2022 Game # 9 South Plainfield 3, Madison 2

Andy Mendlowitz

MyCentralJersey.com

South Plainfield 3, Madison 2

Luke Bickunas hit a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth with the bases loaded that scored Frankie Flannery, who led off the inning with a bunt single.

The host Tigers improved to 6-3 after the nonconference win.

Jack Massett went seven innings, scattering seven hits with nine strikeouts.

South Plainfield’s first basemen Ashton Donovan tied the game in the bottom of the sixth with a solo home run. Donovan threw the final two innings in relief to earn his second win of the season.

GMC Baseball: Daily updates, coaches comments and highlights from the 2022 season (mycentraljersey.com)

The One Man Wrecking Crew was called to the site today,

He did some necessary DEMO (sounded like a bomb went off)

in the 6th to even things out. He put in 2 hours of overtime

& cleaned up after our top hauler, Jack, who went 7 strong

and picked up a dub.

Congrats to the crews top hauler-Jack Massett and

Isabella Mont on receiving the sportsmanship awards.

Jack is a true sportsman- not only did he help himself to 3rds,

he dealt 7 strong, whiffed 9 and provided much of the energy

his crew needed to carry the day.

The latest GMC Top 10, and highlights/analysis from Week 2

 

Andy Mendlowitz
MyCentralJersey.com

Highlights and analysis from last week

South Plainfield finds a way: The Tigers showed moxie in sweeping Old Bridge. Wednesday, South Plainfield won 6-4 despite getting out-hit 11-3. The Tigers were patient at the plate getting walks and putting pressure on their opponent’s defense. After throwing a scoreless seventh for the save, Ashton Donovan tossed a three-hit shutout in the 2-0 win on Thursday. With several newcomers performing well, the two senior captains stepped up. Jack Massett won Wednesday’s game by scattering 11 hits over six innings, keeping his team in it. In Thursday’s win, Luke Bickunas drove in both runs.

Top 10 Entering Week 3

1. St. Joseph (6-0) – last week No. 1: The Falcons have been winning big and pulling out the close ones. Interestingly, they went nine days between games because of their scheduled bye and a rainout, but they still looked sharp last week. 

2. Monroe (6-2) – last week No. 6: Sometimes Top 10s need to be re-set after a couple weeks. Monroe, which entered the season at No. 9 with questions after 13 seniors graduated, moves up quickly. The Falcons have swept South Plainfield and J.P. Stevens, beat Perth Amboy and split with Old Bridge. They lost Saturday to nonconference Somerville.

3. South Plainfield (5-2) – last week No. 8: The Tigers also make a big move following a sweep of then-No. 2 Old Bridge to go along with an earlier sweep of Edison.

4. Spotswood (7-0) – last week No. 4: The Chargers remain at No. 4 with a sweep of Sayreville and a 7-6 win over South River.

5. East Brunswick (5-3) – last week No. 5: The Bears beat Perth Amboy to complete the sweep. They don’t get penalized much for losing twice to top-ranked St. Joseph.

6. Middlesex (6-2) – last week No. 3: Maybe it’s not fair to drop the Blue Jays three spots after a nine-inning loss to North Brunswick. However, they go to No. 6 in the re-set. Don’t worry, Middlesex fans, the Blue Jays will have a chance to get quality wins with intriguing series against Colonia, Metuchen and Spotswood coming up.

7. Old Bridge (5-5) – last week No. 2: After a win over Edison to complete the sweep, the Knights lost twice to South Plainfield and to state-ranked St. Augustine. Kudos to Old Bridge for traveling to South Jersey to take on the challenge.

8. South Brunswick (3-4) – last week No. 9: The Vikings dropped a series to St. Joseph, but got back on track with wins over Piscataway and nonconference Hunterdon Central. They now have a tough stretch with series against East Brunswick and Monroe sandwiched by the always tough Cranford.

9. Edison (2-4) – last week No. 10: The Eagles got in the win column following a sweep of J.P. Stevens. They can make a move in the Red Division with a series against St. Joseph this week.

10. Tie Metuchen (3-3) – last week not ranked: The Bulldogs debut by going 2-0 against then-No. 7 Woodbridge. Metuchen has split with Sayreville and have losses to Spotswood and North Hunterdon.

Woodbridge (6-2) – last week No. 7: The Barrons remain in the Top 10 despite the two losses because you do have to look at the whole picture. Woodbridge won six straight to open the year with sweeps over Piscataway, North Brunswick and Colonia – that has to count for something.

