Game # 7 South Plainfield 2 Colonia 0

South Plainfield baseball rallies to edge Colonia 2-0

Greg Tufaro, @GregTufaro 8:25 p.m. EDT April 13, 2015

WOODBRIDGE – After his team twice left the bases loaded, stranded a total of 10 runners and had two more erased at the plate in the first six innings, South Plainfield High School baseball coach Anthony Guida didn't need to consult a dictionary to express his sentiment.
"Frustration is the word," Guida said. "I told you before the game we just don't have timely hits."
 Fortunately for Guida, his Tigers were playing Colonia, another Greater Middlesex Conference White Division team similarly struggling to come through in the clutch.
The Patriots entered the contest having fanned 40 times and scored just seven runs in their five previous games, four of which were decided by a total of five runs.

The offensive ineptitude led to a thrilling pitchers' duel that ended when Tommy Dunn, who led off the top of the seventh with a triple, scored on a wild pitch and Jean Sapini plated a paramount insurance run with a two-out RBI single as the Tigers notched a 2-0 victory.
"I have a tremendous amount of confidence in this team," said Guida, whose incumbent league tournament finalist Tigers (4-3) climbed over .500 for the first time this season.
"We just haven't hit our stride right now. Defensively we are doing great, but, yeah, the frustration is there when seven innings we get guys on base and all seven innings we can't push one across. We've got to wait for a wild pitch to score and then we finally get a big hit to get a little breathing room."

Winning pitcher Vincent Pellegrino was the beneficiary of some solid infield defense as he induced the Patriots into 12 groundball outs, a result that actually pleased Colonia head coach Vinny Esposito, whose team struck out just three times.

"We did a better job of cutting down on the strikeouts," said Esposito, whose team whiffed a season-high 11 times while stranding 10 runners in a loss to J.F. Kennedy less than 24 hours earlier. "We put the ball in play better today. They played a good defensive game."
Colonia squandered plenty of its own scoring chances, stranding a total of five runners, three in scoring position.

With runners on the corners and two away in the second following Tyler Kovalewich's double and an infield error, Rocco Ferrentino was erased at first base when he intentionally broke early out of a first-and-third situation with the hope that he could remain in a rundown long enough for Kovalewich to steal home on the play.

The Patriots wasted No. 9 batter Eric Nielson's one-out double in the ensuing frame and squandered leadoff hitter Mike Parry's one-out single in the sixth.
In the bottom of the seventh, Pellegrino worked out of a one-out jam with runners on first and second following an infield single and a walk to preserve the victory, South Plainfield's fourth in its last five outings.

Centerfielder Jack Gillis made a brilliant over-the-shoulder catch on Ferrentino's deep fly for the second out of that inning. Two innings prior, right fielder Sean Erhardt erased Joe Sigona at second after he tried to stretch a single into a double.

With such stellar play behind him, Pellegrino did not need to do more than pitch to contact.
"I'm very proud of his outing today," Guida said. "He set them up offspeed early and just located his fastball. I think they swung the bat well. They did exactly what they were supposed to do – put the ball on the ground and hope we make mistakes. Our one mistake (second-inning error) didn't hurt us.

"Vinnie was throwing a 0-0 game into the seventh inning like he had a four-run lead. He had a lot of confidence. Nothing was really rattling him. He didn't try to overthrow. He just set guys up and pitched to contact."

The Patriots, who have scored just one run in Growney's three starts, did not let him down defensively, either.

Junior shortstop Mike Wilson, who Esposito believes is a Division I prospect, made a big-league play, throwing LJ Scarpitto out at the plate on a fifth-inning groundball on which the middle infielders, who were playing halfway with none away, were instructed to get the out at first.

"We told him prior to (the play) that the middle infield is going one, but he sees the guy break and makes a nice read," Esposito said. "That's a great play."

The Tigers went on to load the bases in that same inning only to have Dunn erased at the plate on a force at home off Chris Graves' swinging bunt for the second out. Growney then whiffed Sapini to work out of the jam.

Sapini, whose sacrifice bunt attempt resulted in a double play earlier in the game, exacted a measure of revenge in the seventh. Following a two-out intentional walk to Graves, he delivered a big insurance run with a clutch single.

"He's a hard-luck loser right now," Esposito said of Growney. "He's got to pitch a perfect game and that's really hard when you are not scoring at all. He's just got to keep pitching his game and we will score some runs someday.
"You've got to believe."

