, or will South Plainfield win its first tournament championship in over 30 years?
While the champion will be crowned tonight, let's set the stage for what is sure to be one of the best GMC games of the year.
WHO?
South Plainfield (6) vs St. Joseph (Met.) (4)
WHERE?
TD Bank Ballpark, home of the Somerset Patriots.
WHEN?
7:30 pm
THE PITCHERS
St. Joseph (Met.) will be throwing Notre Dame-bound Brandon Bielak, who recently was voted "Player of the Year" by the GMC coaches. This season, Bielak has struck out a county-high 76 batters.
South Plainfield will counter with its own ace, Kyle Moroney. This season, Moroney has been one of the county's best pitchers, without garnering much attention. The Rowan-commit has allowed just two earned runs in 44 innings pitched.
THE HITTERS?
It's hard to glance over South Plainfield's lineup and not see Aidan McDermott's name jump off the paper. The senior hits for a high average, power and is a huge threat on the base paths. Batting in the three hole, McDermott is helped by clean-up hitter Justin Marks. The catcher is just as dangerous as McDermott and doesn't allow pitchers to pitch around him.
St. Joseph is capable of recording hits 1-9 in the lineup, but Mark Bobko is the highlight of it. The senior is batting .411 this year with 18 runs, 10 RBI, three doubles and a triple. Bobko has recorded 30 hits.
THE STORYLINE:
St. Joseph (Met.) coach Steve Bucchignano played his high school ball at South Plainfield and said following his team's victory over Spotswood it was "fitting" he'd have to defeated them in order to capture his first GMCT title.
WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN?
For South Plainfield it's simple, jump on top of Brandon Bielak early. The senior is very, very savvy and only gets stronger as the game goes on. If the team wants to score runs, those opportunities are going to come early one. Once Bielak settles in... good luck.
St. Joseph (Met.) needs to find a way to do something no one really has found a way to do this year: hit Kyle Moroney. Having allowed only two earned runs, the South Plainfield ace is in strong consideration for Pitcher of the Year honors at the end of the season.

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/5505194816230803902/middlesex-baseball-gmc-tournament-championship-what-to-watch-for-fan-vote/

GAME #27 South Plainfield 7, Plainfield 2

By Star-Ledger
on May 24, 2014 6:48 p.m.

Rob Eggert had two doubles, two RBI and two runs to lead South Plainfield to its 20th victory of the season, a 10-4 triumph over Plainfield in South Plainfield.
Nick Pollizano and Kyle Dickerson had two hits apiece for South Plainfield. Victor Infante had two doubles with a run and a RBI to pace Plainfield.

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/8768394882656385945/plainfield-2-at-south-plainfield-7-baseball/

Brandon Bielak, Kyle Moroney honored with coaches' awards

Bielak (left) was voted Player of the Year and Moroney (right) Pitcher of the Year

(Photos from The Ledger archives)

By Connor Hughes/For The Star-Ledger
on May 23, 2014 6:36 p.m.

Coaches throughout the Greater Middlesex Conference gathered at Monroe High School on May 21 for the annual "GMC All Division, All County Meeting." The meeting selects the coaches' picks for the All Division and All County teams, along with their choice for "Pitcher of the Year" and "Player of the Year."
After tallying the votes, the GMC coaches voted South Plainfield's Kyle Moroney as Pitcher of the Year, and St. Joseph (Met.)'s Brandon Bielak as Player of the Year.
Please note, these votes have no impact on The Star-Ledger Honors released May 22.
This season, Brandon Bielak has been a force in nearly every facet of the game. The Notre Dame-bound senior is 7-1 on the mound and has struck out a county-high 76 players. In the batters box, Bielak is batting .400 with 19 RBI, seven doubles, two triples and two home runs.
"He's been a big part of our success in the three years since I've been here," St. Joe's coach Steve Bucchignano said. "He's a big contributor for us on the mound, in the field and at the plate. He's one of the guys we can credit with why we've been so successful."
Despite being known primarily as his school's quarterback, Kyle Moroney has thrust himself into the discussion as a top pitcher as well. The Rowan commit is 7-0 on the mound and has surrendered only two earned runs.
"It's always easy to win ball games when the other team doesn't score," South Plainfield coach Anthony Guida said. "He's been able to do that week in, and week out. He lets some guys get on base, but he finds a way to get out of the inning. We like when he's on the mound."
Moroney and Bielak will face each other in the GMC Tournament Championship on May 27 at TD Bank Ball Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:30pm.
The following were who the coaches selected for the "All County" team.

