Another good week for high school baseball in New Jersey.
NJ.com looks at the surprises, the hot starts, the milestones and more in the second edition of baseball hot takes for games played between April 4-10.
• Century marks. A head coach reaches 100 wins. A player gets his 100th hit.
• Stat leaders in strikeout-to-walk ratio, walks drawn, doubles and triples.
• A 61-game conference losing streak ended.
Share all this week's hot takes with your baseball-loving friends.
Steve Hockstein | For NJ Advance Media
Pascack Hills’ Kirkby hits century mark
Getting coach Kevin Kirkby his 100th career wasn't easy for Pascack Hills. It knew that it had a target on its back heading into the season and Westwood had its sights set on taking down the defending Bergen County and Group 2 champs Monday afternoon. Westwood sent ace Anthony Corrubia to the hill and capitalized on a second inning double from Matt Brown to pull ahead 1-0. Reigning NJ.com pitcher of the year Ryan Ramsey buckled down from there and wouldn't let another run come across as he struck out 10 in six innings of work. Pascack Hills struck in the top of the sixth with two runs as Marc Hernandez and Connor Quigley both came across. Chris Curcio came on for the save and struck out the side to secure coach Kirkby’s spot in the 100-win club.
Skid snapping at Manville
It's been a while since the Manville baseball team was able to celebrate a Skyland Conference victory -- 81 games, in fact. Manville ended that difficult streak on April 4 when it scored a 16-0 victory over Warren Tech. Manville's last Skyland victory came on May 2, 2013 -- a 4-3 victory over Bound Brook. In the April 4, seven-inning win, Manville collected 13 hits -- four by John Sharbaugh. Sharbaugh and Jake Sanders had three RBI apiece. Sharbaugh and Sanders combined on a two-hitter with 11 strikeouts. Unfortunately, the Manville's winning streak lasted just one game. Manville has lost three-straight.
More no-hitters
• April 6: Joe Krause Old Bridge: The senior lefty, threw 87 pitches, struck out none and walked three in a no-hit effort against J.P. Stevens.
• April 6: Junior Sam Young, Point Boro: Young fanned 12 and walked one during a five-inning no-hitter in a 10-0 win over Spotstwood
• April 6: Junior Sean DeMarco, Midland Park: DeMarco struck three and walked two on his way to a five-inning no-hitter in Midland Park's 10-0 win over New Milford.
• April 8: Senior Sonny Fauci, Old Bridge: He struck out seven in a no-hitter when Old Bridge downed J.P. Stevens, 3-0. He walked just three and helped himself out at the plate with a double and a run scored.
April 8: John DiCostanzo, Haddon Heights: The sophomore struck out three in a no-hitter as Haddon Heights defeated Sterling, 7-0. He walked just one batter and helped himself out at the plate with a single.
April 8: Jason Lyons, Shore: The senior struck out 15 and drove in the game's only run in a 1-0, no-hit victory over Holmdel.
• April 9: Bryan Bernard, Ryan Bearse, Howell: Lefty Bryan Bernard struck out 17 and Ryan Bearse threw and inning of no-hit relief during a 1-0, no-hit victory over Long Branch.
The NJ.com no-hitter list is based on games played and reported to njschoolsports.com through April 3. NJ.com will accept no-hit reports made by head coaches with the following information: Date, opponent, strikeouts, game score.
David Gard | For NJ Advance Media
Matt Hartshorn's happy return at TRS
It was a happy return for Toms River South senior Matt Hartshorn this week. Hartshorn, who missed all of 2018 after successful Tommy John surgery, helped Toms River South sweep a two-game series against rival Toms River East this week. On Monday, Hartshorn went 2-for-3 with a double, homer and four RBI in a 5-2 victory. On Tuesday, making his first pitching appearance since 2017, Hartshorn pitched no-hit ball for 4 2/3. He finished with a one-hitter. He struck out five and walked one on only 60 pitches in the five-inning complete game. Toms River South (3-2) has won three-straight.