Baseball: The latest GMC Top 10, games to watch and highlights/analysis from Week 2 (mycentraljersey.com)

2022 - Game # 8 Watchung Hills 11, South Plainfield 2

Lauren Knego,Andy Mendlowitz, andSimeon Pincus

MyCentralJersey.com

Watchung Hills 11, South Plainfield 2

 Jake Memoli allowed two runs, one earned, on five hits, walked one and struck out 11 in six innings for Watchung Hills (3-4). He also finished with three RBI.

Trenon Stanard allowed one hit and struck out two in one inning. Martin Howell hit a three-run double. William Hunsinger went 2-for-3 with a double, one RBI and one run scored. Lorenzo Meola went 2-for-4 with a double, two RBI and three runs scored. Justin Helbing finished with one RBI and scored twice. John King doubled and scored twice. Tino Lobozzo scored twice. Sean Krug scored a run. 

Baseball: Daily Skyland Conference, UCC highlights from 2022 season (mycentraljersey.com)

 
Watchung Hills over South Plainfield

By Andrew Borders | For NJ Advance Media

Watchung Hills scored three runs in the bottom of the first and led the rest of the way in an 11-2 win over South Plainfield on Saturday in Warren.

South Plainfield had a run in each of the first two innings, but Watchung Hills had three in its half of the first and two in the second to lead 5-2 before adding six in the third.

Jake Memoli drove in three runs while Lorenzo Meola had two hits and drove in two, John King had two hits, Martin Howell had three RBI, and William Hunsinger had two hits.

Memoli went six innings on the hill to get the win, striking out 11 while giving up the two runs, one earned, on five hits and a walk.

Watchung Hills (3-4) will host Hillsborough on Monday while South Plainfield (5-3) saw a five-game win streak snapped and will look to rebound on Wednesday at Madison.

Baseball: Watchung Hills over South Plainfield - nj.com

2022 - Game # 7 South Plainfield 2, Old Bridge 0

Donovan tosses 3-hit shutout as South Plainfield takes down Old Bridge

By Casey Roland | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Ashton Donovan pitched a three-hitter, striking out five and walking one to lead South Plainfield to a shutout win on the road over Old Bridge, 2-0.

Luke Bickunas went 1-for-2 with a single and a walk, driving in both runs for South Plainfield, which has won five consecutive games to bounce back from losing each of its first two games of the season.

Joey Padavano and Zack Robinson each drew a walk and scored a run apiece while Ty Ducoff and Donovan hit a single apiece for South Plainfield.

Frank Papeo struck out seven and walked three, allowing three hits and two runs (one unearned) over 5 1/3 innings on the mound for Old Bridge, which falls to 5-4 with the loss.

Baseball: Donovan tosses 3-hit shutout as South Plainfield takes down Old Bridge - nj.com

Andy Mendlowitz

MyCentralJersey.com

South Plainfield 2, Old Bridge 0

Ashton Donovan was brilliant as the Tigers gained the sweep over Old Bridge.

The junior right-hander threw a three-hit shutout on five hits and a walk with five strikeouts to stop the Knights. Wednesday, South Plainfield defeated Old Bridge 6-4.

The visiting Tigers (5-2 overall, 5-2 in the Red Division) scored in the first and sixth innings as each team had three hits.

Luke Bickunas drove in both runs and singled and Donovan had his team’s other hit..

For Old Bridge (5-4, 4-4), Thomas Papeo, Mike Villani and Justin Herbstman each had hits. Frank Papeo allowed an earned run in 5 1/3 innings with seven strikeouts.

GMC Baseball: Daily updates, coaches comments and highlights from the 2022 season (mycentraljersey.com)

Ashton Donovan was nothing less than a smooth operator on

the site yesterday. Once that whistle sounded, he was

in control and had total command of the operation.

Despite the occasional jam it was a job well done

& Ashton got the men home in time for a hot meal.

2022 - Game # 6 South Plainfield 6, Old Bridge 4

Andy Mendlowitz

MyCentralJersey.com

South Plainfield 6, Old Bridge 4

Sometimes, you just have to find ways to win a game.

Despite getting out hit 11-3, South Plainfield (4-2 overall and in the Red Division) earned its fourth-straight win.

Jack Massett scattered 11 hits over six innings, but gutted his way through it and returned six straight after allowing two runs in the fourth inning.

Ashton Donovan pitched a scoreless seventh to earn his first save of the season.