PITCHERS
Victor Dudka, East Brunswick
Zach Attianese, Old Bridge
Kyle Moroney, South Plainfield

CATCHER
Justin Marks, South Plainfield

FIRST BASE
Cody Burnham, East Brunswick

INFIELD
Brandon Bielak, St. Joe's
Mark Bobko, St. Joe's
Nick Logatto, Spotswood

OUTFIELD
Aidan McDermott, South Plainfield
Chris Hernandez, Monroe
Brandon Abdul, Old Bridge

AT LARGE
Ty Robinson, South Brunswick
Rob Eggert, South Plainfield
T.J. Polito, Edison
Nick Lavecchia, Old Bridge
Jeremy Corrente, Spotswood
Anthony Keri, Middlesex

COACH OF THE YEAR
Mike O'Donnell, Middlesex

SPORTSMANSHIP
Highland Park

CHECK OUT ALL OF THE MIDDLESEX BASEBALL ACTION
Connor Hughes: chughes@njschoolsports.com Twitter:@Connor_J_Hughes

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/-214382274234803834/middlesex-baseball-brandon-bielak-kyle-moroney-honored-with-coaches-awards/

St. Joe's and South Plainfield will meet in the GMCT Championship

By Connor Hughes/For The Star-Ledger
on May 23, 2014 10:46 a.m.

The date is now locked in stone, St. Joseph (Met.) and South Plainfield will meet in the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament championship Tuesday, May 27 at 7:30 P.M. at TD Bank Ballpark
With the NJSIAA state tournament in full swing and running throughout the conclusion of the GMCT, the date of the championship was put into question. If South Plainfield or St. Joseph (Met.) advanced to the third round of the state playoffs, the GMCT championship would be pushed back.
In the first round of the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3 playoffs, Summit defeated South Plainfield, 2-0. Last night, St. Joe's fell to Paul VI, 14-0, in the Non-Public South A bracket, thus eliminating such a scenario.
The GMCT championship will likely feature one of the better pitching match ups within the county. Rowan-commit Kyle Moroney (7-0) will take the mound for South Plainfield and St. Joe's will counter with Notre Dame-bound Brandon Bielak (7-1).
Moroney has struck out 46 batters and allowed only two earned runs in 44 innings pitched. Bielak has struck out a county-high 76 batters and allowed six earned in 51 2/3 innings pitched.
At the GMC end-of-year coaches' meeting last week, Bielak was named the coaches choice "Player of the Year" while Moroney its "Pitcher of the Year."

CHECK OUT ALL OF THE MIDDLESEX BASEBALL ACTION
Connor Hughes: chughes@njschoolsports.com Twitter:@Connor_J_Hughes

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/8564400285332391042/middlesex-baseball-gmc-tournament-championship-confirmed/

GAME #25 South Plainfield 6, Edison 4

By Star-Ledger
on May 20, 2014 8:44 p.m.

Justin Marks went 2-for-3 with three RBI as South Plainfield defeated Edison, 6-4, in South Plainfield.
Nick Polizzano earned the win on the mound pitching one inning. He allowed two hits, one earned run with no walks. Bryan Gillen went 1-for-4 with two runs and Rob Eggert went 4-for-4 with a run and double.

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/-4674580985867269177/edison-4-at-south-plainfield-6-baseball/

 

South Plainfield 6, Edison 4: Rob Eggert was 4-for-4 with a run scored and double and Justin Marks went 2-for-3 with three RBI and Chris Graves was 2-for-3 with a run scored and two RBI for South Plainfield (18-7). Anthony Hernandez went 2-for-3 with two runs scored and two doubles for Edison (10-16). Andrew Stivers was 2-for-4 with an RBI.

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/sports/high-school/baseball/2014/05/20/roundup-baseball-games-tuesday-may/2292418/

GAME #24 Summit 2, South Plainfield 0

By Star-Ledger
on May 19, 2014 8:44 p.m.

Sean Guida struck out 6 in 6 1/3 innings as Summit defeated South Plainfield, 2-0, in the first round of the Central Jersey, Group 3 tournament in South Plainfield.
Guida allowed two hits and walked five while going 3-for-4. Kyle Brown went 2-for-4 with a run. South Plainfield's Justin Marks went 1-for-3.

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/-3674564985724268850/summit-2-at-south-plainfield-0-njsiaa-tournament-first-round-north-jersey-section-2-group-3-baseball/