Surging Saddle Brook
Saddle Brook didn't get its fourth win last season until April 24. Saddle Brook finished 7-14 a year ago, but Saddle Brook has sped to a 4-1 start in 2019 and is nipping at the heels of St. Mary (Ruth.) in the NJIC Meadowlands Division. Saddle Brook was handed its first loss by North Arlington Wednesday, 5-3. The five runs yielded against North Arlington was one more than Saddle Brook had given up in its first four games. The offense has been potent for Saddle Brook, outscoring opponents 69-9 on 64 hits. John Hacker is a smoking 9-for-13 with seven RBI, Anthony Marchetto is 10-for-16 with eight RBI and six stolen bases. The Falcons pitch to contact as illustrated by their staff total of 14 strikeouts and three bases on balls. Saddle Brook has played excellent defense, with only five errors in five games -- two of those against North Arlington.
Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal
Hoboken's red-hot Redwings
Hoboken has bolted to 4-0 after Wednesday's games -- its best four-game start in the last eight seasons. Hoboken got off to 3-1 starts in 2018, 2013 and 2011. Hoboken is looking to finish above .500 for the first time since it finished 15-13 in 2012. The Hoboken offense has been productive. The Redwings have outhit the opposition 33-17 and outscored opponents 31-10. Hoboken has also played solid defense with only five errors thus far. Senior Aram Assadourian is 7-for-13 with nine RBI and two homers. Senior Victor Martinez was 4-for-7 last week and scored six runs. The Hoboken pitching staff has been productive as a group, allowing 18 hits, seven earned runs with 26 strikeouts and 14 walks.
Larry Murphy | For the Times of Trenton
Holy Spirit off to terrific start
Flying out of the gate, Holy Spirit took an impressive 5-0 record into Thursday's Cape-Atlantic United game against Pleasantville. The Spartans outscored opponents 41-7 over those first five games, which included shutouts against Millville (11-0) and Wildwood Catholic (10-0).
Alec Sachais, a senior right-hander headed to Rider, is 2-0 with 20 strikeouts and a 0.57 ERA in 12 1/3 innings of work. Brandon Castellini (eight RBIs) and Shane Solari have led the offensive attack, each batting .455.
Demarest is a run away from a perfect start
Sitting at 4-1, Demarest very likely could be one of the state’s remaining undefeated teams if a bounce had gone its way. Its lone loss came on April 3 at the hands of Pascack Valley. Demarest scored two runs in the top of the seventh to break a 2-2 tie and pull ahead 4-2. In the bottom of the inning however, Pascack Valley mounted a rally and scored three runs to walk-off with a 5-4 win. Since the loss, Demarest took down Dwight-Morrow twice (14-3 and 19-1) and defeated Bergenfield (9-2). Joe Argenziano, Nick Argenziano, Miles Chamberlain, Corey Fleder, Jackson Hecker, Matt Hefter, Thomas Reilly and Ethan Rothstein lead a deep lineup, while Joe and Nick Argenziano along with Rothstein key its pitching staff.
Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media
Jackson's Iadisernia gets 100th hit
Senior Alex Iadisernia (pictured above), an Elon University commit, and a menacing left-hand hitter, collected his 100th career hit in a 10-0 victory over rival Jackson Liberty last Saturday. Iadisernia was 2-3 on the day with a double, two runs scored and two RBI.
NJ.com will accept milestone reports made by head coaches with the following information: Date, opponent, what type of hit and what inning.
K2BB leaders
STRIKEOUT-TO-WALK RATIO LEADERS
(Minimum 10 innings pitched)
Name, school IP-K-BB RATIO
Joey Ventresca, Pinelands, 14-28-2 +26
Josh O'Neill, Nutley, 17.1-29-4 +25
Zach Fernandez, Union, 14-24-1 +23
John Sharbaugh, Manville, 14.3-22-0 +22
Mike Ruggieri, Northern Highlands, 11.1-23-3 +20
Bryan Bernard, Howell, 12.2-24-4 +20
Vincent Vartolone, Lodi, 11.1-23-4 +19
Jared Zimbardo, Middlesex, 12.3-24-5 +19
Nicholas Guzzi, Point Pleasant Boro, 12.2-19-1 +18
Ulisses Ferraz, St. Mary (Eliz.), 10-19-1 +18
Michael Walter, Hammonton, 13.2-22-5 +17
Eric McKenna, North Arlington, 11.1-21-4 +17
Eli Atiya, Cherry Hill West, 12-20-3 +17
Michael Gray, Marist, 12-18-1 +17
Nick Draben, North Plainfield, 11-22-5 +17
Jose Marte, Bogota, 10.1-20-3 +17
Kenneth Tillman, Shabazz, 13-22-6 +16
Ben Church, Wildwood Catholic, 12-20-4 +16
Frankie Venezia, Lyndhurst, 12-20-4 +16
Ryan Ramsey, Pascack Hills, 11.2-19-3 +16
Bobby Theuret, Ridgefield Park, 17.4-18-2 +16
Jordan McFadden, Camden Tech, 13-20-5 +15
Nick Razzano, South River, 13.1-19-4 +15
Andruw Lisojo, Morris Hills, 13.2-19-4 +15
Chris Shine, South Plainfield, 12.2-19-4 +15
Ben Levine, Manalapan, 13-18-3 +15
Anthony Molina, Bound Brook, 12-17-2 +15
Jake Wells, Pope John, 14-16-1 +15
(Based on games played and reported to njschoolsports.com through April 10)
Larry Murphy | For The Times of Trenton
Notre Dame pitchers in the zone
Notre Dame, off to a 5-0 start, has had incredible pitching in the early going. The Irish feature a pair of Division 1 hurlers -- senior righty Rob Buecker is headed to the United States Military Academy at West Point, and Nick Feretic, a junior righty, is a Rutgers commit. But the rest of the staff is following the lead of its two aces. As a group, the Notre Dame pitching staff has allowed 22 hits, 11 runs (all earned) with 44 strikeouts and 13 walks in 33 innings. Notre Dame has won two games by shutout.
