Since Hillsborough lost to Montgomery Wednesday afternoon, Immaculata clinched the Skyland Conference East Division title. Not saying that Immaculata backed in. The Spartans are 15-0 in divisional play. (So let's not mis-interpret).
Hillsborough is 11-2 in divisional games. Immaculata beat the Raiders 9-4 April 10 in a regular season game at HealthQuest Park. They topped the Raiders 12-11 in 10 innings the Somerset County Tournament final. Of course, that game doeesn't count toward the division.
Hillsborough Athletic Director Mike Fannizzi told me Thursday afternoon that the Raiders intend to complete their regular season schedule. Hillsborough has two games left with Watchung Hills and another with Immaculata. The game with Immaculata is scheduled for next Wednesday at HealthQuest Park in Raritan Township.
The games with Watchung Hills will be scheduled depending on how the Raiders do Friday in the Central Jersey Group IV final with Steinert. The games with Watchung Hills are tentatively scheduled for Tuesday in Hillsborough -- the day Hillsborough would play a state semifinal game if it won Friday -- and Thursday in Warren.
Hillsborough won the Skyland East last year when Tim Fedroff hit a walk-off homer against Immaculata in Hillsborough.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Immaculata news
Immaculata's Non-Public A Tournament semifinal will be held Friday at 2 p.m. at HealthQuest Park at the Cust Baseball Academy.
Roselle Catholic may start senior Billy Murphy, who'll play at Rutgers next year. Immaculata will start senior lefty Sean McKeown, headed to play at Marist.
The Hillsborough-Immaculata battle for the Skyland Conference East Division title hasn't been played out yet.
The Spartans have clinched a share of the title. They are 15-0 in divisional play. Hillsborough, which is scheduled to play host to Montgomery today, is 11-1 -- its only loss to Immaculata.
Hillsborough also has two games left with Watchung Hills. The second game with Immaculata is scheduled to play next Wednesday (June 6) at HealthQuest Park.
Roselle Catholic may start senior Billy Murphy, who'll play at Rutgers next year. Immaculata will start senior lefty Sean McKeown, headed to play at Marist.
The Hillsborough-Immaculata battle for the Skyland Conference East Division title hasn't been played out yet.
The Spartans have clinched a share of the title. They are 15-0 in divisional play. Hillsborough, which is scheduled to play host to Montgomery today, is 11-1 -- its only loss to Immaculata.
Hillsborough also has two games left with Watchung Hills. The second game with Immaculata is scheduled to play next Wednesday (June 6) at HealthQuest Park.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Busy Tuesday
A very busy day with sectional semifinals -- and don't forget Immaculata in the Non-Public A quarterfinals.
At one point, I was primed to talk about how the Skyland Conference dominated. The league did well enough - Hackettstown, Hillsborough, Immaculata, Somerville all advanced. So that's 4-2. Hunterdon Central and Phillipsburg lost.
What could have been -- Central had a 6-2 lead at top-seed Steinert (Hamilton East) in the Central Jersey Group IV semis, but Steinert ralled to win 8-7 in the bottom of the seventh. Hillsborough won, so it's Steinert-Hillsborough in the sectional final Friday in Hamilton. But it could have been Central-Hillsborough. Oh well.
Phillipsburg also got knocked out by Westfield 9-4 in the North 2, Group IV semi. Nice job by the Blue Devils, who really hit the ball early in the game. They'll play at Edison Friday. Its Wesfield's first sectional final since 1995. They haven't won one since 1988.
Immaculata thumped Bergen Catholic 17-2 and will now play host to Roselle Catholic at 1 p.m. Friday at HealthQuest Park.
I was at Somerville-New Providence game at White Oak Park.
The story was Somerville junior left hander Ryan Zamorsky, who pitched a complete-game, six hitter, striking out 10 and allowing two walks. He also made a terrific play in the fifth inning, fielding a slow roller and throwing home instead of going to first to keep the score tied at one. He and catcher Chris DeMarco hooked up to nail a New Providence baserunner who was attempting to score.
Somerville went ahead in the bottom of the inning on junior Eric Karpinski's two-out, pinch hit base hit. The Somerville Pioneers (New Providence is also called the Pioneers) got two outstanding defensive plays by first baseman Mike Mottes and second baseman Dan Reynolds in the seventh to close out a 2-1 win.
I like the Pioneers to win the CJ Group II title Friday in Branchburg against Spotswood. Spotswood has to play the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament final Saturday and will use its ace Will Beard against J.P. Stevens in that game. Who knows. Call me a shill, but I've been on the Ville bandwagon for awhile.
After the game, longtime New Providence coach Tom Beck told us that he is stepping down to accept a job with Weichert Reality in Seminole, Fla. Beck said they made him a offer he couldn't refuse. Good luck to Tommy.
Middlesex and its first-year head coach Mike O'Donnell advanced to the Central Jersey Group I final Friday against Metuchen. The Blue Jays beat Metuchen 12-1 and 3-1 during the regular season.
At one point, I was primed to talk about how the Skyland Conference dominated. The league did well enough - Hackettstown, Hillsborough, Immaculata, Somerville all advanced. So that's 4-2. Hunterdon Central and Phillipsburg lost.
What could have been -- Central had a 6-2 lead at top-seed Steinert (Hamilton East) in the Central Jersey Group IV semis, but Steinert ralled to win 8-7 in the bottom of the seventh. Hillsborough won, so it's Steinert-Hillsborough in the sectional final Friday in Hamilton. But it could have been Central-Hillsborough. Oh well.
Phillipsburg also got knocked out by Westfield 9-4 in the North 2, Group IV semi. Nice job by the Blue Devils, who really hit the ball early in the game. They'll play at Edison Friday. Its Wesfield's first sectional final since 1995. They haven't won one since 1988.
Immaculata thumped Bergen Catholic 17-2 and will now play host to Roselle Catholic at 1 p.m. Friday at HealthQuest Park.
I was at Somerville-New Providence game at White Oak Park.
The story was Somerville junior left hander Ryan Zamorsky, who pitched a complete-game, six hitter, striking out 10 and allowing two walks. He also made a terrific play in the fifth inning, fielding a slow roller and throwing home instead of going to first to keep the score tied at one. He and catcher Chris DeMarco hooked up to nail a New Providence baserunner who was attempting to score.
Somerville went ahead in the bottom of the inning on junior Eric Karpinski's two-out, pinch hit base hit. The Somerville Pioneers (New Providence is also called the Pioneers) got two outstanding defensive plays by first baseman Mike Mottes and second baseman Dan Reynolds in the seventh to close out a 2-1 win.
I like the Pioneers to win the CJ Group II title Friday in Branchburg against Spotswood. Spotswood has to play the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament final Saturday and will use its ace Will Beard against J.P. Stevens in that game. Who knows. Call me a shill, but I've been on the Ville bandwagon for awhile.
After the game, longtime New Providence coach Tom Beck told us that he is stepping down to accept a job with Weichert Reality in Seminole, Fla. Beck said they made him a offer he couldn't refuse. Good luck to Tommy.
Middlesex and its first-year head coach Mike O'Donnell advanced to the Central Jersey Group I final Friday against Metuchen. The Blue Jays beat Metuchen 12-1 and 3-1 during the regular season.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
HAIL MUSTANGS
Congratulations to Manville. The Mustangs finished their season with a stunning 10-9 win over Somerville Saturday morning in Branchburg in eight innings.