In the bottom of the fourth, the Tigers received a handful of walks, a hit batter and a balk for a six-run inning.

Tyler Balent led the way with a two-RBI hit. Ty Ducoff (RBI, run) and Ashton Donovan (run) got South Plainfield’s other hits. Zack Robinson walked twice and had an RBI.

 For Old Bridge (5-3, 4-3), Giovanni Fuda went 3-for-4 with a double, Justin Herbstman was 3-for-3 with an RBI and run scored and Ryan Freel went 2-for-3 with a double, RBI and run scored.

GMC Baseball: Daily updates, coaches comments and highlights from the 2022 season (mycentraljersey.com)

The crew knew today was going to be a rough grind.

Our top hauler, Jack Massett stepped up & carried

the heavy load to the site. Despite traffic jams, a few

bumps in the road, Jack refused to crack under

pressure-delivered the goods on time & the

men got the job done.

April 13, 2022 Game Prep vs. Old Bridge at Home 4:00 p.m.

 Ducoff & Robinson punchin in early for

a hard day’s labor @ 2900 Norwood.

The whistle sounds at 4pm.

2022 - Game # 5 South Plainfield 15, JP Stevens 7

Andy Mendlowitz

MyCentralJersey.com

South Plainfield 15, J.P. Stevens 7

Down 6-1 after the first inning, South Plainfield erupted for nine runs in the bottom of the fourth to take the lead and get a comeback win.

First basemen Ashton Donovan keyed the rally by going 2-for-3 with a double, four RBI and two walks for

The Tigers (3-2 overall and in division) have won three straight.

Tyler Balent entered in the second inning and earned the win by allowing a run in five innings, allowing three hits and three walks.

In the nine-run fourth inning, Balent came through at the plate by collecting two hits, scoring two hits and adding nine RBI. Third Basemen Ty Ducoff also had a pair of hits, two walks and an RBI for the Tigers.

Luke Bickunas (3 runs) and Jayden Alvarez (run) each drove in two runs in the win and Matt Ciullo (RBI) and Steve Zultowski (run) also laced hits.

JP Stevens (1-5, 1-5) jumped out to a six-run lead in the top of the 1st highlighted by the Papaianni brothers, John and Frank, who combined for three hits, three RBI and two runs.

Ryan Hoefer (2 RBI), Dylan Brett and Mihir Patel each drove in runs for the Hawks.

GMC Baseball: Daily updates, coaches comments and highlights from the 2022 season (mycentraljersey.com)

Things did not go according to plan at the job site today,

until the arrival of the Foreman - Tyler Balent.

Tyler steadied the crew and without taking any breaks,

they finished the day strong. Tyler 5 IP, earned

the W & went 2-2 w 2 runs scored in the 4th.

Week of April 11, 2022 GMC Top 10 Baseball

 

Andy Mendlowitz

MyCentralJersey.com

Last week Highlights

 For more drama on last Monday, Edison scored twice in the top of the seventh to take the lead against South Plainfield. The Tigers responded with four runs to walk-off with a 6-5 win on No. 9 hitter Joey Padavano’s RBI-infield single.

GMC Top 10 

1. St. Joseph (2-0) – last week No. 1: The Falcons looked sharp by sweeping Perth Amby by a combined 27-4. Donovan Zsak made his much-anticipated return after missing last season following arm surgery with 3 2/3 shutout innings and 10 Ks.

2. Old Bridge (4-2) – last week No. 4: After a week of parity, there’s no clear-cut No. 2 with a handful of teams able to make cases. The Knights beat then-No. 3 Edison and split with then-No. 8 East Brunswick and No. 9 Monroe.

3. Middlesex (3-1) – last week No. 5: The Blue Jays logically move up two spots after only suffering a nonconference loss to Madison. Middlesex swept J.F. Kennedy and beat Piscataway.

4. Spotswood (4-0) – last week No. 6: The Chargers are doing just fine in the White Division with a sweep of Colonia. Casey Cumiskey is off to a 7-for-10 start.

5. East Brunswick (4-1) – last week No. 8: After dropping the opener, the Bears have won four-straight by splitting with OId Bridge, sweeping J.P. Stevens and besting Perth Amboy. Mike Marchese and Dustin McGuinness are pitching like front-line starters.

6. Monroe (4-1) – last week No. 9: What rebuild? The Falcons faced questions after graduating 13 seniors, but talented players have stepped up. Monroe has split with Old Bridge, swept South Plainfield and beat J.P. Stevens. Sophomore Harrison Lollin had 12 strikeouts in the win over OB.