Jeff Granit | For NJ Advance Media
Good fortune for Middlesex
Middlesex excels in capitalizing on opponent miscues. Earlier this week against Spotswood, the Blue Jays loaded the bases in the bottom of the ninth on a leadoff single by Jared Zimbardo, an intentional walk and a hit batsman. Stephen Young then rolled an infield grounder that was bobbled, allowing the decisive run in a 1-0 win to score.
Mainland loses Chase Petty to knee injury
Sophomore pitcher/shortstop Chase Petty had surgery last week after suffering a knee injury during Mainand's preseason trip to Florida. He slid into a pro base and it failed to break away, causing Petty to tear his meniscus.
According to coach Billy Kern, Petty began rehabilitation this week and his timetable for a return remains unknown.
"Any time you lose a talent like Chase it’s a big loss," Kern said. "Our players have responded to the challenge of losing a key player and we have been fortunate to have our pitchers step up and shoulder the innings Chase would have thrown.
"We anticipate Chase will recover well and do big things for our program in the future."
Al Amrhein | For NJ Advance Media
Sawyer ends back-to-back games with home runs
West Deptford senior Ryan Sawyer opened the week with a power surge, helping nail down victories over Collingswood and Sterling.
An outfielder headed to Philadelphia University, the senior belted three-run, walk-off home runs Monday and Tuesday. In Tuesday's 13-3 win over Sterling, Sawyer had a pair of three-run blasts.
Alexandra Pais | For NJ Advance Media
Spotswood redemption
After losing in gut-wrenching fashion to Middlesex on Tuesday, Spotswood redeemed itself on Wednesday with a 2-1 victory, ending a five-game winning streak by Middlesex. Ty Lewandowski poked a single to left scoring Jack Welsh with the eventual winning run in the bottom of the second inning. Welch had a hustling infield single and a stolen base to set up the run. Matt Vento (2-0) (pictured above) was outstanding on the mound allowed only three hits with three strikeouts and two walks for Spotswood (3-3).
Sizzling in the GMC
Some of the players off to torrid starts in the Greater Middlesex Conference through Wednesday, April 10:
• Garrett Allo, East Brunswick Tech: Batting .692 (9-for-13) with 11 RBI.
• Kyle Gasiewski, South Amboy: Batting .625 (10-16) with 10 runs scored, 4 RBI.
• Gerard Chiricolo, Bishop Ahr: Batting .550 (11-for-20) with 6 RBI and 5 runs scored.
• Vinnie Powers, Iselin Kennedy: Batting .528 (10-for-17) with 7 runs scored, 4 RBI.
• Adalberty Sanchez, Iselin Kennedy: Batting .500 (8-for-16) with a GMC-leading 13 RBI.
• Axel Nunez, Carteret: Batting .476 (10-for-21) with 11 RBI.
• Ethan Calcano, Sayreville: Batting .421 (8-for-19) with 11 RBI.
• Gabriel Otero, New Brunswick: Batting .444 (8-for-18) with 11 RBI.