I talked to Somerville head coach Rick Sabol a couple of hours after the game and he praised Manville for the comeback. Somerville, which clinched the Skyland Conference Raritan Division title earlier in the week, squandered a 9-5 lead.
Too many times, we spend a lot of energy on why the heavily favored team -- in this case Somerville -- didn't win. What went wrong, etc. But Sabol didn't make any excuses.
"Hey, good for them," Sabol said.
Manville's Robert Wood hit a grand slam in the top of the seventh to tie the game at 9, then Tom Rock tripled and scored on Kyle Sopko's sacrifice fly in the eighth to win it.
It was a great season-ending win for Manville, which finished at 6-14.
Somerville now prepares for its Central Jersey Group II semifinal Tuesday against New Providence in Branchburg. Hard to believe, but Somerville has won just one sectional title -- that was in 1973 when Sabol was the Pioneers starting shortstop.
I talked to Somerville head coach Rick Sabol a couple of hours after the game and he praised Manville for the comeback. Somerville, which clinched the Skyland Conference Raritan Division title earlier in the week, squandered a 9-5 lead.
Too many times, we spend a lot of energy on why the heavily favored team -- in this case Somerville -- didn't win. What went wrong, etc. But Sabol didn't make any excuses.
"Hey, good for them," Sabol said.
Manville's Robert Wood hit a grand slam in the top of the seventh to tie the game at 9, then Tom Rock tripled and scored on Kyle Sopko's sacrifice fly in the eighth to win it.
It was a great season-ending win for Manville, which finished at 6-14.
Somerville now prepares for its Central Jersey Group II semifinal Tuesday against New Providence in Branchburg. Hard to believe, but Somerville has won just one sectional title -- that was in 1973 when Sabol was the Pioneers starting shortstop.
Some stuff
We had a story on Thursday night's Somerset County Tournament final at Commerce Bank Ballpark in Saturday's paper.
Courier News Online - Baseball: Epic county final wasn't pretty, but it was fi
I'm going to post some comments from Hillsborough head coach Norm Hewitt about the county final over the weekend, so please feel free to check in. Also, there's a couple of other trivial type notes that I still haven't posted as yet.
Nice job by the Raiders for rebounding from the 12-11 crushing loss to Immaculata in the county final Thursday night by beating North Brunswick 7-1 Friday in the Central Jersey Group IV quarterfinals. They'll play host to South Brunswick Tuesday in the section semis. Hunterdon Central plays at Hamilton East in the other semifinal. Boy, a Central-Hillsborough final would be something.
The Skyland Conference Delaware East Division has yet to be won. Immaculata is on top in the division with a 15-0 record and has just one divisional game left -- against second-place Hillsborough. Hillsborough is 11-1 in divisional play -- its only loss to Immaculata 9-4. Hillsborough has four divisional games left -- two with Watchung Hills, one with Montgomery and another with Immaculata.
Eight schools are left in the state tournament, which will resume Tuesday with public school sectional semifinals. Middlesex (CJ I), Hillsborough, Hunterdon Central (CJIV), Immaculata (Non-Public A), New Providence and Somerville (CJII), Scotch Plains-Fanwood (North 2, III), Westfield (North 2, IV). We have a local matchup and one-near local. New Providence plays at White Oak Park in Branchburg against Somerville and Westfield plays at Phillipsburg.
Courier News Online - Baseball: Epic county final wasn't pretty, but it was fi
I'm going to post some comments from Hillsborough head coach Norm Hewitt about the county final over the weekend, so please feel free to check in. Also, there's a couple of other trivial type notes that I still haven't posted as yet.
Nice job by the Raiders for rebounding from the 12-11 crushing loss to Immaculata in the county final Thursday night by beating North Brunswick 7-1 Friday in the Central Jersey Group IV quarterfinals. They'll play host to South Brunswick Tuesday in the section semis. Hunterdon Central plays at Hamilton East in the other semifinal. Boy, a Central-Hillsborough final would be something.
The Skyland Conference Delaware East Division has yet to be won. Immaculata is on top in the division with a 15-0 record and has just one divisional game left -- against second-place Hillsborough. Hillsborough is 11-1 in divisional play -- its only loss to Immaculata 9-4. Hillsborough has four divisional games left -- two with Watchung Hills, one with Montgomery and another with Immaculata.
Eight schools are left in the state tournament, which will resume Tuesday with public school sectional semifinals. Middlesex (CJ I), Hillsborough, Hunterdon Central (CJIV), Immaculata (Non-Public A), New Providence and Somerville (CJII), Scotch Plains-Fanwood (North 2, III), Westfield (North 2, IV). We have a local matchup and one-near local. New Providence plays at White Oak Park in Branchburg against Somerville and Westfield plays at Phillipsburg.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
SCT FINAL stuff
Our deadlines weren't late enough to get the 35th annual Somerset County Tournament final Thursday night in our print editions. I don't know if I would have made it if the deadline was later -- this marathon/epic game will need a whole bunch of newshole to explain.
Immaculata won it 12-11 in the bottom of the 10th when junior second baseman Logan Morello scored on a wild pitch. Immaculata senior first baseman Jack Rice was the game's MVP. I can tell you that we ran through about a dozen candidates in this wild, wild game that took about four hours to complete.
The Spartans have won 11 county titles since winning its first title in 1991.
Hillsborough (16-4) 104-100-210-2-11-13-3
Immaculata (22-1) 212-001-210-3-12-12-5
2B: H--Sadin, Schwalje, I—Bland, Rice, Bernhardt. 3B: I—Rice, Morello ; HR—Marquis, Bland. WP—Burke (1-0). LP—Swickle (4-2)
Boxscore
Hillsborough
Giralo (RF) 6-1-1-0
Towey (SS) 6-4-3-0
Swickle (1B) 4-2-2-0
Hansford (LF) 4-1-1-1
Sadin (C) 4-2-3-4
Fessak (CR)
MacDonald (3B) 5-0-0-0
Zygmund (CF) 3-0-1-0
Schwalje (2B) 5-1-1-2
DeSanto (DH) 5-1-1-2
for Andrews (P)
Immaculata
DeNick (RF) 5-1-2-1
Marquis (CF) 6-1-1-2
Florio (LF) 4-1-0-0
Bland (C) 5-3-2-1
Knabe (CR)
Rice (1B) 5-1-3-2
Burke (SS/P) 3-1-0-0
Crane (3B) 5-0-1-1
Bernhardt (DH) 4-1-1-0
for McKeown (P)
Brownett (PR)
Schoberl (PH for Bernhardt in 10th) 0-1-0-0
Morello (2B) 5-2-2-0
(Some not so) trivial stuff:
Immaculata senior Tom Burke started the game at shortstop, then took over for starter Sean McKeown, who left after eight innings and 119 pitches. Burke had thrown only two innings this year before Thursday. He went two innings in the county final and got the win.
Burke walked three times and scored a run in the seventh when Immaculata rallied to tie the game at eight.
For the second straight county game, Hillsborough leadoff hitter Anthony Giralo hit the first pitch of the game for a single to left field.
With the score tied at nine in the ninth, Immaculata loaded the bases on Mark Bernhardt's leadoff double, Logan Morello's single and a walk to Frank DeNick. But Swickle got Matt Marquis on a pop to third, struck out Frank Florio looking and got Jeff Bland on a pop out to short. The Raiders weren't as lucky in the 10th, but Swickle got two outs before throwing a wild pitch that Morello scored on for the game winner.
