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/

Game # 30 South Plainfield 4 Cranford 2 (8 Innings) State Sectional Championship

South Plainfield (4) at Cranford (2), NJSIAA Tournament, Final Round, North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3 - Baseball

By The Star Ledger
on May 29, 2015 9:28 PM

Richard Greco | For NJ Advance Media

CRANFORD -- There is something about playing with its back against the wall that brings the best out of South Plainfield.

After being held scoreless through the first six innings, the third-seeded Tigers rallied to score two runs in the top of the seventh to force extra innings and scored two more in the top of the eighth.

With two runs in hand, Jake Alba closed the door with a perfect bottom of the eighth to lead South Plainfield over top-seeded Cranford, 4-2, in the championship game of the NJSIAA/Star-Ledger/Parisi North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3 tournament on Friday at Memorial Field.

South Plainfield advances to face Mount Olive, a 3-2 winner over River Dell in the the North Jersey, Section 1, Group 3 final, on Tuesday at Kean University in Union.

"We've always been that team that comes back late," Kyle Dickerson, who scored the game-winning run, said. "We are never out of the game. That's just been our team motto. It keeps us in the game. It keeps us knowing that we're always going to be in the game. It keeps us knowing that we're always going to be competing with the other team."

The Tigers' late rally started when catcher Chris Marrero walked to start the top of the seventh. A single from Dickerson, who finished the day one for three with two runs, advanced him to second base and he scored when Cranford error on a sacrifice bunt from L.J. Scarpitto, who had a hit, a run scored and two RBI.

Scarpitto was safe at first and Dickerson advanced to third, where a single from Bryan Gillen, who had two hits, allowed him to score to tie the game at 2-2.

It was Scarpitto and Dickerson again in the eighth that propelled South Plainfield. With two outs Dickerson walked, stole second and advance to third on a wild pitch to be singled home by Scarpitto. Following his teammates' footsteps, Scarpitto stole second, advanced to third on a wild pitch and came home on a passed ball to put South Plainfield ahead, 4-2.
"It was frustrating for a little bit," Scarpitto said. "We just stayed even keeled. We know how we can play and we knew sooner or later we were going to get some runs."

A two run lead was all that Alba needed. He allowed one hit in four innings of work, striking out four in the process. The bottom of the eight was his with some help from shortstop Nick Polizzano, who recorded the first two outs on grounders and caught a pop up to solidify South Plainfield's sectional championship.

"In the bottom of the eighth inning, with that lead, there were some questions as if I was going to go back in," said Alba, who came in relief for stater Vincent Pellegrino in the fifth inning. "There was no doubt that I was going to go back in. I talked to both coaches and I think they knew that I wanted it as much as anybody else on this team."

Cranford got to work early on South Plainfield and jumped out to a 1-0 lead when Patrick Knight singled in Garrett Forrestal in the top of bottom of the first. The Cougars extended their lead to 2-0 when Mike Smith scored on a pass ball.

Chris Librera started for Cranford, allowing no earned runs on three hits and striking out four through 3 2/3 innings. Knight came on in relief and gave up four runs on three hits and five walks through 4 1/3. He struck out four.

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/-4444214407935872744/south-plainfield-4-at-cranford-2-njsiaa-tournament-final-round-north-jersey-section-2-group-3-baseball/

 

Baseball: Late rallies lead South Plainfield’s to first sectional title since 1975

Harry Frezza, @thefrez56 
8:26 p.m. EDT May 29, 2015

CRANFORD – Few baseball programs in the state can match what Cranford High School has done. That resume -- highlighting Union County, division, sectional and state titles -- is posted clearly on blue and gold banners on the outfield fences and behind home plate at Memorial Field.

As a South Plainfield booster remarked Friday afternoon as the North 2 Group III final progressed between the Tigers and Cougars, the place can be intimidating for visiting teams.