Steve Hockstein | For NJ Advance Media
Two undefeated squads set to clash
Both Gov. Livingston and Cranford headed into Thursday’s games with undefeated records. The two sides are set to duke it out next Tuesday. As expected, Gov. Livingston's offense has been firing on all cylinders with 10.8 runs per game. Drew Compton is off to a heck of a start with four homers already. Stephen Reid isn't far behind him with two homers, while John Grill has gotten himself into the mix with two long balls as well. Cranford has relied on small ball to get its wins with Jake DiClerico, Marcus Johnson, Parker Melchiorre, Joseph Meola, Michael Meola, Michael Murphy, Aidan Plick, Jimmy Shriner and Tyler Szczech keying its offense. Jake Van Dam is Cranford's ace and will likely get the ball in Tuesday's showdown.
Joe Warner | For NJ Advance Media
Doubles leaders
DOUBLES LEADERS
Player, school, 2B
Nick Koehn, Bishop Eustace, 6
George Gutierrez, Sussex Tech, 5
McGwire Tuffy, Hun, 5
Peyton Nolan, Newton, 5
Dylan Snyder, Sussex Tech, 4
Peter Durocher, Emerson Boro, 4
Nick Squazzo, Haddon Township, 4 (pictured above)
Jake Lonsky, Wallkill Valley, 4
Brendan Hall, Sussex Tech, 4
Robbie Kayal, Hawthorne Christian, 4
Dylan McTonic, Sayreville, 4
Ethan Calcano, Sayreville, 4
John Raymond, Delaware Valley, 4
Jeff Spaeth, Pitman, 4
Ryan Perez, Fair Lawn, 4
Steven Riedel, Westwood, 4
Sean Galletta, Sussex Tech, 4
Malin Jasinski, Seneca, 4
Julian Santana, Carteret, 4
Jake Andrey, King's Christian, 4
Carlos Castillo, Marist, 4
Gianni Tavarez, Iselin Kennedy, 4
Deven Bhatnagar, Ranney, 4
Carlos Acosta, Tenafly, 4
Nick Marconi, Northern Highlands, 4
Dan DiGiovannantonio, Cedar Creek, 4
David Hagaman, Cedar Creek, 4
Zakary Ferguson, Passaic Valley, 4
Michael Mantagas, Iselin Kennedy, 4
Joey Steff, Seneca, 4
Justin Rivera, Wallkill Valley, 3
Vincent Rappa, Brearley, 3
Joe Olsommer, Dunellen, 3
Anthony Zamloot, Verona, 3
Will Hart, Madison, 3
Robbie Buecker, Notre Dame, 3
Nelson Martinez, Bridgeton, 3
Greg Verano, Bridgewater-Raritan, 3
Jack Gillmer, Robbinsville, 3
Frankie Venezia, Lyndhurst, 3
Ethan Gavin, Ranney, 3
Elieh Carrington, East Orange, 3
Nate Hefner, Pingry, 3
Jake Tennant, Raritan, 3
Toran Smith, Plainfield, 3
Alex Margot, Collingswood, 3
Josh Colon, North Warren, 3
Ohjiro Motoki, Cresskill, 3
Luke Potts, West Windsor-Plainsboro South, 3
Cody Brenneis, Salem, 3
Kyle Kollias, New Milford, 3
TJ Massaro, South Plainfield, 3
Jack Love, Ridge, 3
Joe Esposito, West Deptford, 3
Mike Shannon, Triton, 3
Matt Hartshorn, Toms River South, 3
Garrett Allo, East Brunswick Tech, 3
Matt Reddy, Summit, 3
Trevor Mutolo, Summit, 3
Gabriel Otero, New Brunswick, 3
Sean Colbert, Audubon, 3
Matt Perine, Becton, 3
Kevin Hogan, Nutley, 3
Josh Jimenez, Boonton, 3
AJ Campbell, Ocean City, 3
Anthony Rubino, Pingry, 3
Sonny Fauci, Old Bridge, 3
Ervin Bogan, Vineland, 3
Rob Gonzalez, South Plainfield, 3
Benjamin Hirsh, Golda Och, 3
Shiv Patel, J.P. Stevens, 3
Ben Gorski, Chatham, 3
Joe Brunner, Waldwick, 3
JR Droge, Cedar Grove, 3
Ken Suzuki, Northern Highlands, 3
Jonathan Ramos, Scotch Plains-Fanwood, 3
Jack Sandstedt, Rutgers Prep, 3
Marshall Hendrian, Glen Ridge, 3
Dom Frigiola, Shawnee, 3
Jamling Lama, Secaucus, 3
Eric Sabato, Bishop Eustace, 3
David Zamora, Hamilton West, 3