There was only one 1-2-3 inning in the entire game. McKeown got Corey Towey on a pop to right, Swickle on a fly to left and Mike Hansford on a pop to short in the sixth.
Swickle and McKeown are next-door neighbors in Hillsborough.
Immaculata won it 12-11 in the bottom of the 10th when junior second baseman Logan Morello scored on a wild pitch. Immaculata senior first baseman Jack Rice was the game's MVP. I can tell you that we ran through about a dozen candidates in this wild, wild game that took about four hours to complete.
The Spartans have won 11 county titles since winning its first title in 1991.
Hillsborough (16-4) 104-100-210-2-11-13-3
Immaculata (22-1) 212-001-210-3-12-12-5
2B: H--Sadin, Schwalje, I—Bland, Rice, Bernhardt. 3B: I—Rice, Morello ; HR—Marquis, Bland. WP—Burke (1-0). LP—Swickle (4-2)
Boxscore
Hillsborough
Giralo (RF) 6-1-1-0
Towey (SS) 6-4-3-0
Swickle (1B) 4-2-2-0
Hansford (LF) 4-1-1-1
Sadin (C) 4-2-3-4
Fessak (CR)
MacDonald (3B) 5-0-0-0
Zygmund (CF) 3-0-1-0
Schwalje (2B) 5-1-1-2
DeSanto (DH) 5-1-1-2
for Andrews (P)
Immaculata
DeNick (RF) 5-1-2-1
Marquis (CF) 6-1-1-2
Florio (LF) 4-1-0-0
Bland (C) 5-3-2-1
Knabe (CR)
Rice (1B) 5-1-3-2
Burke (SS/P) 3-1-0-0
Crane (3B) 5-0-1-1
Bernhardt (DH) 4-1-1-0
for McKeown (P)
Brownett (PR)
Schoberl (PH for Bernhardt in 10th) 0-1-0-0
Morello (2B) 5-2-2-0
(Some not so) trivial stuff:
Immaculata senior Tom Burke started the game at shortstop, then took over for starter Sean McKeown, who left after eight innings and 119 pitches. Burke had thrown only two innings this year before Thursday. He went two innings in the county final and got the win.
Burke walked three times and scored a run in the seventh when Immaculata rallied to tie the game at eight.
For the second straight county game, Hillsborough leadoff hitter Anthony Giralo hit the first pitch of the game for a single to left field.
With the score tied at nine in the ninth, Immaculata loaded the bases on Mark Bernhardt's leadoff double, Logan Morello's single and a walk to Frank DeNick. But Swickle got Matt Marquis on a pop to third, struck out Frank Florio looking and got Jeff Bland on a pop out to short. The Raiders weren't as lucky in the 10th, but Swickle got two outs before throwing a wild pitch that Morello scored on for the game winner.
There was only one 1-2-3 inning in the entire game. McKeown got Corey Towey on a pop to right, Swickle on a fly to left and Mike Hansford on a pop to short in the sixth.
Swickle and McKeown are next-door neighbors in Hillsborough.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
SCT BASEBALL FINAL
One of my editors has told me that my blog needs more "feeback" type subjects, i.e., picking games to rattle the pride factors of our schools. I'm taking steps to improve my blogging.
Two of our leaders in the pride category -- Hillsborough and Immaculata -- meet in Thursday night's 35th annual Somerset County Tournament final at Commerce Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater. Game time is 7 p.m.
So, can I pick against Immaculata and inspire the nice chants I've heard over the years from the Spartain faithful? Let me tell you, if I PICK the Spartans I have a chance of hearing the same. That's not a factor.
I can't see Hillsborough winning, so I'm sorry to disappoint. The Raiders can thank me for picking against them and fueling their motivational juices.
Some thoughts on the game:
Can Hillsborough senior lefty Mark Andrews match Immaculata senior lefty Sean McKeown (of Hillsborough)? If that happens, can Hillsborough find a way to score runs off McKeown?
Hillsborough might be able to pull off a 3-2 or 2-1 victory, but the Raiders won't win a slugfest. First baseman Corey Swickle and left fielder Mike Hansford bat three and four in the Raiders' lineup. They'll have to do something.
Immaculata's Matt Marquis, Frank Florio, Jeff Bland, Jack Rice and Tom Burke (and don't forget Chaz Crane in the seven hole) is as strong a lineup as the Spartans have had.
I'm picking Immaculata 8-3.
Possible lineups
Hillsborough (16-3)
Anthony Giralo RF
Corey Towey SS
Corey Swickle 1B
Mike Hansford LF
Matt Sadin C
Matt Zygmund CF
Sean MacDonald 3B
Rick Schwalke 2B
Albert DeSanto (DH) bats for Andrews
Immaculata (21-1)
Frank DeNick RF
Matt Maquis CF
Frank Florio LF
Jeff Bland C
Jack Rice 1B
Tom Burke SS
Chas Crane 3B
Mark Bernhardt (DH) bats for McKeown
Logan Morello 2B
Courier News Online - Podcasts
Two of our leaders in the pride category -- Hillsborough and Immaculata -- meet in Thursday night's 35th annual Somerset County Tournament final at Commerce Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater. Game time is 7 p.m.
So, can I pick against Immaculata and inspire the nice chants I've heard over the years from the Spartain faithful? Let me tell you, if I PICK the Spartans I have a chance of hearing the same. That's not a factor.
I can't see Hillsborough winning, so I'm sorry to disappoint. The Raiders can thank me for picking against them and fueling their motivational juices.
Some thoughts on the game:
Can Hillsborough senior lefty Mark Andrews match Immaculata senior lefty Sean McKeown (of Hillsborough)? If that happens, can Hillsborough find a way to score runs off McKeown?
Hillsborough might be able to pull off a 3-2 or 2-1 victory, but the Raiders won't win a slugfest. First baseman Corey Swickle and left fielder Mike Hansford bat three and four in the Raiders' lineup. They'll have to do something.
Immaculata's Matt Marquis, Frank Florio, Jeff Bland, Jack Rice and Tom Burke (and don't forget Chaz Crane in the seven hole) is as strong a lineup as the Spartans have had.
I'm picking Immaculata 8-3.
Possible lineups
Hillsborough (16-3)
Anthony Giralo RF
Corey Towey SS
Corey Swickle 1B
Mike Hansford LF
Matt Sadin C
Matt Zygmund CF
Sean MacDonald 3B
Rick Schwalke 2B
Albert DeSanto (DH) bats for Andrews
Immaculata (21-1)
Frank DeNick RF
Matt Maquis CF
Frank Florio LF
Jeff Bland C
Jack Rice 1B
Tom Burke SS
Chas Crane 3B
Mark Bernhardt (DH) bats for McKeown
Logan Morello 2B
Courier News Online - Podcasts
Monday, May 21, 2007
Union County Tournament review
Governor Livingston senior right-hander Anthony Corsi was outstanding for 6 innings Sunday night as the Highlanders and Cranford entered the inning tied at one.
Corsi, who will pitch at New Jersey Institute of Technology next year, started the inning having limited Cranford to two hits -- a leadoff homer by Vin Gilstrap in the second. But a leadoff double in the seventh by Mike Tubelli was the start of a night-marish inning for the Highlanders. Cranford scored six runs and won its fifth county title with a 7-1 win at Linden's Memorial Field.
"The double down the line set the table for them and it would have been nice to get out of the inning at 3-1, but it's high school baseball and things happen," GL coach Chris Roof said. "The team that makes the least amount of mistakes is going to be the winner."