7. Woodbridge (5-0) – last week not ranked: Oops! Perhaps the Barrons should have been ranked in the Preseason Top 10. Woodbridge has simply performed on the field with sweeps over then-No. 7 North Brunswick and Piscataway and a win over Colonia.

8. South Plainfield (2-2) – last week No. 10: The Tigers also have questions after graduating a bundle of talented seniors from a 20-5-1 team. Well, after an opening series loss to Monroe by scores of 4-3 and 17-5, South Plainfield rebounded with an impressive sweep over Edison. Jack Massett and Ashton Donovan provided quality starts.

9. South Brunswick (1-2) – last week No. 2: The Red Division is tough with good pitching and pesky hitters throughout the nine teams. After an opening win against J.P. Stevens, the Vikings lost twice by one run to the Hawks and Perth Amboy. They can easily climb back up in the rankings.

10. Edison (0-3) – last week No. 3: The Eagles will be just fine. Simply, they started with a tough schedule and had a pair of one-run losses to ranked teams, falling 5-4 to South Plainfield and 4-3 to Old Bridge. They also lost 9-2 to South Plainfield. Edison drops to No. 10 partly because it has to be behind South Plainfield this week.

Baseball: GMC Top 10, games to watch and highlights from last week (mycentraljersey.com)

2022 - Game # 4 South Plainfield 9, Edison 2

South Plainfield 9, Edison 2

A day after scoring four runs in the bottom of the seventh for a walk-off win, senior Jack Massett slammed the door as South Plainfield earned the sweep over Edison.

The left-hander allowed one earned run in seven innings off of four hits and five strikeouts with no walks.

The visiting Tigers (2-2 overall, 2-2 in Red Division) scored five runs in the second and four in the fourth.

Offensively, Luke Bickunas added a three-run double and finished 4-for-4 with three RBI and scored four times.

Steve Zultowski had a three-RBI double and Tyler Balent had a triple and an RBI.

Additionally, Matt Ciullo had two hits with an RBI and Ashton Donovan and Francis Flannery (RBI) each had hits.

For Edison (0-2, 0-2), Jordan Martins, Mason Murphy, Paul DiCarlo and Anthony Calantoni all had hits.

GMC Baseball: Daily updates, coaches comments and highlights from the 2022 season (mycentraljersey.com)

South Plainfield overpowers Edison 9-2

By Nestor F. Sebastian | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

South Plainfield starting pitcher Jack Massett (14) throws the final pitch of the game for a groundout and a complete game in the TigersÕ win during the baseball game between Edison and South Plainfield at Edison High School in Edison, NJ on Wednesday, April 6, 2022.

Jack Massett pitched a complete four-hitter, striking out five, as South Plainfield topped Edison 9-2.

Steve Zultowski had a three-RBI double while Tyler Balent had a triple and an RBI for South Plainfield (2-2). Luke Bickunas had a three-run double as well.

“We feel pretty good after this Edison series,” said South Plainfield coach Scott Gleichenhaus. “We’ve said from Day 1, if we pitch and play solid defensively, there’s no reason we can’t compete. We work hard in practice on improving our situational and clutch hitting, especially with runners in scoring position.”

Jordan Martins, Mason Murphy, Paul DiCarlo and Anthony Calantoni all had hits for Edison (0-2).

Luke Bickunas (26) of South Plainfield clears the bases to bring in three runs with a triple in the fourth inning during the baseball game between Edison and South Plainfield at Edison High School in Edison, NJ on Wednesday, April 6, 2022. 

Baseball: South Plainfield overpowers Edison (PHOTOS) - nj.com

2022 - Game # 3 South Plainfield 5, Edison 4

South Plainfield 6, Edison 5

After Edison scored twice in the top of the seventh to take the lead, South Plainfield put up four runs in the bottom of the inning for the improbable walk-off win.

The Tigers (1-2 overall and in the Red Division) first Red Division win after playing in the White Division last season sure was memorable.

 Zack Robinson led off the bottom of the seventh with a single. The Tigers’ next two hitters Frank Flannery and Luke Bickunas walked to load the bases.

Ashton Donovan knocked in Robinson with a fielders choice to cut the deficit 4-2. On the play, Flannery beat the third basemen to the bag to keep the bases loaded.

The Tigers scored on a fielders choice by Matt Ciullo that scored a run to make it 4-3.

