Anthony Guida of South Plainfield is the 2015 NJ.com Baseball Coach of the Year

The South Plainfield fans clearly approve of Coach Guida too - that's him in the cutout one fan has at the Group 3 semifinal vs. Mount Olive on June 3.

By James Kratch | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on June 12, 2015 9:57 AM, updated June 12, 2015 12:41 PM

SOUTH PLAINFIELD — When you win a state championship, that really is not the end of the story. There are championship rings to be ordered, commemorative gear to be made, banquets to organize.

But hey, South Plainfield coach Anthony Guida is not complaining. 
"I'm enjoying it by being very busy with designing t-shirts and our ring, we have our dinner [Friday] night," Guida said. "This is a good busy you want to be."

Guida is NJ.com's State Coach of the Year after guiding his Tigers to a 24-8 record, the Group 3 crown, the first in school history, and a No. 5 finish in The NJ.com Top 20 thanks to a remarkable stretch run. 

"The kids had all the confidence in the world, no matter who was on the mound, who we were playing, where we were going," Guida said. "The bigger the game, the more they were up for it. They just went out and played their game, and that's all they worried about."
The Tigers have quietly been one of the state's most successful programs in recent seasons. Playing one of the state's toughest schedules on an annual basis, South Plainfield had won 20 or more games three times in the previous four seasons against entering this spring, with the only non-20 win finish being a 19-win season in 2012.

But South Plainfield had been a bit snakebitten in tournament play during that time, however. The Tigers had made two Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament final appearances, a North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3 final appearance, a sectional semifinal appearance and a GMC semifinal appearance, but failed to come away with hardware each time. 

But this spring will go down as the breakthrough.

"We had been getting there," Guida said, "but we were able to finally get over the hump."
And they got over the hump in spectacular fashion. First, South Plainfield knocked off No. 10 Roxbury on the road in the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3 semifinals. The Tigers then made the trek to No. 11 and three-time reigning sectional champion Cranford and rallied in the seventh inning before stunning the Cougars in extra innings at Memorial Field.

After beating Cranford on its home field in the state tournament - an achievement that does not happen much - and finally winning a sectional title, South Plainfield could have easily been satisfied. But the Tigers did not let up and kept the run going, knocking off returning Group 3 finalist Mount Olive in the state semifinals before upending No. 7 Northern Burlington in the state final. 

"Not these kids," Guida said. "They were happy, but I told them the bigger picture, the bigger goal is two more games. They enjoyed it, and then they came right out."

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/2392542091621689405/anthony-guida-of-south-plainfield-is-the-2015-njcom-baseball-coach-of-the-year/

Who is No. 1?: The final NJ.com baseball Top 20 for 2015

By James Kratch | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on June 09, 2015 8:57 AM

WOODBRIDGE — Make that six championships now.

NJ.com/Star Ledger Final Baseball Top 20

1. CBA (27-5)
2. Don Bosco Prep (29-1)
3. Bishop Eustace (24-6)
4. Gloucester C. (26-5)
5. South Plainfield (24-8)
6. St. Peter's Prep (26-3)
7. Seton Hall Prep (27-2)
8. Milburn (26-6)
9. No. Burlington (27-5)
10. Bergen Catholic (24-7)
11. St. Joe (Mont.) (22-9)
12. Eastern (25-6)
13. Williamstown (21-6-1)
14. Jackson Memorial (22-7)
15. Cranford (21-5)
16. Gov. Livingston (28-6)
17. Roxbury (22-8-1)
18. Mainland (23-6)
19. Delbarton (21-8-1)
20. Notre Dame (21-3)

Thanks to a remarkable stretch run, capped with a dominating victory over previously-unbeaten and top-ranked Don Bosco Prep on Saturday in the Non-Public A final, Christian Brothers Academy is New Jersey's No. 1 team for the 2015 season as it ends the spring atop The NJ.com Top 20.

The Colts, who began the season at No. 3 before sliding out of the Top 20 for a few weeks after some tough losses before reentering during the state tournament, are the second straight Shore Conference team to finish atop the state poll, following up St. John Vianney in 2014. But while the Lancers' run to No. 1 was the result of surviving a historically chaotic state tournament, CBA simply went out and grabbed the top spot by winning every single title available to it.

CBA, which was led by star right-hander Luca Dalatri, the Gatorade New Jersey State Player of the Year, won the A North Division crown, repeated as both the Monmouth County and Shore Conference Tournament champions, grabbed the South Jersey, Non-Public A championship and then completed the stellar run by dispatching of Don Bosco in the state final. 

The Colts, who are on the short list of teams in the running to open the 2016 season, as the state's preseason No. 1-ranked club, defeated three Top 20 clubs in the state tournament, including No. 1 Bosco and No. 2 Bishop Eustace. 