Staff writer Greg Tufaro: gtufaro@mycentraljersey.com


http://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/sports/high-school/baseball/2015/04/13/south-plainfield-baseball-rallies-edge-colonia/25743237/

           

Game # 6 South Plainfield 7 Montgomery 6

Montgomery (6) at South Plainfield (7) - Baseball

By The Star Ledger
on April 11, 2015 6:53 PM

Wilfredo Rivera had a walk-off bases-loaded walk in the ninth inning to lead South Plainfield to a 7-6 win over Montgomery in South Plainfield.
Rivera also hit a three-run double in the bottom of the eighth inning to tie the game after Montgomery scored four runs in the top of the eighth. Chris Graves went 3-for-5 with an RBI, and picked up the win in two innings of relief. Jean Sapini pitched seven innings in which he gave up two runs on eight hits.
Gavin Sudano went 3-for-4 with two RBI for Montgomery.


http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/6998761460467781919/montgomery-6-at-south-plainfield-7-baseball/

Harry Frezza, @thefrez56 8:20 p.m. EDT April 11, 2015

South Plainfield 7, Montgomery 6 (9 innings): South Plainfield (3-3) trailed 6-2 as its eighth inning began, but it scored four times to tie it and won it with one more in the bottom of the ninth to keep Montgmery winless. The top four in the Tigers’ orders went 10-for-17 with six RBI and three runs scored. Tommy Dunn went 2-for-4 with three runs scored and solo homer. Chris Graves went 3-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored and Bryan Gillen went 3-for-5 with a run scored and Sean Erhardt was 2-for-3 with a run scored, RBI and double. Montgomery, 0-4, had scored just three runs in its first three games, but broke out. The Cougars had 14 hits -- three by Gavin Sudano who went 3-for-4 with two runs, two RBI and a double and Jesse Gerdes, Guy DiPersia and Matt Rubayo had two hits apiece. Rubayo also scored twice.

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/sports/high-school/2015/04/11/baseball-roundup-skyland-conference-schools-saturday-april-somerville-immaculata-gill-night/25652637/

Game # 5 North Brunswick 7 South Plainfield 1

North Brunswick (7) at South Plainfield (1) - Baseball

By The Star Ledger
on April 07, 2015 6:11 PM

Steven Bloyed went 3-for-4 with two RBI to lead North Brunswick to a 7-1 victory over South Plainfield in South Plainfield.
Nate Facey went 2-for-3, adding two RBI for North Brunswick while Justin Garcia also helped out, going 2-for-5 with two RBI. Eric Reardon pitched six innings, allowing one unearned run on nine hits while striking out seven and walking one.
L.J. Scarpitto and Chris Marrero each went 3-for-4 for South Plainfield.

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/7998771460599782210/north-brunswick-7-at-south-plainfield-1-baseball/

Harry Frezza, @thefrez56 9:26 p.m. EDT April 7, 2015

North Brunswick 7, South Plainfield 1: Behind an impressive pitching performance from Eric Reardon, the Raiders were able to pick up a win to even out the season series with South Plainfield. L.J. Scarpitto and Chris Marrero both went 3-for-4 during tough loss for the Tigers.

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/sports/high-school/2015/04/07/baseball-skyland-conference-schools-roundup-tuesday-parish-leads-immaculata-first-win-pingrys-friedman-throws-gem/25439767/

Game # 4 South Plainfield 5 North Brunswick 3

South Plainfield (5) at North Brunswick (3) - Baseball

By The Star Ledger
on April 06, 2015 10:49 PM

Chris Graves was 2-for-4 with two RBI for South Plainfield as it defeated North Brunswick, 5-3, in North Brunswick.
Bryan Gillen finished 2-for-3 with two RBI for South Plainfield, which scored two runs in the sixth inning to take a 5-4 lead. Vincent Pellegrino pitched a five-hitter and walked two batters while striking out nine.
Eric Reardon hit two home runs for North Brunswick and had two RBI

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/7998771460596782227/south-plainfield-5-at-north-brunswick-3-baseball/

 

Harry Frezza, @thefrez56 8:48 p.m. EDT April 6, 2015

South Plainfield 5, North Brunswick 3: Vincent Pellegrino pitched a complete game and South Plainfield (2-2) wiped out a 2-1 Norrth Brunswick lead with four runs in the last three innings to win its second straight.
\The right-handed Pellegrino (1-1) fanned nine, scattered five hits and walked two in the Greater Middlesex White Division game. He allowed just two earned runs – opposite-field solo homers to the lefty-swinging first baseman Eric Reardon. North Brunswick scored a run in the home seventh to pull within 5-3 and had the winning run at the plate. But Pellegrino got the final out with runners on first and second.
Bryan Gillen went 2-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored and Chris Graves went 2-for-4 with two RBI for South Plainfield. Gillen's RBI single and Graves' run-scoring fielder's choice groundout in the sixdth pushed the lead to 5-2. South Plainfield scored twice in the fifth to take a 3-2 lead. Xavier Wilson and LJ Scarpitto both singled for South Plainfield’s other hits.
The Raiders scored single runs in the second, third and seventh innings, but they hurt itself by making three errors that resuled in an unearned run.
South Plainfield opened the season with non-conference losses to Freehold Twonship and Somerville, but has bounced back by beating Middlesex and North Brunswick.