Kevin Reardon, Mendham, 3
Jaydon Fiori, Harrison, 3
Oren Abbott, Millburn, 3
David Melfi, Jackson Liberty, 3
AJ Tropiano, Paul VI, 3
Nate Scott, New Providence, 3
Jim Crew, King's Christian, 3
John McConeghy, Wayne Hills, 3
Jordan Hamberg, South Plainfield, 3
Nick Popo, Iselin Kennedy, 3
Sean Dunleavy, Butler, 3
John Ortega, New Brunswick, 3
Rafeal Solano, Dickinson, 3
Matt Woods, Triton, 3
Jake Snyder, Triton, 3
Mike Bello, Pope John, 3
Chris Sabo, Pope John, 3
Michael Graham, Brearley, 3
Evrin Virola, Edison, 3
Zach Sylvester, Montville, 3
Jordan Weisner, Fort Lee, 3
Manuel Abreu, Newark Tech, 3
Scott Johnson, Seneca, 3
Christian Drake, Morris Catholic, 3
Carfred Rodriguez, Orange, 3
Anthony Leo, Hammonton, 3
Hunter Kelly, King's Christian, 3
Andy Blake, Hun, 3
Derek Von Horn, Immaculata, 3
Ryan Giacobello, Immaculata, 3
(Based on games played and reported to njschoolsports.com through April 10)
Aristide Economopoulos
Triples leaders
TRIPLES LEADERS
Player, school, 3B
Lamont Oliver, Shabazz, 4
Axel Nunez, Carteret, 4
Joel Vasquez, Snyder, 3
Andrew Torres, Shabazz, 3
Jerron Phillips, University, 3
Adalberto Sanchez, Iselin Kennedy, 3
Brady Plunkett, Steinert, 2
Anthony Volpe, Delbarton, 2
Lillo Paxia, Gloucester Catholic, 2
Brian Colca, Fair Lawn, 2
Jose Acta, Lyndhurst, 2
Dante Bozzuti, Somerville, 2
RJ Moten, Delran, 2
Matt Kroll, Voorhees, 2
Derek Timpanaro, Butler, 2
Vincent Vartolone, Lodi, 2
Joshua Inirio, Lodi, 2
Dan Dooley, Pequannock, 2
Ian Muni, West Windsor-Plainsboro South, 2
Teddy Durbin, Princeton, 2
Tim McDonald, Wardlaw-Hartridge, 2
Rolando Quintana, Montclair Kimberley, 2
Rafael Solano, Hudson Catholic, 2
Jayden Mendoza, University, 2
Sam Collins, Point Pleasant Boro, 2
Ben Chrzanowski, Millburn, 2
Justin Mastropietro, Secaucus, 2
Jack Haynes, Hopewell Valley, 2
Brian Hoversen, Lenape, 2
Michael Kuver, Manalapan, 2
Evan Smith, Butler, 2
Shane Shannon, Pingry, 2
Spencer Bauer, Manasquan, 2
Rob Bloom, Lyndhurst, 2
Mike Bello, Pope John, 2
Matt Miceli, Somerville, 2
Dante DiSilvestro, Allentown, 2
Ben Johnson, Northern Highlands, 2
Shea Hruska, Saddle Brook, 2
Thomas Van Vliet, Glen Rock, 2
Justin Costanzo, Gloucester Catholic, 2
Nick Rizos, Wood-Ridge, 2
(Based on games played and reported to njschoolsports.com through April 10)
David Gard | For NJ Advance Media
Walks-drawn leaders
WALKS-DRAWN LEADERS
Player, school, BB
Lou Rafaelli, Nutley, 13
Joey Wright, Cherry Hill East, 10
Dan Fiore, Raritan, 9 (pictured above)
Will Bartley, Timber Creek, 9
Jake Zirlin, Millburn, 9
Nelson Martinez, Bridgeton, 8
Christian Kane, Washington Township, 8
Walter Brownlee, Madison, 8
Ben Sinins, Millburn, 8
Nick Senior, Bishop Eustace, 8
Charlie Sanzio, Bishop Eustace, 8
Brandon Krikorian, Millburn, 8
Joey Vorreas, East Brunswick Tech, 8
Russell Riek, Cedar Creek, 7
Chris Amparo, Belleville, 7
Derek Lombardi, Belleville, 7
Ilan Cohen, Kushner, 7
Sean McKenna, Cherry Hill East, 7
Allen Hill, Iselin Kennedy, 7
Frank Marinelli, Hanover Park, 7
Aedrick Perez, Belleville, 7
Anthony Rodriguez, Shabazz, 7
Michael Hein, Iselin Kennedy, 7
Alec Aponte, Dumont, 7
Ahmad Burroughs, Shabazz, 7
Justin Penzone, Robbinsville, 7
Kyle Tice, Bloomfield, 6
Johnny Piacentino, Bishop Eustace, 6
Evan Bocanegra, Technology, 6
Josh O'Neill, Nutley, 6