But third-seeded South Plainfield (22-8) never allowed any of it to distract it from the manner at hand and the focus resulted in a dramatic 4-2, eight-inning victory. The Tigers won their second sectional title and first since 1975. South Plainfield also spoiled the Cougars (21-5) quest to win a program-best fourth straight section title. The Tigers will play North 1 champ Mount Olive in a state semifinal Tuesday at Kean University where the boys’ soccer team won the program’s first state title last fall.

Two runs in the seventh and two more in the eighth gave the Tigers the winning runs. Designated hitter Kyle Dickerson, who scored the tying run in the seventh, scored the go-ahead run on an infield error in the eighth with two outs.

“It was a heckuva effort,’’ said South Plainfield coach Tony Guida, whose team lost a sectional final to Cranford on the same diamond two years ago. “Cranford is a team that doesn’t make many mistakes. They are a powerhouse for a reason. They hit the ball, are a very well coached team, and to win a sectional title here....’’’

Cranford ace lefty and Rutgers commit Pat Knight got two groundouts to start the eighth. But Dickerson walked, stole second and moved to third on a wild pitch. He then scored the go-ahead run when LJ Scarpetto’s grounder was booted. Scarpetto came home on a wild pitch, making it 4-2 with a head first slide.

The Cougars had a 2-0 lead in the seventh, just three outs from a fourth straight title. South Plainfield catcher and No. 9 batter Chris Marrero worked a leadoff walk. Guida then sent in pinch runner Jake Hoffman. Dickerson followed with a bunt single with Hoffman moving to second. That was followed by LJ Scarpetto’s bunt that was thrown past first baseman Albert Gargiulo, allowing Hoffman to score to make it 2-1. Dickerson scored on Brian Gillen’s sharp single to left.

“I felt we needed to put some runners in the motion, I was hoping somebody would throw it away, and we got that in the seventh,’’ said Guida.

Two starting players on South Plainfield’s first-ever soccer state title last fall, played big roles.Junior righty Jake Alba, a starting defender last fall, pitched four scoreless innings and got the win in relief of Vin Pellegrino. Junior shortstop Nick Polizzano, who scored the Tigers’ first goal in a 4-3 victory over Princeton last fall in the state Group III final win, led an outstanding Tigers’ defense. In the bottom of the seventh with two outs and two runners going, Sophomore Ryan Bakie hit a grounder that Polizzano had to short hop. He made the throw to first and the Tigers had an eighth inning.

“I have been playing baseball my whole life, and that’s just gut instinct for me, I saw the huge hope, I knew I was going to get a short hop, but I knew it would be right there in my glove,’’ said Polizzano. “I had no other play. If I had stayed back on it I wouldn’t have made the play, I promise you that.’’

Alba kept the game in reach. Cranford led 1-0 and looked ready to extend the lead as Mike Smith led off the fifth with a single and Liam Duffy followed with a double to left. Guida brought in Alba. Smith scored on a wild pitch to make it 2-0, but Alba struck out the No. 1 and 2 batters in the Cougar order, using a very good curveball. He ended the inning by getting Knight on a groundout to second.

“I’ll do whatever it takes to get outs,’’ said Alba. “Team work makes it. We never had any doubts.’’

“Jake wants the ball, we thought about Polizzano, he won a state title in soccer and I really felt comforable with him on the mound and I knew he’d get the job done for us,’’ said Guida’

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/sports/high-school/2015/05/29/baseball-late-rallies-lead-south-plainfields-first-sectional-title-since/28186895/



Game # 29 South Plainfield 4 Roxbury 2

South Plainfield (4) at Roxbury (2), NJSIAA Tournament, Semifinal Round, North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3 - Baseball

By The Star Ledger
on May 26, 2015 9:56 PM

Chris Graves hit a two-run double and Nick Polizzano drove in a run with a sacrifice fly during a three-run first inning that carried third-seeded South Plainfield to a 4-2 victory over second-seeded Roxbury, No. 10 in the NJ.com Top 20, in the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3 semifinals in Roxbury.