http://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/sports/high-school/2015/04/06/baseball-skyland-conference-schools-roundup-monday-bernards-gl-remain-unbeaten/25387163/



Game # 3 South Plainfield 9 Middlesex 7

Middlesex (7) at South Plainfield (9) - Baseball

By The Star Ledger
on April 04, 2015 8:37 PM

Chris Graves went 3-for-4 with a run and three RBI to lift South Plainfield to a 9-7 win over Middlesex in South Plainfield.
Jack Gillis and Tommy Dunn went 1-for-2 and each had an RBI. Jake Alba threw 5 2/3 innings to earn the win for South Plainfield.
Matt Carolvillano went 4-for-4 and had two RBI and Mike Salerno went 1-for-3 and added an RBI for Middlesex.

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/7998774460586782156/middlesex-7-at-south-plainfield-9-baseball/

 

 

Harry Frezza, @thefrez56 6:10 p.m. EDT April 4, 2015

 



South Plainfield 9, Middlesex 7: Chris Graves was 3-for-4 with three three RBI, three doubles and a run scored to help South Plainfield (1-2) gain win No. 1. Bryan Gillen was 3-for-4 with two runs scored. L.J. Scarpitto went 2-for-4 with an RBI and run scored and Nick Polizzano had two hits and an RBI for the Tigers.Jake Alba pitched five innings for the win. Matt Carovillano went 4-for-4 with a run scored and two RBI and Joe DiNizio went 3-for-3 with a run scored for Middlesex (0-3).

 

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/sports/high-school/2015/04/04/baseball-skyland-conference-schools-roundup-saturday-april-voorhees-ends-losing-streak-win-phillipsburg/25304865/

 

Game # 2 Somerville 9 South Plainfield 4

Somerville (9) at South Plainfield (4) - Baseball

By The Star Ledger
on April 02, 2015 9:11 PM

Austin Markowski homered and drove in four runs to help Somerville defeat South Plainfield, 9-4, in South Plainfield.
Kellen Hardy went 3-for-4 and Tommy Scharnikow scored three runs for Somerville.
Bryan Gillen and Jack Gillis combined for four of South Plainfield's seven hits.

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/4998758460572782265/somerville-9-at-south-plainfield-4-baseball/

 

 

Harry Frezza, @thefrez56 11:06 p.m. EDT April 2, 2015

 

 

Somerville 9, South Plainfield 4: Austin Markowski went 2-for-3 with four RBI, a homer and two runs scored for Somerville (2-0). Kellen Hardy went 2-for-4 with a run scored and a double.Alex Antonelli pitched five innings to earn the win. He also had a hit as did six of his teammates. Bryan Gillen and Jake Gillis had two hits and and a run scored for South Plainfield (0-2).

 

 

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/sports/high-school/2015/04/02/baseball-skyland-conference-schools-roundup-thursday-gills-miller-throws-hitter-manville-rallies-somerville-goes/70869942/

 



Game # 1 Freehold Township 6 South Plainfield 3

Freehold Township (6) at South Plainfield (3) - Baseball

By The Star Ledger
on April 01, 2015 10:33 PM

Mike Pirrotta went 2-for-3 with two RBI when Freehold Township defeated South Plainfield, 6-3, in South Plainfield.
Joe Silvestrone went 2-for-2 with two runs for Freehold Township, which led 4-2 after three innings. Pirrotta allowed just two hits and two earned runs over six innings, striking out two and walking three.
Tommy Dunn went 2-for-3 with two RBI for South Plainfield.

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/4998747460431781947/freehold-township-6-at-south-plainfield-3-baseball/

Greg Tufaro, @GregTufaro 10:37 p.m. EDT April 1, 2015

Freehold Township 6, South Plainfield 3:

Tommy Dunn went 2-for-3 with two RBI for the Tigers, while teammates LJ Scarpitto and Xavier Wilson each had a hit and a plated a run.
Losing pitcher Vincent Pellgerino scattered six hits and walked two over four and a third innings. He allowed four runs, three of which were earned.
South Plainfield scored single runs in the first, second and seventh innings.

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/sports/high-school/baseball/2015/04/01/gmc-baseball-roundup-april/70801376/

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)