Corsi walked Dave Jackson after Tubelli's double. He struck out Rob Colaneri -- his ninth and last of the night. Leadoff hitter Justin Ingram dribbled a ground ball toward Quaglia, who charged the ball, but Tubelli slid in with the go-ahead run. Two more errors in the inning didn't help. One on an infielder overthrow andother run coming home when a relay throw was dropped and another on a walk with the bases loaded. Of the Cougars seven runs, three were earned. The last four runs of the game were unearned.
"I missed location on the double. I was trying to bust him in on the hands, but he got his bat out," Corsi said. "I had to bear down and take care of business. When the time comes .. I was just trying to let them hit the ball and hit it on the ground hopefully."
Before the seventh, Corsi had pitched 18 innings and allowed four runs across three games against Cranford.
"Anthony pitched tonight -- he proved to everybody -- that he is one of the best pitchers in the state," Roof said. "I think that NJIT got a find right there. I think Rutgers, Seton Hall and other Division I schools missed out on this kid. Not just because of his stuff, but what's in his heart."
Governor Livingston was held to four hits by junior right Dan Moreno, who raised his record to 5-2. One of them was a two-out, solo homer by senior shortstop Brooks Miller in the first inning. GL could have had more in the first. Adam Bergman followed Miller's blast with a single, Kevin Wheaton walked and Justin Quaglia reached after striking out when the ball got away from catcher Dan Jackson. Jackson tried to throw to third to get Bergman, but the Highlanders had the bases loaded. But Moreno struck out Nick Hrynkiewicz looking to end the inning.
"That first inning was huge," Roof said. "Four hits in the game. When you get the bases loaded against a quality team like Cranford you got to put up a couple of runs on the board. In fact, we didn't score any after Brooks' homer."
Cranford has now won nine straight, its last lost May 1 against Gl. GL and Corsi beat Cranford 2-1 with a run in the bottom of the seventh.
Corsi, who will pitch at New Jersey Institute of Technology next year, started the inning having limited Cranford to two hits -- a leadoff homer by Vin Gilstrap in the second. But a leadoff double in the seventh by Mike Tubelli was the start of a night-marish inning for the Highlanders. Cranford scored six runs and won its fifth county title with a 7-1 win at Linden's Memorial Field.
"The double down the line set the table for them and it would have been nice to get out of the inning at 3-1, but it's high school baseball and things happen," GL coach Chris Roof said. "The team that makes the least amount of mistakes is going to be the winner."
Corsi walked Dave Jackson after Tubelli's double. He struck out Rob Colaneri -- his ninth and last of the night. Leadoff hitter Justin Ingram dribbled a ground ball toward Quaglia, who charged the ball, but Tubelli slid in with the go-ahead run. Two more errors in the inning didn't help. One on an infielder overthrow andother run coming home when a relay throw was dropped and another on a walk with the bases loaded. Of the Cougars seven runs, three were earned. The last four runs of the game were unearned.
"I missed location on the double. I was trying to bust him in on the hands, but he got his bat out," Corsi said. "I had to bear down and take care of business. When the time comes .. I was just trying to let them hit the ball and hit it on the ground hopefully."
Before the seventh, Corsi had pitched 18 innings and allowed four runs across three games against Cranford.
"Anthony pitched tonight -- he proved to everybody -- that he is one of the best pitchers in the state," Roof said. "I think that NJIT got a find right there. I think Rutgers, Seton Hall and other Division I schools missed out on this kid. Not just because of his stuff, but what's in his heart."
Governor Livingston was held to four hits by junior right Dan Moreno, who raised his record to 5-2. One of them was a two-out, solo homer by senior shortstop Brooks Miller in the first inning. GL could have had more in the first. Adam Bergman followed Miller's blast with a single, Kevin Wheaton walked and Justin Quaglia reached after striking out when the ball got away from catcher Dan Jackson. Jackson tried to throw to third to get Bergman, but the Highlanders had the bases loaded. But Moreno struck out Nick Hrynkiewicz looking to end the inning.
"That first inning was huge," Roof said. "Four hits in the game. When you get the bases loaded against a quality team like Cranford you got to put up a couple of runs on the board. In fact, we didn't score any after Brooks' homer."
Cranford has now won nine straight, its last lost May 1 against Gl. GL and Corsi beat Cranford 2-1 with a run in the bottom of the seventh.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Saturday
The Union County Tournament final has been moved to Sunday night at 8 p.m. at Memorial Field in Linden. Rain was the culprit. It'll be Cranford and Governor Livingston. GL is hoping to win its first county title. We'll cover it.
Hunterdon Central did what was expected Saturday afternoon -- the Red Devils whipped Voorhees 11-1 to win the 21st annual Hunterdon/Warren Tournament. Central beat Voorhees 8-0 and 9-6 during the regular season. Red Devils' left fielder Derek Goreczny had an interesting day -- three runs scored, a single, a hit by pitch and walk. Every Red Devil reached first at least once. Central scored its fourth run without a hit in the fourth. Kevin Flammia led off with a walk and courtesy runner Matt Sanquini replaced him at first. Sanquini stole second, moved to third on a groundout to first and scored on Sean Deegan's flyout to left.
Voorhees did a great job to get to the final, but Central had too, too much. Central opens the CJ IV Tournament Monday against Middletown South. Central (19-5) has an opportunity to go far since it has the kind of pitching depth needed. Voorhees played without two starters - senior rightfielder Brian Best (broken hand) and junior center fielder Billy Weiss (coach's decision).
Voorhees, which is 6-13, has two regular-season games left.
Hunterdon Central did what was expected Saturday afternoon -- the Red Devils whipped Voorhees 11-1 to win the 21st annual Hunterdon/Warren Tournament. Central beat Voorhees 8-0 and 9-6 during the regular season. Red Devils' left fielder Derek Goreczny had an interesting day -- three runs scored, a single, a hit by pitch and walk. Every Red Devil reached first at least once. Central scored its fourth run without a hit in the fourth. Kevin Flammia led off with a walk and courtesy runner Matt Sanquini replaced him at first. Sanquini stole second, moved to third on a groundout to first and scored on Sean Deegan's flyout to left.
Voorhees did a great job to get to the final, but Central had too, too much. Central opens the CJ IV Tournament Monday against Middletown South. Central (19-5) has an opportunity to go far since it has the kind of pitching depth needed. Voorhees played without two starters - senior rightfielder Brian Best (broken hand) and junior center fielder Billy Weiss (coach's decision).
Voorhees, which is 6-13, has two regular-season games left.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Experience my blog and enjoy
Unlike wrestling and football, baseball seeds are a bit easier to figure. It's basically the best records in the sections on down.
We have four area clubs with top seeds -- Immaculata (17-1) in North Parochial A, Bernards (12-7) in North 2, Group II, Somerville (17-4) in CJ Group II and Middlesex (13-5) in CJ I.
Bernards, beaten by Hanover Park in the sectional final last year, is one spot ahead of Hanover Park.
Immaculata is one spot ahead of the team it lost to in the sectional final last year -- Seton Hall Prep. That's a matchup everybody is eager to see. But, remember, Immaculata lost to Delbarton earlier in the week. Delbarton is the fourth seed behind third-seed Don Bosco.
Some other seed looks: We have four in North 2, Group IV and Central Jersey Group II.