L.J. Scarpitto finished 2-for-3 with a double and a run scored, Chris Marrero drove in a run and Jean Sapini went the distance, scattering six hits, striking out five and walking three for South Plainfield.

Steven Loreng and Ryan Jagiecki each knocked in a run for Roxbury.


http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/2555810592013127068/south-plainfield-4-at-roxbury-2-njsiaa-tournament-semifinal-round-north-jersey-section-2-group-3-baseball/

Matt Silva, @mattysilv
7:11 p.m. EDT May 26, 2015

North 2 Group III semifinals

South Plainfield 4, Roxbury 2: Chris Graves hit a two-run double and scored a run to lift third-seeded South Plainfield over second-seeded Roxbury in the North 2 Group III semifinals. L.J. Scarpitto went 2-for-3 with a triple and a run scored for the Tigers. Jean Sapini earned the complete game win, scattering six hits, walking three and striking out five. South Plainfield will face top-seeded Cranford in the finals on Friday.
http://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/sports/high-school/baseball/2015/05/26/baseball-roundup-tuesday-may/27984843/

Game # 28 South Plainfield 11 Dunellen 1

 

Dunellen (1) at South Plainfield (11) - Baseball

By The Star Ledger
on May 23, 2015 4:56 PM

Sean Erhardt went 2-for-2 with a double and three RBI to lead South Plainfield to an 11-1 win over Dunellen in South Plainfield.
Brian Cullen went 1-for-1 with two RBI and a run for South Plainfield. Bryan Gillen, Jean Sapini, and Jack Gillis each had an RBI in the win.
John Baldino went 2-for-2 for Dunellen.

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/1555802591992127082/dunellen-1-at-south-plainfield-11-baseball/

Game # 27 South Plainfield 8 Ferris 0

Ferris (0) at South Plainfield (8), NJSIAA Tournament, Quarterfinal Round, North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3 - Baseball

By The Star Ledger
on May 21, 2015 8:30 PM

Sean Erhardt went 1-for-2 with two RBI to lead third-seed South Plainfield to an 8-0 win over sixth-seed Ferris in the quarterfinal round of the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 2 tournament in South Plainfield.
Kyle Dickerson went 3-for-4 with two runs for South Plainfield. Bryan Gillen went 2-for-3 with an RBI and two runs in the win.

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/555821592110127189/ferris-0-at-south-plainfield-8-njsiaa-tournament-quarterfinal-round-north-jersey-section-2-group-3-baseball/

North 2 Group III quarterfinals

South Plainfield 8, Ferris 0: Kyle Dickerson went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and Sean Erhardt drove in two runs to pace third-seeded South Plainfield over sixth-seeded Ferris in the North 2 Group III quarterfinals. Bryan Gillen went 2-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored for the Tigers. Jake Alba scattered seven hits and struck out nine in seven innings for South Plainfield (19-8). The Tigers will take on second-seeded Roxbury in the semifinals.

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/sports/high-school/baseball/2015/05/21/baseball-gmc-roundup-thursday-may/27739999/

Game # 26 South Plainfield 5 Perth Amboy 0

Perth Amboy (0) at South Plainfield (5) - Baseball

By The Star Ledger
on May 19, 2015 9:48 PM

Chris Graves had a RBI double for South Plainfield in its 5-0 victory over Perth Amboy in South Plainfield.
Bryan Gillen led South Plainfield with two hits and L.J. Scarpitto, Kyle Dickerson and Vincent Pellegrino recorded one hit each. South Plainfield scored four runs in the fifth inning.
Enger Jimenez, Ismael Alejandro, Steven Ramos and Juan Pena had one hit each for Perth Amboy.