Frankie Venezia, Lyndhurst, 6
Tino Salgado, Hudson Catholic, 6
Phil Whitney, Columbia, 6
Jake McNellis, Gloucester Catholic, 6
Matt Marcucci, Gloucester Tech, 6
Zach Roskowsky, Jefferson, 6
Wyatt Baker, Nottingham, 6
Alex Madera, Delran, 6
Danilo Perdomo, Hamilton West, 6
Oren Abbott, Millburn, 6
Brandon Kinsman, Jackson Liberty, 6
Rob Bloom, Lyndhurst, 6
Armaan Grewal, Morris Catholic, 6
Jesus Rojas, Hackensack, 6
Jose Marte, Bogota, 6
Aidan Hofmann, Cape May Tech, 6
Chris Conti, Notre Dame, 6
Victor Sanchez, Ridgefield Park, 6
Tyler Fazekas, Glen Ridge, 6
Jayson Cruz, Newark Tech, 6
Mike Roditis, Middletown North, 6
Tommy Saverino, Dayton, 6
CJ Deegler, Wildwood Catholic, 6
Luke Mignone, Timber Creek, 6
Nick Belli, Hanover Park, 6
Justin Destaso, Glen Rock, 6
Damon Peruso, Leonia, 6
Sebastain Perez, Bishop Ahr, 6
AJ Estrella, Paterson Kennedy, 6
(Based on games played and reported to njschoolsports.com through April 10)
Heine has made a smooth transition
A month ago, Dylan Heine was helping Haddonfield capture its second straight Group 2 state championship in basketball. Just a few weeks later, it appears as if he's settled in quite nicely as the Bulldawgs look to challenge for a sectional title on the baseball field.
A Rider commit and right-hander, Heine is 2-0 with 16 strikeouts and a 0.58 ERA. He's allowed just one run in 12 innings. The 6-foot-5 senior struck out nine and scattered five hits in a 5-0 win over West Deptford on Wednesday, while also defeating Haddon Heights in the season opener.
Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
There are no down years in Millburn
The talk around New Jersey was that Millburn was going to have a down year after graduating a strong senior class. Sitting at 5-1, it is pretty evident that there will be no down year in Millburn. Its lone loss came on opening day to Seton Hall Prep in a tight 6-4 contest. Since that game, Millburn downed Montclair (17-7), West Essex (8-1), Kearny (7-4), West Orange (12-0) and Livingston (13-2). Oren Abbott, Ben Chrzanowski, Jake Panzer, Ben Sinins (pictured above) and Jake Zirlin have taken huge steps to lead the team offensively. On the mound, Abott and Chrzanowski help make up a strong staff alongside Tyler Adelman, Peter Landreman, Nathaniel Paniri and Kyle Yih.
Lori M. Nichols | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Shawnee has been swinging an impressive bat
Having reached the South Jersey Group 4 final last season, Shawnee returned a seriously strong nucleus. No. 16 in this week's NJ.com Top 20, the Renegades are a major threat to make another postseason run.
Over the first five games, Shawnee outscored opponents 41-9. Joey Moore and Dom Frigola are hitting better than .500. Cole Fleming has two home runs.
Steve Hockstein | For NJ Advance Media
Lyndhurst duo tearing it up
With a 24-8 win over Ridgefield Wednesday, Lyndhurst has won three of its last four games by a combined score of 53-37. Leading the way for Lyndhurst were senior shortstop Jose Acta (pictured above) and junior infielder Jonathon Berko. Acta and Berko were each 9-for-15 between April 4-April 10. Acta drove in 14 runs during that stretch with three home runs and eight runs scored. Berko knocked in seven runs with six runs scored and a homer.