If you count pseudo local Phillipsburg in North 2, it's five -- No. 8 Westfield opens with No. 9 Piscataway. No. 4 Watchung Hills plays host to No. 13 Linden. No. 5 Phillipsburg plays host to No. 12 Union and No. 14 North Hunterdon plays at No. 5 East Side. North was knocked out by East Side last year, but beat East Side in a regular season game this season.
CJ II: Somerville is my favorite. With Nick McNamara and Mike Kaminski behind him, the Pioneers should have enough. Last year's section champ, Governor Livingston is the seventh seed. Delaware Valley, at fifth, will play host to No. 12 New Providence. GL plays host to No. 10 Bordentown.
Hillsborough is the second seed in CJ IV and Hunterdon Central is fourth.
Other early predictions: Seton Hall Prep because of its pitching is a favorite to top Immaculata. Middlesex is the strongest team in CJ I. Watchung Hills might be a fourth seed, but the Warriors have been through a brutal schedule.
Half of the Skyland Conference's 22 schools have qualified: Delaware Valley and Somerville in CJ II; North Warren in North 1, Group II, Bernards and Hackettstown in North 2, Group II; Phillipsburg, North Hunterdon, Watchung Hills in North 2, Group IV; Hunterdon Central and Hillsborough in CJ IV and Immaculata in North Non-Public A.
We have four area clubs with top seeds -- Immaculata (17-1) in North Parochial A, Bernards (12-7) in North 2, Group II, Somerville (17-4) in CJ Group II and Middlesex (13-5) in CJ I.
Bernards, beaten by Hanover Park in the sectional final last year, is one spot ahead of Hanover Park.
Immaculata is one spot ahead of the team it lost to in the sectional final last year -- Seton Hall Prep. That's a matchup everybody is eager to see. But, remember, Immaculata lost to Delbarton earlier in the week. Delbarton is the fourth seed behind third-seed Don Bosco.
Some other seed looks: We have four in North 2, Group IV and Central Jersey Group II.
If you count pseudo local Phillipsburg in North 2, it's five -- No. 8 Westfield opens with No. 9 Piscataway. No. 4 Watchung Hills plays host to No. 13 Linden. No. 5 Phillipsburg plays host to No. 12 Union and No. 14 North Hunterdon plays at No. 5 East Side. North was knocked out by East Side last year, but beat East Side in a regular season game this season.
CJ II: Somerville is my favorite. With Nick McNamara and Mike Kaminski behind him, the Pioneers should have enough. Last year's section champ, Governor Livingston is the seventh seed. Delaware Valley, at fifth, will play host to No. 12 New Providence. GL plays host to No. 10 Bordentown.
Hillsborough is the second seed in CJ IV and Hunterdon Central is fourth.
Other early predictions: Seton Hall Prep because of its pitching is a favorite to top Immaculata. Middlesex is the strongest team in CJ I. Watchung Hills might be a fourth seed, but the Warriors have been through a brutal schedule.
Half of the Skyland Conference's 22 schools have qualified: Delaware Valley and Somerville in CJ II; North Warren in North 1, Group II, Bernards and Hackettstown in North 2, Group II; Phillipsburg, North Hunterdon, Watchung Hills in North 2, Group IV; Hunterdon Central and Hillsborough in CJ IV and Immaculata in North Non-Public A.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Somerset semis
Was there any doubt?
The only real drama in Immaculata's 11-3 win over Watchung Hills was how long would it take before the Spartans took control. That would be four batters. Jeff Bland hit a two-out, two-run first inning homer off Joe Giaimo to get things rolling.
In the fourth -- Giaimo gets the first two batters out again -- but -- walk to Frank Florio, Bland gets hit by a pitch and Jack Rice singles in the Spartan's seventh run. Four runs in the seventh -- highlighted by Tom Burke's three run blast over the left field fence -- put the game to bed.
Some numbers from the game. Chas Crane: 4-for-4 with two RBIs. Florio: 3-for-3 with four runs scored, a single, double and triple -- which just missed clearing the fence. Bland was 2-for-2 with three RBIs and Rice went 3-for-4 with two RBIs.
Maybe Somerset County would be better if it pooled all of its best players into one team and played Immaculata. But as somebody told me as I left Commerce Bank Ballpark, "That wouldn't be enough." How about if we threw in Hunterdon and Warren counties?
One chink in Immaculata's game. Four errors. Two in the outfield and two in the infield. It didn't matter.
Hillsborough's 3-2 win over Somerville in the first game of the doubleheader was pretty much what was expected. The Raiders' Mike Andrews and Somerville's Nick McNamara were very good. Andrews got the better defense, though Andrews was actually hurt by it in the first inning. Both of Somerville's runs were unearned.
Hillsborough will have to play a near-perfect game to beat Immaculata. Immaculata doesn't have to play a near-perfect game to beat Hillsborough.
The county final is next Thursday night.
The only real drama in Immaculata's 11-3 win over Watchung Hills was how long would it take before the Spartans took control. That would be four batters. Jeff Bland hit a two-out, two-run first inning homer off Joe Giaimo to get things rolling.
In the fourth -- Giaimo gets the first two batters out again -- but -- walk to Frank Florio, Bland gets hit by a pitch and Jack Rice singles in the Spartan's seventh run. Four runs in the seventh -- highlighted by Tom Burke's three run blast over the left field fence -- put the game to bed.
Some numbers from the game. Chas Crane: 4-for-4 with two RBIs. Florio: 3-for-3 with four runs scored, a single, double and triple -- which just missed clearing the fence. Bland was 2-for-2 with three RBIs and Rice went 3-for-4 with two RBIs.
Maybe Somerset County would be better if it pooled all of its best players into one team and played Immaculata. But as somebody told me as I left Commerce Bank Ballpark, "That wouldn't be enough." How about if we threw in Hunterdon and Warren counties?
One chink in Immaculata's game. Four errors. Two in the outfield and two in the infield. It didn't matter.
Hillsborough's 3-2 win over Somerville in the first game of the doubleheader was pretty much what was expected. The Raiders' Mike Andrews and Somerville's Nick McNamara were very good. Andrews got the better defense, though Andrews was actually hurt by it in the first inning. Both of Somerville's runs were unearned.
Hillsborough will have to play a near-perfect game to beat Immaculata. Immaculata doesn't have to play a near-perfect game to beat Hillsborough.
The county final is next Thursday night.
Monday, May 14, 2007
County semifinal No. 2
Will it go seven innings?
That's not a knock on Watchung Hills, but I believe that's what a lot of folks are wondering about tonight's Somerset County Tournament semifinal between fourth-seed Watchung Hills and top seed Immaculata at Commerce Bank Ballpark in the Finderne section of Bridgewater.
Watchung Hills coach Mario Diez told me Sunday that he was hoping his team could avoid a mercy-run rule loss and play a regulation seven-inning game. I suspect Mario was half kidding.
I really believe Hillsborough has the best chance of beating Immaculata. But that's for another day. C'mon, we have to have a little drama.
Immaculata lost to Delbarton Monday, but that's not an issue. The Spartans live for the county tournament and winning it. They won't miss a beat.
Immaculata simply has too much firepower for anybody in the area where we live. That's the way it is and will be eight out of 10 years when it comes to this event.
Watchung Hills is a good, solid team with a good chance of winning the North 2, Group IV title. The chance Watchung Hills has against Immaculata is if lefty Joe Giaimo keeps the Warriors in the game and his teammates can scrap together a few runs.