Despite the disappointing state final loss, Don Bosco does not fall far, as the Ironmen finish No. 2 in the poll thanks to a tremendous body of work. The same goes for Bishop Eustace, which comes in at No. 3, and No. 4-ranked Gloucester Catholic.

Coming in at No. 5 is a team that took the state tournament by storm, South Plainfield. The Tigers were unranked entering the state tournament thanks to a resume that boasted some big wins (Millburn, St. Peter's Prep) but also some tough losses and an early exit from the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament. 

But South Plainfield earned the designation as the state's top-ranked public school thanks to a state tournament run that saw the Tigers defeat three Top 20 clubs in Cranford, Northern Burlington and Roxbury, as well as a Mount Olive club that was very much in the picture for a state ranking at the end of the year. 

Eleven of the 20 teams ranked in this final poll appeared in the preseason Top 20 released back in April, with Bosco, CBA and GC all appearing in both the top 5 of the first and last polls, albeit in a different order. 

To see the complete final NJ.com Top 20 for the 2015 season, click through the slideshow below. To look back at each week's Top 20 from this season, please follow this link. 

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/-5202291224234660183/who-is-no-1-the-final-njcom-baseball-top-20-for-2015/?hootPostID=d738ca118ae60a29bbdae8daeafaa78d

Game # 32 South Plainfield 8 Northern Burlington 4

SOUTH PLAINFIELD TIGERS

STATE GROUP 3 CHAMPIONS FOR 2015!!!

WE NEVER LOSE ON D-DAY, JUNE 6th



(Courtesy of Dan Hansen)



(Courtesy of Nick McKee)

 

(Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

 

 (Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

 

(Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com) 

 

 

(Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

(Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

 

(Courtesy of Nick McKee)

 

 

(Courtesy of Nick McKee)

 

 (Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

 

 

 

 (Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

 

 

 

 

South Plainfield outslugs No. 7 Northern Burlington to win Group 3 title

By Joe Zedalis | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on June 06, 2015 1:41 PM, updated June 06, 2015 2:12 PM

TOMS RIVER -- It was a season to remember for 10, history-making, South Plainfield seniors.

Opportunistic South Plainfield tacked on runs in the fifth and sixth innings and Jake Alba threw four innings of one-run relief and the Tigers won the first state championship in school history with an 8-4 victory over Northern Burlington on Saturday at Toms River North.

"It's everything, being a senior, you want to come out here, get a victory for your last game, and for us 10 seniors, it just means everything," said senior third baseman Chris Graves. "It sums up our entire baseball career to end up with a state championship."

South Plainfield received two hits and two RBI from Graves, two hits and two runs scored from leadoff hitter Kyle Dickerson and two hits from No. 9 hitter Chris Marrero. Five of the South Plainfield hits were of the infield variety.

"I felt like the bunting, we bunt in practice," Graves said. "We bunted today. (There was) slippery ground. They couldn't really field it. They made some errors and we capitalized with four hits."

Meanwhile Alba (7-2) was nearly lights out. He entered the game with two on and no outs in the bottom of the third. Using a mix of two and four seam fastballs and an off-speed breaking pitch, Alba confounded the Northern Burlington hitters.

Alba allowed one run -- in the sixth -- he struck out five, walked two and allowed three hits.
"Honestly, everything was working today," Alba said. "Every inning we talked int he dugout with the pitching coaches about who was coming up and how to pitch them. We really didn't scout them that much, but we knew from their stances how we wanted to pitch them."

South Plainfield (24-8) scratched for a run in the first. Ryan Shinn ticked a pitch off the shoe of leadoff hitter Kyle Dickerson on the game's third pitch. Dickerson was sacrificed to second. After Bryan Gillen sent a ball to the warning track in left that was caught by Paul Woodley, Graves dunked a single to left center plating Dickerson and giving the Tigers a 1-0 lead.

Northern Burlington (27-5) responded with a run of its own in the last of the first. With one out Zack Wright reached on an infield single. With two strikes, Shinn followed with a booming double down the left field line scoring Wright from first. But with a runner of second and one out, South Plainfield starter Vincent Pellegrino retired the side with a pair of grounders, but the scored was tied, 1-1.

In the top of third, South Plainfield took advantage of a Shinn error and a bout with wildness. Dickerson reached on a a swinging roller up the third base line. Then with L.J. Scarpitto bunting, Shinn misplayed the sacrifice for an error. Gillen walked to load the bases.

An infield grounder scored Dickerson then, with two strikes, Nick Polizzano slashed a single to right center for an RBI then a successful squeeze by Tommy Gunn made it 4-1. The final run of the inning scored on a wild pitch.

Northern Burlington responded with two runs in the last of the third. Shinn's second hit -- a drifting triple to right -- and a massive, two-run homer by Bret Parlante cut the South Plainfieldlead to 5-3.