Break up the Wildcats
With three shutouts on its resume, including back-to-back efforts against Medford Tech and Florence, Maple Shade is off to a 5-0 start for the first time since 2015. Derek Andrada is 2-0 with 21 strikeouts and a 0.50 ERA, while hitting a lofty .667 with four RBIs and seven runs scored in nine at-bats.
Yariel Ingles is also off to a dynamite start at the plate, batting .714 (10-for-14) with seven RBIs. Kolby Sprague (.417, nine runs, seven RBIs) has also provided an offensive spark.
Phil McAuliffe | For NJ Advance Media
Hopewell Valley making up ground
Hopewell Valley is looking to make up ground in the highly competitive Colonial Valley Conference Valley Division after a 1-2 start. As of Wednesday, the Bulldogs have won two straight games -- including a 4-3 win over Steinert Monday that gave the Spartans their first loss. Hopewell Valley also topped Ewing, 5-1, Wednesday. Since April 4, Kenny Tagliareni is 5-for-9 with three RBI and three runs scored. Jason Greezang is 5-for-7 with two runs batted in. Hopewell Valley is in fourth place in the Valley Division, trailing Hamilton West (5-1, 4-1), Steinert (5-1, 3-1) and Robbinsville (4-1, 3-1).
Pequannock off to quick start
At this point last season, Pequannock was 0-4. This year it is 3-1. After dropping its opener to Madison, Pequannock has rattled off three straight wins over Morristown-Beard, Morris Catholic and Kinnelon. The surge has been powered by the bats of Jimmy Cummins, Dan Dooley, Ryan Karaty and Jack Maier, while Preston Fazekas and Troy Karaty have led the way on the mound.
Courtesy of Keith Lotter
Is a change on the horizon for Sussex Tech?
Sussex Tech hasn’t finished with a record above .500 since 2012 when it went 10-8. In this year’s early going all signs point to Sussex Tech achieving the feat again. It opened the year with four straight wins over Morris Tech, Belvider, Kittatinny and Warren Tech before falling to Vernon on Wednesday. Sean Galletta, George Gutierrez, Daniel Snyder and Brendan Hall have keyed the offense, while Guiterrez, Mike Dunay and Ryan Kimble leads its rotation.
Warren Hills looking to change its culture
Warren Hills has suffered two straight seasons of under .500 baseball and hasn’t had a record above the .500 mark in over eight years. It hit the .500 mark on the dot three times during the stretch. This season’s fast start points to that trend being snapped this year. Warren Hills opened the year with four straight wins over Blair, North Plainfield, Bernards and Newton before falling to Delaware Valley on April 8. Its steady and productive offense thrives behind Ryan Bell, Garrett Koch, Kevin Laferla and Jacob Smith, while its pitching staff of Bell, Koch, Peter Nichols and Jack Warsen has looked strong.
Ranney's Bhatnagar swings it
Sophomore shortstop Deven Bhatnagar was a single short of the cycle, but finished 4-for-4 with two doubles, a triple, a home run and five RBI in Ranney's 16-5 win over Asbury Park Tuesday. Bhatnagar had seven hits in his first eight at-bats with 10 RBI.
Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal
North Bergen's Ortiz has big week
Sophomore first baseman Jeremy Ortiz had a big week for North Bergen in its two games played between April 4-10. Oritz went 4-for-5 with three RBI, a home run and three runs scored. North Bergen is off to a 3-1 start with its only loss coming against undefeated Passaic Tech. North Bergen is 3-0 in the HCIAL Red Division trailing undefeated and 15th-ranked Bayonne (5-0, 4-0) in the standings.
Larry Murphy | For NJ Advance Media
Hamilton West Hornets stinging the baseball
Hamilton West, off to an eye-catching 5-1 start, has been making a ton of contact. Between April 4-April 10, it outscored four opponents 27-10. In those four games, three different players have five hits. Senior second baseman Steven Meckel (pictured above) was 5-for-12 with five RBI, junior outfielder Kiefer Goss was 5-for-6 with four RBI and six runs scored and sophomore pitcher-utility David Zamora was 5-for-14 with three RBI.