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/2113009724241473079/perth-amboy-0-at-south-plainfield-5-baseball/

Greg Tufaro, @GregTufaro 
5:52 p.m. EDT May 19, 2015

South Plainfield 5, Perth Amboy 0: Bryan Gillen went 2-for-2 to support winning pitcher Brandon Rickert, who allowed three hits and fanned three over five innings.
Five different Tigers scored a run and five different Tigers had an RBI. South Plainfield (18-8) scored four runs in the fifth to produce the final margin.
The Panthers (5-15) were outhit 6-4.

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/sports/high-school/baseball/2015/05/19/gmc-baseball-roundup-tuesday-may/27606475/

Game # 25 South Plainfield 7 Warren Hills 1

Greg Tufaro, @GregTufaro 
6:15 p.m. EDT May 18, 2015

North 2 Group III

South Plainfield 7, Warren Hills 1: Chris Graves went 2-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI to help the third-seeded Tigers advance to Thursday’s quarterfinals against No. 6 Ferris.
Six other South Plainfield hitters each had one hit, including Bryan Gillen, who scored twice. The Tigers padded their 2-1 lead with five runs in the sixth inning.
Winning pitcher Vincent Pellegrino fanned four, walked two and did not allow an earned run. No. 14 seed Warren Hills (8-15) was outhit 7-2.

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/sports/high-school/baseball/2015/05/18/gmc-baseball-roundup-monday-may/27552153/

Warren Hills (1) at South Plainfield (7), NJSIAA Tournament, First Round, North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3 - Baseball

By The Star Ledger
on May 18, 2015 10:42 PM

Vincent Pellegrino pitched a two-hitter, allowing two walks with four strikeouts for third-seeded South Plainfield as it defeated 14th-seeded Warren Hills, 7-1, in the first round of the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3 tournament in South Plainfield.
Nick Polizzano went 1-for-2 with two RBI for South Plainfield, which scored five of its seven runs in the sixth inning. Chris Graves was 2-for-3 with one RBI. Jack Gills and Chris Marrero each went 1-for-3 with one RBI.

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/2113017724224472947/warren-hills-1-at-south-plainfield-7-njsiaa-tournament-first-round-north-jersey-section-2-group-3-baseball/

Baseball playoffs 2015: North Jersey Section 2 Group 3 preview

By James Kratch | NJ Advance Media
for NJ.com
on May 18, 2015 6:52 AM

NORTH JERSEY, SECTION 2, GROUP 3 BRACKET

The seeds and first round pairings: 16-Newark East Side at 1-Cranford. 9-West Morris at 8-Mendham. 12-Morris Hills at 5-Colonia. 13-Voorhees at 4-West Essex. 14-Warren Hills at 3-South Plainfield. 11-Carteret at 6-Ferris. 10-Summit at 7-Nutley. 15-Passaic Valley at 2-Roxbury.

The favorite: The nod has to go to Roxbury. The Gaels wrapped up their second straight Morris County Tournament title last week and have state tournament experience in the lineup with a handful of starters back from last year's Group 4 finalist club. Very quietly, Roxbury has been among the state's elite programs for much of the past two seasons. The Gaels are 42-11-2 in their last 55 games (.781) dating back to last spring. 

The top contenders: Three-time reigning sectional champion Cranford is once again the top seed and perhaps in better shape than they were a season ago as they begin a quest for another title. This year's club has already won the Union County Tournament, solidified a state ranking and appears to have a bit more firepower both on the mound and in the lineup. ... South Plainfield has played an absolutely brutal schedule, hence its handful of losses. But the Tigers, who appeared in the 2013 sectional final, are very capable of making their way back there. ... West Essex has not played as rugged a schedule as in past seasons, but the Knights, who appeared in last year's sectional final, are extremely well-coached and always a contender. 

The dark horses: South Plainfield will have its hands full in the first round, though, with 14th-seeded Warren Hills. The Blue Streaks have underachieved a bit, but ace Anthony Veneziano gives them a shot. Also worth noting: That 7-10 game between Nutley and Summit is one worth watching; either team could give Roxbury a run in the quarterfinals. 