South Plainfield added two runs in the fifth on an RBI single by pinch-hitter Wilfredo Rivera and the second wild pitch by Shinn.

The run in the sixth scored on a sacrifice fly to Gillen.

Northern Burlington had eight hits but had trouble scoring for one of the few times all season.

"We had eight hit, but they outplayed us," said Northern Burlington head coach Rick Doppler.


http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/-2444193407908872805/baseball/


 

 



Alba leads South Plainfield baseball to Group III title

Matt Silva, @mattysilv 
3:14 p.m. EDT June 6, 2015

TOMS RIVER – South Plainfield High School’s Jake Alba came on for starter Vincent Pellegrino in a tough spot in the fourth inning. With two on and no outs, Alba put together two straight strikeouts and got the Tigers out of the jam. He’d end the day with a strikeout to make history for South Plainfield.

Alba collected five strikeouts, three hits and one walk through four innings of relief, leading South Plainfield to an 8-4 win over Northern Burlington for their first ever Group III title at Toms River North High School on Saturday.

Protecting a two-run lead, Alba challenged hitters with a fastball and curveball combo that took Northern Burlington by surprise as the lead continued to grow. It was a similar situation to their win 4-2 over Cranford for Alba.

“First thoughts coming in is this is Cranford all over again, but we were up this time,” said Alba. “Coming in with the lead, my job is to shut them down and I tried to do my job as best as I can. The offense helped me out by tacking on extra runs.”

“We wanted to win so bad today that there was just no way we were going to lose.”
Alba allowed one run in the sixth, but killed the rally by striking out leadoff man Tyler O’Dell, freezing him with an inside fastball and coaxing a fly out from Zack Wright to strand two runners. Alba went inside to lock the Greyhounds up and it worked to perfection.

“I like to stick to my fastball and my curveball. I think that really threw them off. Late in the game, last two innings, I tried jamming them inside,” said Alba. “Coming inside was like a new pitch to them. They couldn’t really do anything with it and I spotted it so good that all they could do was foul it off.”

South Plainfield coach Anthony Guida couldn’t say enough about Alba’s ability to come in with the pressure on. He never had any doubt things would work out.

“He doesn’t care any time there’s pressure on, he’s as cool as anything,” said Guida. “I felt very comfortable going with him when we were at Cranford just as comfortable as I was today.”

The Tigers did everything right offensively to make sure the lead never diminished. Using small-ball tactics, South Plainfield racked up four runs in the top of the third inning. The results handed Northern Burlington starter Ryan Shinn with his first loss of the season (9-1).
After a dribbler from Kyle Dickerson and LJ Scarpitto reaching on an error, Bryan Gillen walked on four pitches and Chris Graves scored Dickerson on a groundout to short.

Shortstop Nick Polizanno followed that up with an RBI single to score Scarpitto and Sean Erhardt put on a squeeze to score Gillen. Polizanno came home on a wild pitch to make it a 5-1 game heading into the bottom of the third.

Dickerson was a catalyst at the top of the lineup, reaching base four times on a 2-for-2 effort with a bunt single, a walk, a hit by pitch and two runs scored for the Tigers. The designated hitter is the embodiment of what South Plainfield wants to do offensively and the senior explained that the small-ball attitude has been a part of this team’s game since they were kids.

“We’ve always been a small-ball team since we were younger. We’ve been playing together since we’ve been eight years old. Me leading off and doing everything for these guys and them coming through to hit me in is great,” said Dickerson.

Guida commended Dickerson for jumping right into the lineup later in the season and getting the job done.

“His season started April 27^th. He had surgery; the first day he was eligible to play he led off the game for us. He knows exactly what to do, he knows how to work the count, he’s our best base runner we’ve ever had here. With him on base, we feel pretty confident. Him getting on base four times kind of set the tone for us,” said Guida.

Guida seemed to have the right call for every situation. The skipper called Wilfredo Rivera to pinch-hit for Tommy Dunn and he delivered an RBI single in the fifth, making it 7-3 going into the bottom of the frame.

Pellegrino allowed three runs in three innings as the starter, giving up a triple to Shinn and a two-run shot to Brett Parlante in the bottom of the third. Chris Graves went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBI at the hot corner for South Plainfield.

In bringing the first ever title for South Plainfield, Alba explained that it wasn’t just for the guys on the field. The win is truly for everyone at South Plainfield past, present and future.
“It’s definitely something special because you might now realize it now, but you’re not just winning this for yourself or your parents or your team,” said Alba. “You’re winning this for the town. You’re winning it for all the people that have ever played for the South Plainfield Tigers and down to the little kids that are here watching us play.”

“For me to be an inspiration to them and to the older guys, it just means so much.”