Immaculata's own lefty ace Sean McKeown is used to pitching in big venues and the Spartans should get enough firepower from junior third baseman Chas Crane, senior shortstop Tom Burke, junior center fielder Matt Marquis and senior left fielder Frank Florio and senior catcher Jeff Bland. Don't forget junior right fielder Frank DeNick, who has been moved to the top of the lineup.
Immaculata wins 8-2, but it goes seven.
P.S.: We have had some adjusted deadlines at the Courier News. Since they have become much earlier, there is a good chance that the second game of the double header -- Somerville plays Hillsborough at 4 p.m. -- will not make the newspaper's Wednesday print editions.
That's not a knock on Watchung Hills, but I believe that's what a lot of folks are wondering about tonight's Somerset County Tournament semifinal between fourth-seed Watchung Hills and top seed Immaculata at Commerce Bank Ballpark in the Finderne section of Bridgewater.
Watchung Hills coach Mario Diez told me Sunday that he was hoping his team could avoid a mercy-run rule loss and play a regulation seven-inning game. I suspect Mario was half kidding.
I really believe Hillsborough has the best chance of beating Immaculata. But that's for another day. C'mon, we have to have a little drama.
Immaculata lost to Delbarton Monday, but that's not an issue. The Spartans live for the county tournament and winning it. They won't miss a beat.
Immaculata simply has too much firepower for anybody in the area where we live. That's the way it is and will be eight out of 10 years when it comes to this event.
Watchung Hills is a good, solid team with a good chance of winning the North 2, Group IV title. The chance Watchung Hills has against Immaculata is if lefty Joe Giaimo keeps the Warriors in the game and his teammates can scrap together a few runs.
Immaculata's own lefty ace Sean McKeown is used to pitching in big venues and the Spartans should get enough firepower from junior third baseman Chas Crane, senior shortstop Tom Burke, junior center fielder Matt Marquis and senior left fielder Frank Florio and senior catcher Jeff Bland. Don't forget junior right fielder Frank DeNick, who has been moved to the top of the lineup.
Immaculata wins 8-2, but it goes seven.
P.S.: We have had some adjusted deadlines at the Courier News. Since they have become much earlier, there is a good chance that the second game of the double header -- Somerville plays Hillsborough at 4 p.m. -- will not make the newspaper's Wednesday print editions.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
County semifinal No. 1
Of the two county semifinals at Commerce Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater Tuesday, which one figures to be the better game? I'm not crazy about picking baseball games, but since my colleague Simeon Pincus has been doing it with the softball tournament, why not do it with baseball?
I'm thinking Somerville-Hillsborough should be the better of the two games. Watchung Hills and Immaculata is the second game.
Funny how things work out. Hillsborough and Somerville always played a cross-over regular season game, but this year -- with the expansion of the Skyland Conference - the two didn't play each other. But they'll see each other in the first game of doubleheader at 4 p.m.
I haven't seen Hillsborough play this year, but scheduled starter Mark Andrews has been terrific and senior first baseman Cory Swickle, outfielder Matt Zygmund and shortstop Corey Towey have been steady contributors. Swickle played a major role two years ago when the Raiders won county and state Group IV titles. Swickle, Towey, second baseman Ricky Schwalje and third baseman Sean MacDonald give the Raiders consistent defense.
Somerville is an outstanding team and could make a run for a Central Jersey Group II title behind good pitching and reliable defense. Nick McNamara, the senior lefty, will start against Hillsborough. He's had a player of the year kind of season. Center fielder Eric Fowler has shown his promise and senior shortstop Mike Kaminski is very good. Kaminski is also the team's closer and No. 2 pitcher.
The question is where will Somerville's offense come from Tuesday?
I like Hillsborough 5-2. (This is exactly what Somerville wants I would suspect).
We'll get around to Game II tomorrow.
I'm thinking Somerville-Hillsborough should be the better of the two games. Watchung Hills and Immaculata is the second game.
Funny how things work out. Hillsborough and Somerville always played a cross-over regular season game, but this year -- with the expansion of the Skyland Conference - the two didn't play each other. But they'll see each other in the first game of doubleheader at 4 p.m.
I haven't seen Hillsborough play this year, but scheduled starter Mark Andrews has been terrific and senior first baseman Cory Swickle, outfielder Matt Zygmund and shortstop Corey Towey have been steady contributors. Swickle played a major role two years ago when the Raiders won county and state Group IV titles. Swickle, Towey, second baseman Ricky Schwalje and third baseman Sean MacDonald give the Raiders consistent defense.
Somerville is an outstanding team and could make a run for a Central Jersey Group II title behind good pitching and reliable defense. Nick McNamara, the senior lefty, will start against Hillsborough. He's had a player of the year kind of season. Center fielder Eric Fowler has shown his promise and senior shortstop Mike Kaminski is very good. Kaminski is also the team's closer and No. 2 pitcher.
The question is where will Somerville's offense come from Tuesday?
I like Hillsborough 5-2. (This is exactly what Somerville wants I would suspect).
We'll get around to Game II tomorrow.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
IN
These teams have qualified for the sectional tournament:
North 2, Group IV
North Hunterdon (8-7)
Piscataway (9-7)
Watchung Hills (12-4)
Westfield (13-5)
Bubble: Bridgewater-Raritan (9-9): Games with Hunterdon Central (Thursday), Edison (Friday).
North 2, Group III
Scotch Plains-Fanwood (12-7)
South Plainfield (10-7)
North 2, Group II
Bernards (9-6)
Central Jersey Group IV
Hillsborough (13-3)
Hunterdon Central (13-5)
Bubble: Montgomery (7-10): Games with Warren Hills (Thursday) and South Brunswick and Somerville (Friday).
Central Jersey Group II
Delaware Valley (14-4)
Governor Livingston (12-5)
New Providence (8-6)
Somerville (15-2)
Bubble: North Plainfield (10-11) plays at North Warren (Thursday)
Central Jersey Group I
Dunellen (11-9)
Middlesex (11-3)
Bubble: Somerset Tech (6-7) plays at St. Peter of New Brunswick (Friday)
Non-Public A
Immaculata (15-0)
Pingry (6-5)
Union Catholic (11-5)
Non-Public B
Gill St. Bernards (9-8)
North 2, Group IV
North Hunterdon (8-7)
Piscataway (9-7)
Watchung Hills (12-4)
Westfield (13-5)
Bubble: Bridgewater-Raritan (9-9): Games with Hunterdon Central (Thursday), Edison (Friday).
North 2, Group III
Scotch Plains-Fanwood (12-7)
South Plainfield (10-7)
North 2, Group II
Bernards (9-6)
Central Jersey Group IV
Hillsborough (13-3)
Hunterdon Central (13-5)
Bubble: Montgomery (7-10): Games with Warren Hills (Thursday) and South Brunswick and Somerville (Friday).
Central Jersey Group II
Delaware Valley (14-4)
Governor Livingston (12-5)
New Providence (8-6)
Somerville (15-2)
Bubble: North Plainfield (10-11) plays at North Warren (Thursday)
Central Jersey Group I
Dunellen (11-9)
Middlesex (11-3)
Bubble: Somerset Tech (6-7) plays at St. Peter of New Brunswick (Friday)
Non-Public A
Immaculata (15-0)
Pingry (6-5)
Union Catholic (11-5)
Non-Public B
Gill St. Bernards (9-8)
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
...montgomery not out?
Well, I should have known. After all, this is state qualifying week. Friday is the day baseball teams must have at least a .500 record to make the state tournament.