Player to watch: Patrick Knight is the key to it all for Cranford. The Rutgers-bound standout is both the team's best hitter (.474, 24 RBI) and its ace on the hill (3-1, 2.46). Coach Dennis McCaffery is second to none in managing his pitching staff, and he will find ways for the southpaw to impact almost every state tournament game on the mound. 

Pitcher to watch: Roxbury southpaw Alex Busby has emerged as the team's ace after spending much of last year throwing in its midweek games. Busby went 3-0 in the MCT en route to being named tournament MVP, and will be crucial to any hopes the Gaels have of returning to Toms River.

Other players to keep an eye on: 3B Joe Norton, OF Ryan Bakie, Cranford; C Nick Matera, 2B Craig Roumes, Roxbury; OF Anthony Condito, P Nick Senatore, P Sean Rodriguez, Nutley; 3B Anthony Dominguez, Mendham; 3B Michael App, Carteret; 3B Mike White, Voorhees; 2B Craig Lawson, Warren Hills; C Tyler Hablitz, Passaic Valley; OF Kyle Brown, P/OF Alec Fuoti, P/IF Cam Fuoti, Summit; P Jake Alba, South Plainfield; P Mike Parry, Colonia; OF Sway Russell, Newark East Side.

The pick: Roxbury over Cranford in the sectional final.

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/8054469765649065223/baseball-playoffs-2015-north-jersey-section-2-group-3-preview/

Baseball - 2015 NJSIAA North 2, Group 3 Tournament

2015 NJSIAA North 2, Group 3 Tournament Brackets Link:

 

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/tournament/37058/

Game # 24 St. Joseph's Metuchen 8 South Plainfield 7 (GMC Quarterfinal)

South Plainfield's #21 Chris Marrero gets St.Joseph's #22 Pat Geiger out on a force play at home plate. GMC baseball Tournament game, St. Joseph versus South Plainfield, North Brunswick, NJ May 14 2015.

Mary Iuvone/For The Home News

St. Joseph baseball advances to GMC semifinal

Daniel LoGiudice, @danny_logiudice 
8:21 p.m. EDT May 14, 2015

NORTH BRUNSWICK – A nice mixture of veteran experience and underclassmen talent helped the St. Joseph baseball team claim a win on Thursday afternoon.
St. Joseph defeated South Plainfield 8-7 in the GMC Tournament quarterfinal. The Falcons (17-8) will play the winner of J.P. Stevens and Sayerville on Saturday in the semifinal.
“This matchup is always tough for me because they’re my alma mater, so I don’t want to root against them, but I want to beat them,” St. Joseph coach Steve Bucchignano said. “That’s a good team over there and we did a good job of battling and sticking to our approach.”

Sophomore Nick Loffredo led the Falcons, going 2-3 with five RBI’s on the day. Freshman Jon Sot was also a table setter at the top of the lineup, going 2-4 with a stolen base, a RBI and a run scored.

“With each of the underclassmen, each one has stepped up somewhere along the way,” Bucchignano said. “It was nice to see Nicky have a real good game.”

Loffredo got the Falcons on the board early with a sac fly in the top of the second inning and gave his team a 1-0 lead.

After an RBI single by Jack Gillis tied the score at one in the bottom half of the second, the Falcon bats came alive in the third inning.

With the bases loaded, Pat Geiger grounded into a fielder’s choice that scored one run. Loffredo then hit a bases-clearing double to dead center off South Plainfield starter Jake Alba, giving the Falcons a 5-1 lead.

“He threw me a fastball in the second pitch of every at-bat,” Loffredo said. “He threw me a fastball down the middle and I had to take that and hit it as hard as I possibly could.”

In the bottom half of the inning, the Tigers (16-8) rallied with four runs of their own to tie the game, including a double by Tommy Dunn off Falcon starter Mike Farr that brought in two runs. Junior Connor Dolan came in with one out and limited the bleeding for the Falcons.