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/sports/high-school/baseball/2015/06/06/south-plainfield-baseball-group-iii-title/28605313/



 

South Plainfield to meet Northern Burlington in Group III baseball final

Greg Tufaro, @GregTufaro 
2:16 p.m. EDT June 5, 2015

The return of Kyle Dickerson from an injury and the ability of sophomore pitcher Jean Sapini to register significant victories has helped the South Plainfield High School baseball team reach a state final for the first time in the program’s storied history.

EDITOR’S NOTE: A detailed scouting report can be found at the end of this story.

The Tigers (23-8), who claimed their first sectional title since 1975, dethroning three-time North 2 Group III champion Cranford, will face Central champion Northern Burlington (27-4) Saturday at Toms River North High School. First pitch is 11 a.m.

“These kids are one of the loosest bunch of kids that I’ve ever coached,” South Plainfield mentor Anthony Guida said, noting he does not expect the championship atmosphere to daunt his club. “They are very confident. They welcome any challenge.”

Northern Burlington, widely regarded as one of the best hitting teams in the state, will send ace Ryan Shinn, a Florida Gulf Coast University signee with a 9-0 record and a 1.96 ERA, to the mound.

“South Plainfield, well, they better be ready to go,” Shinn told the Burlington County Times on Thursday. “I’m so excited. To get there my last year, my senior year, this is the best feeling I could ever have.”

The Tigers will counter with Jake Alba (6-2, 2.64 ERA) or Vincent Pellegrino (5-2, 2.93 ERA).

“They both are crafty,” Guida said. “They both rely on offspeed stuff that makes their fastball look a little faster. They are able to throw pitches for strikes, and smart enough to know when not to throw them for strikes. Jake might have a couple more MPH on Vinnie. Both understand the count, understand the situation and are going to pitch to contact and rely on our defense (.960 fielding percentage).”

The Greyhounds, who also feature University of Delaware signees Adam Rapp (.435) and Tyler O’Dell (.381), have won two sectional titles in the past three years.

“I know they are a very solid program,” Guida said of Northern Burlington. “They hit 1 through 9. They are an offensive-minded team. They are a tough foe for us to try to compete against.”

Guida said NJSIAA Tournament victories over Cranford and Roxbury let the Tigers know they can hang with most teams in the state.”

Sapini, who began the season as the No. 4 starter in the rotation, has regular-season victories over state powers Millburn (3-1) and St. Peter’s Prep (4-0) to his credit, as well as wins over Roxbury in the sectional semifinal and Mount Olive in the state semifinal.

Dickerson, who returned in late April from a shoulder injury, has provided a much-needed spark at the top of the order, where he is batting .406 with 26 hits.

The designated hitter, who bats leadoff, brings an element of speed to the lineup, ideal for South Plainfield’s small-ball execution (the Tigers have sacrificed 26 times).

“He is the best baserunner I’ve ever had,” Guida said. “He runs with his head on a swivel. He reads (situations) well.”

Second baseman Bryan Gillen, who paces the club with a .495 average and 46 hits, leads a South Plainfield team that is batting .330.

Gillen has blended well with new double-play partner Nick Polizanno, who succeeded Dickerson at shortstop.

Outfielder Jack Gillis, who is hitting .366, has been a pleasant surprise at the bottom of the order. He earned a starting spot largely because of his defensive ability, but has provided some pop and is an excellent bunter.

NJSIAA Group III baseball championship

Who: South Plainfield (23-8) vs. Northern Burlington (27-4).

When/Where: Saturday, 11 a.m. at Toms River North High School.

How they reached the state final: South Plainfield defeated Warren Hills 7-1, Ferris 8-0, Roxbury 4-2, Cranford 4-2 and Mount Olive 3-1. Northern Burlington defeated Red Bank Regional 8-0, Ocen 2-1, Middletown South 5-1, Somerville 7-4 and Mainland 6-4.