The No. 6 hitter Ty Dukoff was hit by a pitch. Julian Irizarry then walked to score Bickunas to tie it at 4-4. After a strikeout, No. 9 hitter Joey Padavano chopped one over the mound, making a tough play for the shortstop and Padavano reached on an infield hit.

Donovan allowed two earned runs in six innings off of seven hits and a walk with three strikeouts.

For Edison (0-1, 0-1), Paul DiCarlo (2 RBI), Charlie Taub (run), Jaxon Appelman (double, triple, RBI, 2 runs) each had two hits apiece. Sal Della Fave (RBI) and Ryan Tomasula each had a hit.

GMC Baseball: Daily updates, coaches comments and highlights from the 2022 season (mycentraljersey.com)

 South Plainfield uses walkoff to take come-from-behind win over Edison

By Mak Ojutiku | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Joey Padavano recorded a walk-off run to help South Plainfield rally back for a 5-4 win over Edison, in South Plainfield.

The Tigers (1-2) scored three runs in the bottom of the seventh before Padavano capped the win.

Edison (0-1) scored two runs in the top of the final inning to take a 4-1 lead.

Baseball: South Plainfield uses walkoff to take come-from-behind win over Edison - nj.com

2022 - Game # 2 Monroe 17, South Plainfield 5

Andy Mendlowitz

MyCentralJersey.com

Monroe 17, South Plainfield 5

Harrison Lollin threw three perfect innings with six strikeouts and Kyle McCauley and Trevor Wallace each drove in three runs as the Falcons had the Red Division sweep.

Having multi-hit games in the win were Lollin (3 runs, 1 RBI, 2B), CJ Wisniewski (2 runs, 1 RBI, 2B) and Stephen Passucci (1 RBI, 3 runs).

Aidan Lane (hit) added two RBI and two runs and Lucas White went 1-for-2 with two RBI and two runs. PJ Syversten had a hit and RBI and Nick Sellari scored.

GMC Baseball: Daily updates, coaches comments and highlights from the 2022 season (mycentraljersey.com)

2022 - Game # 1 Monroe 4, South Plainfield 3

Monroe 4, South Plainfield 3

Andy Mendlowitz

MyCentralJersey.com

Last season, CJ Wisnieswki earned four saves.

Friday, he showed he’s a pretty good starter, too. The senior righthander didn’t allow an earned run in six innings and allowed three hits with five strikeouts as Monroe earned the Red Division win.

The Falcons scored three times in the bottom of the fifth to take a 4-2 lead. South Plainfield rallied in the seventh with two runs, but Monroe held on.

The defending co-division champs with St. Joseph graduated a chunk of its roster from that championship team.

Enter players like Wisnieswki, who are ready for an expanded role. In 2021, he struck out 19 in 19 innings with a 1.87 ERA. On a windy day, he allowed five walks, but minimized damage.

Offensively, Aidan Lane went 3-for-4 with a run scored and Trevor Wallace was 2-for-3 with two runs scored.

Lucas White had a hit and drove in a run, while Nick Sellari and Kyle McCauley each laced hits. Stephen Passucci scored in the win.

For South Plainfield, the defending White Division champs who moved into the Red this season, Luke Bickunas had a hit and RBI and Zack Robinson went 3-for-3 and scored. Ty Dukoff also scored and walked twice.

GMC Baseball: Daily updates, coaches comments and highlights from the 2022 season (mycentraljersey.com)

HNT/GMC preseason Top 10

(last year’s record noted)

1. St. Joseph (18-11)

The Falcons return a loaded team after winning last year’s GMC Tournament, including catcher Mark Gialluisi (Boston College) and pitchers Andrew Goldan (Rutgers) and Donovan Zsak (University of Virginia).

2. South Brunswick (14-10)

Our final No. 2 last season brings back 13 seniors led by junior ace Joey Tuttoilmondo and slugger Peter Cortez.

3. Edison (16-8)

The Eagles lose six seniors, but have a strong base led by slugger/ace Sal Della Fave (7 HR, 26 RBI), pitcher Jaxon Appelman (Coastal Carolina) and catcher Charlie Taub (Maine).

4. Old Bridge (9-18)

The Knights return six starters from a team that got hot down the stretch and has two potential aces in Justin Herbstman (Virginia Tech) and Christian Krause (Hartford).

5. Middlesex (22-4)

The defending Group 1 champs have some holes to fill, but they return a handful of starters and pitcher Stephen Young – plus they know how to win.