We had Montgomery getting eliminated in Wednesday's print edition of the Courier News. But now the Cougars have beaten Franklin 17-11 to move to 7-10 and will have three games left. The Cougars added a Friday afternoon game with South Brunswick. So....if Montgomery beats Warren Hills Thursday, then South Brunswick Friday afternoon and Somerville Friday night -- the Cougars will make the states with a 10-10 record.
Can Bridgewater-Raritan make it? The Panthers are 9-9 with a game at Hunterdon Central Thursday and another at home Friday with Edison. Central and Edison have already qualified in CJ IV.
The way it looks: North Plainfield won't get in. The Canucks are 10-11 with a game at a solid North Warren team Thursday. Somerset Tech is 6-7 and could get in if it beats St. Peter of New Brunswick Friday in New Brunswick.
We had Montgomery getting eliminated in Wednesday's print edition of the Courier News. But now the Cougars have beaten Franklin 17-11 to move to 7-10 and will have three games left. The Cougars added a Friday afternoon game with South Brunswick. So....if Montgomery beats Warren Hills Thursday, then South Brunswick Friday afternoon and Somerville Friday night -- the Cougars will make the states with a 10-10 record.
Can Bridgewater-Raritan make it? The Panthers are 9-9 with a game at Hunterdon Central Thursday and another at home Friday with Edison. Central and Edison have already qualified in CJ IV.
The way it looks: North Plainfield won't get in. The Canucks are 10-11 with a game at a solid North Warren team Thursday. Somerset Tech is 6-7 and could get in if it beats St. Peter of New Brunswick Friday in New Brunswick.
Wednesday
Montgomery is out. But not without effort -- an 8-6 loss at Immaculata Tuesday. The Cougars needed a 4-0 week to make the North 2, Group III tournament. Cutoff day is Friday and schools need at least a .500 record.
Phillipsburg loses to Voorhees Saturday in the Hunterdon/Warren Tournament quarterfinal, but rebounds to beat Somerville 4-3 and Hunterdon Central 5-3. The win over Central gave the Stateliners a 1 1/2 lead over the Red Devils for the Skyland West Division. Makes me wonder. What was bigger for Phillipsburg? The Hunterdon/Warren Tournament or beating four-time divisional champion Hunterdon Central? They beat Central on opening-day as well.
I don't like the word devastating when it applies to high school sports, but North Plainfield suffered what could be described as devastating loss to Bernards Tuesday. North Plainfield could have clinched a spot in the CJ Group II playoffs, but the Canucks are now 10-11 with a very good North Warren team up Thursday.
Piscataway has lost three straight and is now 8-7. The Chiefs have clinched a berth since they have only game left before the cutoff -- today against North Hunterdon at home. After a 0-6 start, South Plainfield clinched a playoff berth. The Tigers are 9-7. Delaware Valley has won 10 straight.
Phillipsburg loses to Voorhees Saturday in the Hunterdon/Warren Tournament quarterfinal, but rebounds to beat Somerville 4-3 and Hunterdon Central 5-3. The win over Central gave the Stateliners a 1 1/2 lead over the Red Devils for the Skyland West Division. Makes me wonder. What was bigger for Phillipsburg? The Hunterdon/Warren Tournament or beating four-time divisional champion Hunterdon Central? They beat Central on opening-day as well.
I don't like the word devastating when it applies to high school sports, but North Plainfield suffered what could be described as devastating loss to Bernards Tuesday. North Plainfield could have clinched a spot in the CJ Group II playoffs, but the Canucks are now 10-11 with a very good North Warren team up Thursday.
Piscataway has lost three straight and is now 8-7. The Chiefs have clinched a berth since they have only game left before the cutoff -- today against North Hunterdon at home. After a 0-6 start, South Plainfield clinched a playoff berth. The Tigers are 9-7. Delaware Valley has won 10 straight.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
the weekend
Couple of thoughts on Montgomery. The Cougars are 6-9, but geez, forget the record. They're a much better team. Freshman right fielder J.T. Tartacoff is impresssive both defensively and at the plate. He bats in the leadoff spot. Senior shortstop John Engelmann is another fine player.
But, unless Montgomery goes 4-0 this week, they're going to miss the state sectional playoffs.
Here's the week Montgomery faces: Immaculata on the road Tuesday, at Franklin Wednesday, at Warren Hills Thursday and a rematch with Somerville Friday night. Montgomery would have to go 4-0 to make the playoff field.
Might finally get a chance to see a Hunterdon/Warren Tournament game Saturday. Eighth-seed Voorhees at fifth-seed Delaware Valley could be fun.
Last year, Phillipsburg beat Warren Hills in the county final, which meant we didn't have a local representative. We're locked in for one this year. Hunterdon Central can't possibly lose to sixth-seed Hackettstown in the other semifinal, right? Then again, that's what I thought about Voorhees' chances against top-seed and defending champ Phillipsburg.
Spoke to South Hunterdon first-year coach Toby Jefferis Sunday night. The Eagles got their first win last week by beating Bound Brook 5-3 Tuesday. The next day the Eagles were beaten by North Plainfield 10-2. "I told the kids they can't stand prosperity," he said. "I don't think most of them knew the word."
But the Eagles did get their win. The win came a day after a 23-2 loss in the Hunterdon/Warren Tournament to Warren Hills. Jefferis didn't pitch his ace -- senior Jacob Stevens -- against Warren Hills since he figured the team had a better chance in the games against Bound Brook and North Plainfield.
All of our schools have now won at least one game. For the record.
Our podcast will be done Monday night. So look for it sometime Tuesday
But, unless Montgomery goes 4-0 this week, they're going to miss the state sectional playoffs.
Here's the week Montgomery faces: Immaculata on the road Tuesday, at Franklin Wednesday, at Warren Hills Thursday and a rematch with Somerville Friday night. Montgomery would have to go 4-0 to make the playoff field.
Might finally get a chance to see a Hunterdon/Warren Tournament game Saturday. Eighth-seed Voorhees at fifth-seed Delaware Valley could be fun.
Last year, Phillipsburg beat Warren Hills in the county final, which meant we didn't have a local representative. We're locked in for one this year. Hunterdon Central can't possibly lose to sixth-seed Hackettstown in the other semifinal, right? Then again, that's what I thought about Voorhees' chances against top-seed and defending champ Phillipsburg.
Spoke to South Hunterdon first-year coach Toby Jefferis Sunday night. The Eagles got their first win last week by beating Bound Brook 5-3 Tuesday. The next day the Eagles were beaten by North Plainfield 10-2. "I told the kids they can't stand prosperity," he said. "I don't think most of them knew the word."
But the Eagles did get their win. The win came a day after a 23-2 loss in the Hunterdon/Warren Tournament to Warren Hills. Jefferis didn't pitch his ace -- senior Jacob Stevens -- against Warren Hills since he figured the team had a better chance in the games against Bound Brook and North Plainfield.
All of our schools have now won at least one game. For the record.
Our podcast will be done Monday night. So look for it sometime Tuesday
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Saturday (in the) White Oak Park and other places
How about Voorhees?
The eighth-seeded Vikings knocked off top-seed and defending champion Phillipsburg in the Hunterdon/Warren Tournament quarterfinal.