About Northern Burlington: Senior cleanup batter Bret Parlante (.353, 36 H, 14 R, 29 RBI, 11 2B, 1 HR) anchors one of the state’s most potent lineups. Northern Burlington is batting .346 as a team with a .425 on-base percentage. The team is selective at the plate (121 walks) and makes contact (140 strikeouts in 1,027 plate appearances). Third baseman Tyler O'Dell (.381, 37 H, 31 R, 14 RBI, 7 2B, 2 HR) and catcher Adam Rapp (.435, 40 H, 15 R, 36 RBI, 9 2B, 3 HR) have both signed with the University of Delaware. Shortstop Kevin Welsh (.281, 25 H, 21 R, 10 RBI, 4 2B, 1 3B) has the lowest batting average among the regulars but more than compensates with outstanding range and a cannon arm. Northern Burlington boasts one of the state’s best all-around players in outfielder/pitcher Ryan Shinn (.484, 44 H, 35 R, 28 RBI, 12 2B, 2 HR). A Florida Gulf Coast University signee, staff ace Shinn (9-0, 64.1 IP, 56 H, 18 ER, 79 K, 15 BB, 1.96 ERA) will start the state final. The senior lefthander has appeared in 13 games. He hurled two and two thirds innings of relief against Mainland on Wednesday and is eligible to throw just seven innings against South Plainfield under NJSIAA pitching rules, so should the contest extend to extra innings, the Greyhounds will have to go to the bullpen. Opponents are batting .226 against Shinn, who has already thrown 1,003 pitches this season. The Greyhounds boast a 2.47 team ERA. Northern Burlington has provided plenty of offense for the staff, scoring 214 runs (6.9 per game). The team has stolen 17 bases and belted 10 homers. Seventy of its 300 hits have gone for extra bases, accounting for a .452 slugging percentage. Zack Wright (.451, 46 H, 37 R, 16 RBI, 5 2B, 1 3B), Mike Wainwright (.355, 33 H, 11 R, 28 RBI, 6 2B, 2 HR) and Michael Cottrell (.318, 21 H, 6 R, 9 RBI, 1 2B) are the team’s other top hitters. According to former Dunellen and current Somerville coach Chris Banos, whose team lost this year’s Central Group III final to Northern Burlington, Shinn throws a fastball and a curve. He uses both sides of the plate and is a fierce competitor. Shinn has an excellent pickoff move and does not give in to hitters. He is capable of making big pitches to escape jams. Shinn keeps batters honest, working his deuce in and out of the zone. He has above average velocity. Banos said Northern Burlington gets good at-bats throughout the order and every hitter is capable of fouling off two-strike pitches until his opponent makes a mistake. Leadoff batter O’Dell and Shinn have the best speed on a club that can execute small ball when necessary under 15-year head coach Rick Doppler. Banos described the senior-laden Greyhounds, who feature eight upperclassmen on their roster, as a team that is “locked in” and won’t be fazed by a championship setting. Northern Burlington has won two sectional titles in the past three years. The Greyhounds also won the Burlington County Scholastic League Tournament (first such crown in school history) and BCSL Liberty Division titles this season.

About South Plainfield: After winning its first sectional title since 1975, South Plainfield is making its first state final appearance. The Tigers have won 13 of their last 14 with the lone setback being an 8-7 loss to St. Joseph in the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament quarterfinals. South Plainfield shared the White Division crown with reigning league tournament champion Monroe. South Plainfield is batting .330 as a team with 186 runs scored. The Tigers have 54 extra-bases hits for a .407 slugging percentage. South Plainfield has 52 base thefts in 61 attempts. They have sacrificed 26 times. South Plainfield has drawn 102 walks, contributing to its .418 on-base percentage. The Tigers have fanned 134 times in 1,017 plate appearances. The Tigers feature a balanced lineup that leadoff batter and designated hitter Kyle Dickerson (.406, 26 H, 21 R, 3 2B, 3 3B, 1 HR) bolstered with his return from an injury during the team’s recent run. Bryan Gillen (46 H, 8 2B, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 28 R) paces the club with a .495 batting average. Chris Graves (9 2B, 30 RBI) is batting .370 with 37 hits. First baseman LJ Scarpitto, who was a defensive standout a year ago, has vastly improved at the plate, batting .333 with 33 hits and 29 runs. Jack Gillis (.366, 30 H, 17 R, 3 2B, 9 RBI) also hits for average. With Jean Sapini (4-0, 2.21 ERA) pitching a complete game in the state semifinals, Jake Alba (6-2, 2.64 ERA, 50.3 IP, 56 H, 19 ER, 16 BB, 49 K) and Vincent Pellegrino (5-2, 2.93 ERA, 55 IP, 52 H, 23 ER, 19 BB, 30 K) are both eligible to take the mound. Opponents are batting .271 against Alba and .249 against Pellegrino. An excellent defensive club, South Plainfield boasts a .960 fielding percentage. The Tigers have jumped on opponents early, outscoring the opposition 37-8 in the first inning.

 

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/sports/high-school/baseball/2015/06/05/south-plainfield-meet-northern-burlington-group-iii-baseball-final/28547013/

2015 Group 3 baseball final: No. 7 Northern Burlington vs. South Plainfield at a glance

By Joe Zedalis | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on June 05, 2015 8:29 AM

GROUP 3 FINAL

NORTHERN BURLINGTON (27-4) VS. SOUTH PLAINFIELD (23-8)

When: Saturday, 11 a.m.