After Dolan shut down the Tigers in the bottom of the fourth, Loffredo reclaimed the lead again with an RBI infield single, putting the Falcons ahead 6-5. After Ross Maertz scored on a wild pitch and Jon Sot brought in a run with a bloop single, the Falcons had a 8-5 lead after 5 ½ innings, a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

Dolan pitched superbly in relief, going 4 2/3 innings and giving up only two runs, a two-run home run from Kyle Dickerson in the bottom of the sixth.

“We wanted someone with experience in the backend to keep things calm when things got rough,” Bucchignano said. “Connor settled in and kept his composure.”

Staff writer Daniel LoGiudice: dlogiudice@njpressmedia.com

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/sports/high-school/baseball/2015/05/14/st-joseph-baseball-advances-gmc-semifinal/27339615/
 

St. Joseph (Met.) (8) at South Plainfield (7), Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament, Quarterfinal Round - Baseball

By The Star Ledger
on May 14, 2015 9:40 PM

Nick Loffredo went 1-for-4 with a double and two RBI for fifth-seeded St. Joseph (Met.) in its 8-7 victory over fourth-seeded South Plainfield in the quarterfinal round of The Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament in South Plainfield.
Travis Adams and Jon Snot each had a multi-hit game for St. Joseph (Met.), which scored three runs in the fifth inning to break a 5-5 tie.
Kyle Dickerson finished 2-for-4 with two runs scored, a home run and two RBI to lead the way for South Plainfield.

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/7559579797192023583/st-joseph-met-8-at-south-plainfield-7-greater-middlesex-conference-tournament-quarterfinal-round-baseball/

Game # 23 South Plainfield 7 Woodbridge 2

Woodbridge (2) at South Plainfield (7), Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament, First Round - Baseball

By The Star Ledger
on May 12, 2015 9:28 PM

Chris Graves went 1-for-3 with a double and three RBI to lead No. 4 South Plainfield over No. 13 Woodbridge, 7-2, in the first round of the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament in South Plainfield.
Vincent Pellegrino pitched a complete game, giving up two runs (one earned) on seven hits while walking one and striking out four.
L.J. Scarpitto finished 2-for-2 with a double and an RBI. Bryan Gillen went 2-for-3 with an RBI. Kyle Dickerson and Sean Erhardt each drove in a run.
Justin Silva went 2-for-3 for Woodbridge.

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/-7887138276374527808/woodbridge-2-at-south-plainfield-7-greater-middlesex-conference-tournament-first-round-baseball/

Matt Silva, @mattysilv 
6:22 p.m. EDT May 12, 2015

South Plainfield 7, Woodbridge 2: Chris Graves supplied a three-run double and L.J. Scarpitto scored three runs to lead fourth-seeded South Plainfield (16-7) over 13^th-seeded Woodbridge in the first round of the GMC tournament. Vincent Pellegrino pitched a complete game, allowing seven hits, striking out four and walking one for the Tigers. Justin Silva and Zach Joe each scored a run for Woodbridge (10-13). South Plainfield will face third-seeded St. Joseph (Met.) in the quarterfinals on Thursday.

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/sports/high-school/baseball/2015/05/12/gmc-tournament-first-round-baseball-roundup-may-tuesday/27201113/

Baseball: Greater Middlesex Conference rankings for May 11

By Joe Zedalis | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on May 11, 2015 7:50 AM

GREATER MIDDLESEX CONFERENCE
BASEBALL RANKINGS FOR MAY 11

1-J.P. Stevens (16-6)
2-St. Joseph (Met.) (15-7)
3-Monroe (13-7)
4-Old Bridge (13-9)
5-South Plainfield (14-7)
6-Colonia (12-8)
7-East Brunswick (12-10)
8-Sayreville (13-9)
9-Bishop Ahr (15-5)
10-North Brunswick (9-9)

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/8810961300493316443/baseball-greater-middlesex-conference-rankings-for-may-11/