George McNish | For NJ Advance Media
Great baseball in Summit
Between Summit High School and Oratory Prep, there has been some impressive baseball in the early season. Summit has won three straight to bring its record to 4-1. It has wins over Union Catholic (11-5), Bernards (9-2), Plainfield (10-1) and Rahway (15-0). Its lone loss came at the hands of New Providence (7-1). Emory Carlson, Mike Competiello, Will Hellings, Dan Isralowitz, Trevor Mutolo (pictured above), Matt Reddy and Justin Weiss key Summit's lineup, while Alex Boburka, Hellings and Matt Reddy lead the way on the mound. Oratory is 4-1 with its only loss coming to powerhouse Gov. Livingston. It defeated Brearley (12-2), Dayton (7-1), Roselle Catholic (18-1) and Linden (5-0). Joe Del Sol, Nicholas DeMarinis, William DeMilt, Jack Greco, James Kim, Ben Landis, John Meehan, Andrew Meisner and Nick Sannito lead Oratory's offense, while DeMarinis, Meisner and Jack Reilly bolster its rotation. The crosstown squads will face off on Wednesday, April 24 at 4 p.m. at Oratory.
Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
St. Joe (Met.) rallies vs. Jones, Rutherford
St. Joseph (Met.), which is playing one of the most challenging schedules in the state, proved itself against Rutherford and 90 mph-throwing right Breylin Jones on April 9. St. Joseph rallied for six runs in the bottom of the fourth inning against Jones. Caleb Carter smacked an opposite-field, two-run double and Derek Zelesnick added an RBI single during St. Joseph’s rally which resulted in a 6-1 lead. Unfortunately, the offensive burst went for naught when the game was called for weather issues with two outs in the last of the fourth -- one out shy of an official game.
Big things happening in Belleville
Belleville opened last season with three straight losses. Two years ago, it lost its first four games. Three years ago, it won three games total. This season, Belleville is off to an exciting start with a 3-1 record. It defeated Irvington (22-1), Harrison (16-5) and Barringer (6-3). Its lone loss came at the hands of Edison by a run. The tight game looked very much to be going in Belleville's favor, but it let a 8-4 lead slip away in the bottom of the seventh as it fell 9-8. Sebastian Alverio, Chris Amparo, Kevin Arroyo, Gabe Bosques, Albert Carrero, Jiustino Cecere, Brian Defreites, Derek Lombardi and Joe Monroig have keyed the offense, while Arroyo, Carrero and Gio Torres lead its pitching staff.
David Gard | For NJ Advance Media
Talk about a complete team effort
A team that looks like it could make some serious noise, Bordentown defeated Pennsauken 8-4 in Burlington County League action on Tuesday. While Dylan Wood picked up the win on the hill, the Scotties got at least one hit from every player who had an at-bat in the contest.
Mike Bancroft led the way with three hits, while Luke Mabin and Wood had two apiece. Bordentown finished wth 14 hits overall.
Pingry is getting it done early
Pingry has won its last three games convincingly taking down Bound Brook (14-1), Warren Tech (11-0) and Belvidere (17-7). It sits at a 4-1 and has thrived behind the bats of Nate Hefner, Thomas Henry, Matt Lee, Tyler McLaughlin, Anthony Rubino, Shane Shannon and Thomas Wolf. Henry, McLaughlin, Wolf (in video above), Jared Goldklang and Thomas Santana have gotten the job done on the mound.
Northern Highlands on the rise
Northern Highlands isn’t necessarily known for starting strong. Even in years where it boasted impressive records and played well into June, it needed to suffer some growing pains to get to that point. This year is different. Standing at 5-1, Northern Highlands is off to its best start in over eight years. It has wins over Old Tappan, Hackensack twice and Teaneck twice to reach the five wins. Its lone loss came at the hands of DePaul, 10-8. The early surge has been keyed by the offense of Thai Morgan, Nick Marconi, CJ Minchin, Mike Ruggieri (in video above), Issac Springer and Ken Suzuki. Its pitching rolls behind Ruggieri, Suzuki and Tom Sullivan.
Scott Faytok | For NJ Advance Media
Mucilli a dual-threat for Woodbridge
Senior Joe Mucilli has emerged as a double-threat for Woodbridge in 2019. The pitcher-outfielder was batting .462 (6-for-13) through Wednesday. He leads the team in hits (6) and RBI (4). He is also off to a good start as a pitcher, emerging as an early season ace by allowing two earned runs and five hits in 13.1 innings.
David Gard | For NJ Advance Media
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