Where: Toms River North

KEY PLAYERS

Northern Burlington: 3B Tyler O'Dell  (.381, 31 R, 37 H, 14 RBI, 7 2B, .441 OBP); CF Zack Wright (.451, 37 R, 46 H, 16 RBI; .519 SLUG, 1.007 OPS, .487 OBP); P/OF Ryan Shinn (9-0, 1.96 ERA, 79 K, 15 BB, 11 ER 4 CG | .484 35 R, 44 H, 28 RBI, 12 2B, 2 HR, .681 SLUG, 1.260 OPS, .579 OBP); C Brett Parlante (.353, 11 R, 33 H, 29 RBI, 11 2B); 1B Adam Rapp (.435, 15 R, 40 H, 36 RBI, 9 2B, 3 HR, .630 SLUG, 1.139 OPS); RF Mike Wainwright (.355, 11 R, 33 H, 28 RBI, 6 2B, 2 HR); SS Kevin Welsh (.281, 21 R, 25 H, 10 RBI, 4 2B); DH/P Michael Cottrell (.318, 6 R, 21 H, 9 RBI | 5-1, 2.21 ERA, 8 ER, 16L, 3 BB); 2B Brian Ford; P: Eric Stinglen (9-0, 2.29 ERA, 18 K, 14 BB, 18 ER).

South Plainfield: DH Kyle Dickerson (.379, 22 H, 18 R, 6 RBI); 1B LJ Scarpitto (.345, 30 H, 27 R, 13 RBI); 2B Bryan Gillen (.482, 41 H, 28 R, 11 RBI); 3B: Chris Graves (.379, 33 H, 15 R, 22 RBI); SS Nick Polizzano (.289, 22 H, 16 R, 16 RBI); OF Sean Erhardt (.323, 22 H, 9 R, 16 RBI); OF Tommy Dunn (.274, 17 H, 11 R, 11 RBI); Jack Gillis (.370, 23 H, 12 R, 8 RBI); P Jake Alba (43.2 IP, 46 H, 10 BB, 43 K, 10 ER).

DID YOU KNOW?

Northern Burlington: The Greyhounds are making their first state-final appearance after winning its second Central Jersey Group 3 final in the past three years ... Northern Burlington has scored 214 runs and allowed 106. ... The Northern Burlington pitching staff has a 166/92 strikeout to walk ratio. As a team the Greyhounds are .346 with a team on base percentage of .425 ... Northern Burlington has won five straight since a loss to Bishop Eustace in the Diamond Classic semifinals and 12 of its last 13 games ... Northern Burlington has outscored its five state tournament opponents 28-10. The Greyhounds allowed only two runs in their first three playoff games (wins over Red Bank Regional, Ocean Township and Middletown South), but have allowed eight runs in their last two playoff games (wins over Somerville and Mainland). When NBC topped Mainland, 6-4, it ended Mainland's reign as Group 3 champions.

South Plainfield: South Plainfield won only its second sectional title and its first since 1975 when it bounced defendiing champion Cranford in the sectional title game ... South Plainfield has won seven striaght and 13 of 14 ... During its seven-game winning streak, South Plainfield has outscored the opposition 42-7 ... In the state tournament the Tigers have won with pitching. South Plainfield has allowed only six state-tournament runs in five games. ... South Plainfield pitchers have allowed 28 hits in five playoff games -- six in the last three -- with 29 strikeouts

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/3482397250210600221/2015-group-3-baseball-final-no-7-northern-burlington-vs-south-plainfield-at-a-glance/

2015 NJSIAA BASEBALL STATE FINALS

Baseball: Complete schedule for Saturday's state finals in Toms River

2015 NJSIAA BASEBALL STATE FINALS
Saturday, June 6 in Toms River

AT TOMS RIVER SOUTH

GROUP 2 at 11 a.m.
Bernards (22-6) vs. Gov. Livingston (27-6)

GROUP 4 at 2 p.m.
Millburn (25-6) vs. Williamstown (21-5-1)


AT TOMS RIVER NORTH

GROUP 3 at 11 a.m.Northern Burlington (26-4) vs. South Plainfield (23-8)

NON-PUBLIC B at 2 p.m.Holy Spirit (12-17) vs. Newark Academy (19-12)


AT TOMS RIVER EAST

NON-PUBLIC A at 11 a.m.Christian Brothers (25-5) vs. Don Bosco Prep (29-0)

GROUP 1 at 2 p.m.Emerson Boro (25-5) vs. Middlesex (17-16)


Official NJSIAA schedule here

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/-8618524893651907863/baseball-matchups-for-saturdays-state-finals-in-toms-river/

Game # 31 South Plainfield 3 Mt. Olive 1

 

South Plainfield (3) at Mount Olive (1), NJSIAA Group Tournament, Semifinal Round, Group 3 - Baseball

By The Star Ledger
on June 03, 2015 7:36 PM
Matt Bove | For NJ Advance Media

UNION -- South Plainfield advanced to the Group 3 state final behind the outstanding pitching of sophomore Jean Sapini as it defeated Mount Olive, 3-1, in the NJSIAA/Star-Ledger/Parisi Group 3 semifinals on Wednesday at Kean University.