6. Spotswood (20-7)

The Chargers return 118 1/3 innings and 12 wins from last spring’s successful season led by junior ace/shortstop and All-GMC selection Casey Cumiskey.

7. North Brunswick (17-10-1)

Having an ace makes such a difference, and the Raiders roll out Zachary Konstantinovsky (Rutgers), who is also one of the team’s best hitters along with catcher/infielder Frankie Garbolino.

8. East Brunswick (11-11)

After a season with several close loses, the Bears return pitchers Dustin McGuinness and Michael Marchese who excelled as underclassmen and some pop led by Romeo Diaz.

9. Monroe (14-7)

The co-Red Division champs have to replace 13 seniors, but cycles are part of high school sports and infielders Nick Sellari (.344) and Trevor Wallace (.354) should get on base.

10. South Plainfield (20-5-1)

The Tigers have some mystery after returning two starters, but South Plainfield is a successful, tradition-rich program with no shortage of players looking to breakout.

Email: amendlowitz@njpressmedia.com

HNT/GMC Baseball: Five storylines to watch, preseason Top 10 rankings (mycentraljersey.com)

Home News Tribune & NJ.COM /GMC South Plainfield preview capsule

 

Andy Mendlowitz

MyCentralJersey.com

SOUTH PLAINFIELD

Coach: Scott Gleichenhaus, 2nd season

Last Year: 20-5-1 overall, 12-1-1 White Division

Key Losses: Nick Loniewski (CF); Vincent Esposito (P-2B); Brandon Shine (SS); Kennedy Ferguson (LF-P); Austin Scott (RF-P); Mitch Dudak (P); Dan McLoud (P); Troy O Conner (1B)

Probable Lineup: Frank Flannery (Jr., INF-P); Luke Bickunas (Sr., C); Ashton Donovan (Jr., P-1B); Ty Dukoff (Sr., INF); Tyler Balent (Sr., P-OF); Matt Ciullo (Jr., OF); Zack Robinson (So., INF-OF-P)

Pitchers: Jack Massett (Sr., LH); Ashton Donovan (Jr., RH); Rob Krovatin (Jr., RH); Tyler Balent (Sr., RH); Julian Irizarry (Sr., RH); Frank Flannery (Jr,. RH); Zack Robinson (So., RH); Jayden Alvarez (So., RH); Aldo Pigna (So., LH); Chase Donovan (So. RH) 

Top Reserves: Jack Massett (Sr., P-1B); Jayden Alvarez (So., INF); Steve Zultowski (Sr., OF); Brandon Leinhard (Jr., OF); Julian Irizarry (Sr., INF); Joey Padavano (So., OF); Anthony Delisa (So., 1B)

Outlook: The Tigers will look to senior captain/catcher Luke Bickunas and the arms of fellow captain Jack Massett and junior Ashton Donovan in order to pick up where they left off after winning the White Division in 2021. Now, South Plainfield moves up to the Red Division, where they will be competing against many of the perennial top teams in the GMC. It will be a challenge for the Tigers, which graduated 10 seniors that included two All-GMC players in Brandon Shine (SS, team-high 31 RBI) and Vincent Esposito (2B-P, 40 Ks in 39.1 inn), their entire outfield and three-fourths of their infield. Returning from last year’s regular lineup are just Bickunas (Rowan commit, 21 RBI) and infielder Frank Flannery. Seniors Ty Dukoff (INF) and Tyler Balent (OF) saw some action in the 2021 campaign and both will be looked upon to help in the run production department. Juniors Ashton Donovan, Matt Ciullo and sophomore Zack Robinson have been productive in the preseason and look to establish themselves as mainstays in the lineup. The newcomers looking to breakout and compete for jobs include seniors Julian Irizarry and Steve Zultowski, juniors Brandon Leinhard and Rob Krovatin and sophomores Jayden Alvarez and Joey Padavano.

Baseball: Home News Tribune/GMC team preview capsules (mycentraljersey.com)

South Plainfield at Monroe Preview

These two rivals were in different divisions last spring, but both are in the GMC Red in 2022. South Plainfield was 20-5-1 last spring and won the White Division title. 

South Plainfield graduated many of its statistical leaders from a season ago. The top offensive returner for the Tigers is veteran catcher Luke Bicknaus, who had 23 hits and 21 RBI. Monroe was 14-7 in 2021. Monroe closed the season by losing four of its final six games. Christopher Wisniewski returns after leading the Falcons with 20 runs scored.

Baseball is back: Can’t miss games for Opening Weekend of the 2022 season - nj.com