The Vikings won 8-2 and will now meet fifth-seed Delaware Valley in the Hunterdon/Warren semifinals Saturday. Del Val had its own "upset" beating fourth-seeded North Hunterdon 4-0. Sixth-seeded Hackettstown beat third-seeded North Warren, which means second-seed Hunterdon Central gets sixth-seed Hackettstown Saturday. Hackettstown knocked off third-seed North Warren.
So three of the four lower seeded schools moved on.
Don't don't count Voorhees out. The Vikes are 4-10. They are out of the Skyland Conference division race, and have been eliminated from making the state playoffs. The only thing they have left is the Hunterdon/Warren.
We'll have a look at Voorhees' whacky week in Monday's notebook. Some weird stuff happened during the week for the Vikings like finishing its loss to Bridgewater-Raritan with just eight players on the field and coach Spark Mattson catching Ridge in a batting out of order sequence.
All four higher seeds won in Somerset County -- fourth-seed Watchung Hills, third -seeded Hillsborough, second-seed Somerville and top seed Immaculata. They all have left-handed seniors as their aces.
It looks like it'll be an all lefty semifinal matchup at Commerce Bank Ballpark May 15th. Hillsborough lefty Mark Andrews against Somerville lefty Nick McNamara. Immaculata lefty Sean McKeown against Watchung Hills lefty Joe Giaimo.
The eighth-seeded Vikings knocked off top-seed and defending champion Phillipsburg in the Hunterdon/Warren Tournament quarterfinal.
The Vikings won 8-2 and will now meet fifth-seed Delaware Valley in the Hunterdon/Warren semifinals Saturday. Del Val had its own "upset" beating fourth-seeded North Hunterdon 4-0. Sixth-seeded Hackettstown beat third-seeded North Warren, which means second-seed Hunterdon Central gets sixth-seed Hackettstown Saturday. Hackettstown knocked off third-seed North Warren.
So three of the four lower seeded schools moved on.
Don't don't count Voorhees out. The Vikes are 4-10. They are out of the Skyland Conference division race, and have been eliminated from making the state playoffs. The only thing they have left is the Hunterdon/Warren.
We'll have a look at Voorhees' whacky week in Monday's notebook. Some weird stuff happened during the week for the Vikings like finishing its loss to Bridgewater-Raritan with just eight players on the field and coach Spark Mattson catching Ridge in a batting out of order sequence.
All four higher seeds won in Somerset County -- fourth-seed Watchung Hills, third -seeded Hillsborough, second-seed Somerville and top seed Immaculata. They all have left-handed seniors as their aces.
It looks like it'll be an all lefty semifinal matchup at Commerce Bank Ballpark May 15th. Hillsborough lefty Mark Andrews against Somerville lefty Nick McNamara. Immaculata lefty Sean McKeown against Watchung Hills lefty Joe Giaimo.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Another mercy run
How about Scotch Plains-Fanwood senior left-hander Jake Parisi? He pitched all 10 innings in Scotch Plains-Fanwwood's 12-0, 11-0 doubleheader sweep of Shabazz Wednesday. Parisi threw just 45 pitches in the first game, so he was very fresh to take to the mound in the second game, Raider coach Tom Baylock said.
Pitchers are limited to 10 innings in a four-day period, so everything was OK. But it's these types of games and results that make you wonder. Baseball and softball have this problem where schools who should be playing a junior varsity schedule shouldn't be playing one level up. The other part of this equation are schools which don't have any kind of feeder program to the high school level.
What makes this stuff even worse is when the team that is doing all the scoring has to make outs intentionally to keep the game going. This isn't the way to play and it happens quite a bit.
Any solutions out there? I saw a 34-6 score recently. I guess it won't be going away any time soon.
Pitchers are limited to 10 innings in a four-day period, so everything was OK. But it's these types of games and results that make you wonder. Baseball and softball have this problem where schools who should be playing a junior varsity schedule shouldn't be playing one level up. The other part of this equation are schools which don't have any kind of feeder program to the high school level.
What makes this stuff even worse is when the team that is doing all the scoring has to make outs intentionally to keep the game going. This isn't the way to play and it happens quite a bit.
Any solutions out there? I saw a 34-6 score recently. I guess it won't be going away any time soon.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Gambino wins 400th
Longtime Immaculata head coach Tom Gambino won his 400th game Tuesday in a 13-0 win against Franklin. Gambino's teams have won 10 Somerset County Tournament titles in his rein. We'll be doing a follow on the milestone in Monday's paper. The Spartans are 12-0 this year.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
electrial storm and a blog addition
A few notes from a very, very busy Tuesday afternoon.
I can't get out of the office very often and I'm regretting not being able to get out to the North Hunterdon-Hunterdon Central game in Clinton. It was a classic. The game ended with Central junior center fielder Sean Deegan making a diving catch to rob Drew Geissinger of a two-run homer. Central won it 4-3. Consider this: North Hunterdon's senior right hander Mike Londino pitched a complete-game two-hitter and lost. He gave up a three-run homer to Danny Fitzsimmons in the third inning after giving up a RBI double to Deegan. Deegan is having quite a season. North Hunterdon outhit Central 8-2.
Governor Livingston scored an important 2-1 win over Cranford in Berkeley Heights on Brooks Miller's RBI single in the bottom of the seventh. Governor Livingston lost to Cranford 15-5 earlier in the season. Now there are three teams atop the Mountain Valley Mountain Division race -- Governor Livingston, Roselle Park and Cranford.
Immaculata head coach Tom Gambino got his 400th win when the Spartans beat Franklin 13-0. How many of those wins would Gambino trade to have a victory over Seton Hall Prep this year? Quite a few I'd suspect.
After losing to Warren Hills 23-2 Monday, South Hunterdon earned its first win of the season Tuesday by beating Bound Brook. Franklin and Belvidere are two other schools that got their first wins this spring against the Crusaders.
Hillsborough has won seven straight after beating Montgomery Tuesday.
South Plainfield senior center fielder Chris Stallone is closing in on the all-time Tigers' hit record. He's three behind the top mark set by Dan Massaro of 84 between 1990 and 1992.
I can't get out of the office very often and I'm regretting not being able to get out to the North Hunterdon-Hunterdon Central game in Clinton. It was a classic. The game ended with Central junior center fielder Sean Deegan making a diving catch to rob Drew Geissinger of a two-run homer. Central won it 4-3. Consider this: North Hunterdon's senior right hander Mike Londino pitched a complete-game two-hitter and lost. He gave up a three-run homer to Danny Fitzsimmons in the third inning after giving up a RBI double to Deegan. Deegan is having quite a season. North Hunterdon outhit Central 8-2.
Governor Livingston scored an important 2-1 win over Cranford in Berkeley Heights on Brooks Miller's RBI single in the bottom of the seventh. Governor Livingston lost to Cranford 15-5 earlier in the season. Now there are three teams atop the Mountain Valley Mountain Division race -- Governor Livingston, Roselle Park and Cranford.
Immaculata head coach Tom Gambino got his 400th win when the Spartans beat Franklin 13-0. How many of those wins would Gambino trade to have a victory over Seton Hall Prep this year? Quite a few I'd suspect.
After losing to Warren Hills 23-2 Monday, South Hunterdon earned its first win of the season Tuesday by beating Bound Brook. Franklin and Belvidere are two other schools that got their first wins this spring against the Crusaders.
Hillsborough has won seven straight after beating Montgomery Tuesday.
South Plainfield senior center fielder Chris Stallone is closing in on the all-time Tigers' hit record. He's three behind the top mark set by Dan Massaro of 84 between 1990 and 1992.
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