Sapini went pitch-for-pitch with Mount Olive's Greg Helminger and managed to keep Mount Olive off the scoreboard, except for one run in the fourth inning. Sapini pitched a five-hitter with four walks and two strikeouts.

"Jean has pitched like that our entire season," said South Plainfield coach Anthony Guida. "He’s been our Saturday pitcher, and now with games a little more spread out he’s been getting the ball more. He’s been throwing with a lot of confidence and the kids play with a lot of confidence behind him. He goes out there and attacks the plate with multiple pitches he can throw for strikes."

"My changeup was working best for me today," said Sapini. "I didn’t have good control of my fastball and my curve was working a little bit, but I went to my changeup almost every time I needed a big pitch."

South Plainfield will face Northern Burlington for the Group 3 championship on Saturday in Toms River.

Sapini allowed his defense to help him out. Catcher Chris Marrero laid out with a full dive to catch a bunt that was popped up behind him. It was a big out with the tying run on first and one out in the bottom of the sixth inning. Sapini induced nine outs in the air and nine outs on the ground.

"Defense wins championships," said Sapini. "It was just great knowing my defense would make every play and I never doubted them."

"You want a pitcher who can pound the strike zone," said Guida. "You can’t be expecting him to strike everybody out. When you have a solid defense behind you, especially with the seniors in our infield, it’s a comforting feeling for our pitchers to be able to throw strikes, throw the ball where it’s supposed to be pitched and let them swing the bat. We have pitchers who like to pitch to contact. Jean allowed them to hit the ball and thankfully they hit them right at us and we were able to make the plays."

Even though Sapini didn't get many strikeouts, perhaps his biggest out of the game came on one. He struck out Mount Olive cleanup hitter Brandon Boyle with the tying run on second and two outs in the bottom of the fifth.

"I just knew I had to get that out, said Sapini. "It was a 3-2 count and I had enough confidence to go with a curve to be able to get it."

Shortstop Nick Polizzano led the way for South Plainfield offensively with three singles and two RBI. He drove in Bryan Gillen on a single between short and third in the top of the fifth to make it 2-1. He added another RBI single for an insurance run in the top of the seventh.

South Plainfield's first run came on a suicide squeeze bunt by center fielder Jack Gillis in the top of the fourth. It came after a failed suicide squeeze by Mount Olive in the previous inning.

"Their pitcher was throwing real well and was getting a lot of first-pitch strikes," said Guida. "I decided to take a chance with a runner on third and less than two outs to get the bunt down, and once we did that I felt pretty good that we would score."

Mount Olive scored its lone run to tie the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the fourth as Helmlinger doubled to drive in Chris Grillo. Helmlinger went six innings on the mound, allowing two runs on seven hits with one walks and no strikeouts.

South Plainfield next will face Northern Burlington, No. 7 in the NJ.com Top 20.

"Being able to advance to the championship game is amazing," said Sapini. "I’m only a sophomore, so all of this is new to me. It’s just a great feeling for me and my team."

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/-2444201407914872748/south-plainfield-3-at-mount-olive-1-njsiaa-group-tournament-semifinal-round-group-3-baseball/

South Plainfield baseball bests Mount Olive, advances to first Group 3 final

Daniel LoGiudice, @danny_logiudice
6:40 p.m. EDT June 3, 2015

UNION – It was the underappreciated aspects of the game, pitching and defense, which helped the South Plainfield baseball team to a semifinal win on Wednesday afternoon.

South Plainfield defeated Mount Olive 3-1 in the Group 3 semifinal at Kean University. The Tigers (23-8) will play Northern Burlington in the final on Saturday, marking their first appearance in the state final.

“It’s a wonderful feeling,” South Plainfield coach Tony Guida said. “The kids are pumped for it.”

Sophomore Jean Sapini pitched a great game for the Tigers, pitching a complete game with five hits, one run, four walks and two strikeouts.

“My curveball was ok and I was losing control with my fastball, but my changeup helped me get through that game,” Sapini said. “I worked with my catcher and he helped me through it.”

Sapini pitched to contact and allowed the Marauders (21-11) to put the bat on the ball, but his stellar defense backed him the entire game. They didn’t commit an error and the game was highlighted by a diving catch behind home plate by catcher Chris Marrero on a bunt that was popped up in the sixth inning.

“I let them hit it and I know my defense will make the plays,” Sapini said. “I belive in them out there.”

Mount Olive starter Greg Helmlinger also pitched a solid game, but it just wasn’t enough. He pitched six innings, gave up two runs, one of which was earned, on seven hits and one walk.

The Tigers opened the scoring in the top of the fourth inning on a suicide squeeze bunt from Tommy Dunn. With Helmlinger dominating to that point, Guida felt it was time for the squeeze.

“I felt like we might not have many more opportunities,” Guida said. “With a runner on third, let’s take a chance.”

Mount Olive tied the score in the bottom half of the inning on a RBI double by Helmlinger, but the Tigers responded in the top of the fifth on a RBI single by Nick Polizzano.

The Marauders had a couple opportunities the rest of the way, but Sapini was simply too good and they were unable to get another run across the plate.

“He hit his spots and made big pitches when he had to,” Mount Olive coach Jim McDermott said. “We had a couple guys on a few times, but we didn’t get them in.”

The loss ends Mount Olives’ season, a season in which they won their second consecutive sectional title. The first Marauder team to do so, McDermott is nothing but proud of his team.

“Right now it’s going to hurt a little, but what they’ve done for baseball has never been done before at Mount Olive,” McDermott said. “It speaks to the character and senior leadership we’ve had.”


Staff writer Daniel LoGiudice: dlogiudice@njpressmedia.com

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/sports/high-school/baseball/2015/06/03/south-plainfield-baseball-bests-mount-olive-advances-first-group-final/28438941/

Rain washes out Tuesday's entire NJSIAA baseball tournament schedule - all 12 games postponed

With heavy rains hitting all across New Jersey on Monday, the baseball state tournament schedule for Tuesday has already seen changes.

GROUP 3:Mount Olive vs. South Plainfield, now rescheduled for Wednesday at Kean University, Union, 3 pm.
http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/7184432074489538239/njsiaa-baseball-state-public-semifinal-and-non-public-sectional-final-matchups-and-sites/

Baseball preview: Mount Olive vs. South Plainfield, Group 3 semifinal

GROUP 3 STATE SEMIFINAL - NORTH JERSEY
MOUNT OLIVE (21-10) VS. SOUTH PLAINFIELD (22-8)

By James Kratch | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on June 01, 2015 7:45 AM

When: Tuesday, June 2 at 4 p.m.

Where: Jim Hynes Stadium at Kean University, 1000 Morris Avenue in Union (field is next to Union Station). 

How Mount Olive got here: The two-time reigning North Jersey, Section 1, Group 3 champion defeated Pascack Valley in the sectional first round, Garfield in the quarterfinals, Paramus in the semifinals and River Dell in the final.

How South Plainfield got here: The North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3 champion defeated Warren Hills in the sectional first round, Ferris in the quarterfinals, Roxbury in the semifinals and Cranford in the final. 

The story: What Mount Olive has accomplished the past two season in the state tournament is pretty remarkable. The Marauders have now won back-to-back sectional titles - the only two in school history - and have done so as a seventh-seed last spring and a eighth-seed this year, winning a combined five road games. Now the Marauders will take aim at a return trip to the state final. Mount Olive has been resilient all year long and just has a knack for finding ways to win big games. 

As for South Plainfield, what a run for the Tigers last week. They knocked out state-ranked Roxbury in the semifinals, then dethroned three-time reigning sectional champion and state-ranked Cranford in the sectional final thanks to a late rally. The Tigers play one of the state's toughest schedules on an annual basis and also boast wins over Group 4 semifinalist Millburn and St. Peter's Prep. It was some of their losses, and an early exit from the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament, that hampered South's ranking possibilities a bit prior to the state tournament. But the Tigers have caught fire - six straight wins and victories in 12 of their last 13 - and are looking at a very high finish in the final poll if they keep winning. 

Mount Olive's key players: DH Brandon Boyle, 1B Austin Buoye, P/SS Chris Grillo, P/3B Greg Helmlinger, P Connor Henry, SS Trevor Lee, OF Devin Mathura and C Chris Somerville.

South Plainfield's key players: P Jake Alba, IF Kyle Dickerson, IF Bryan Gillen, IF Chris Graves, P Vincent Pellegrino, P Jean Sapini and 1B L.J. Scarpitto.

Pitching picture: Mount Olive will likely go to Helmlinger, who spent much of the season as the Marauders' No. 1 starter when Grillo was unavailable due to injury. Mount Olive has the benefit of enjoying some good depth on the mound this spring, so several arms could come out of the bullpen if need be. Among them, Henry would likely be the first guy. Grillo could be available for an inning late.
Alba and Pellegrino each threw four innings in the sectional final. Alba had thrown a complete game in the sectional quarterfinal with Pellegrino getting the complete game win in the first round. Sapini threw a complete game in the semifinal. All three could throw Tuesday - the educated guess here is Pellegrino gets the start. 

Previous meetings in 2015: None.

Common opponents in 2015: Paramus and Roxbury. South Plainfield is 1-1 against those clubs, Mount Olive is 2-0.

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/-3444207407924872735/baseball-preview-mount-olive-vs-south-plainfield-group-3-semifinal/