By Joe Zedalis, Rich Greco, Matt Stypulkoski | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Scott Faytok | For NJ Advance Media
Who's hot?
The 2017 high school baseball season has been as exciting as ever. Some teams and individuals have been on fire throughout the past week. NJ.com takes a look at who they are. We start with a select few incredible achievements, then examine a handful of hot teams and hot players after that.
The span of this list goes from April 27 to May 3.
Keith A. Muccilli | For NJ Advance Media
A pair of No. 1s go down
In the past week, two different teams that were No. 1 in the NJ.com Top 20 went down. First St. Joseph (Mont.) was handed its first loss when it was stunned by Pascack Valley, 6-2, on Friday. Gov. Livingston took over the top spot in the Top 20, but was shocked by Johnson, 9-5, in the Union County Tournament quarterfinals on Wednesday. GL was also undefeated prior to the loss. Both Pascack Valley and Johnson were unranked when they pulled off the upsets.
Larry Murphy | For the Times of Trenton
A 51-pitch perfecto
Ryan Meszaros, a junior right hander from Steinert, pitched a five-inning perfection game in a 12-0 win over Ewing on April 28. Meszaros, a strike-throwing specialist, threw only 51 pitches in the game — 37 of those were strikes. Meszaros struck out five.
HOT PLAYERS
Courtesy of Sherry Augello
Dominic Augello, Lindenwold, Sr.
Augello became the first player in Lindenwold history to reach 100 career hits with his 3-for-4 performance on Monday.
Tom Brenner | For NJ Advance Media
Hunter Boag, Colts Neck, Jr.
The 120-pound infielder has been locked in over the last week, going a sizzling 8-for-9 with four RBI and three runs scored for the Cougars.
Scott Faytok | For NJ Advance Media
Makhi Booker, Montclair, Sr.
Booker recorded his 100th hit when Montclair fell to Newark Academy, 3-2, on May 1.
RELATED: The NJ.com Top 20 and statewide rankings for May 3
George McNish | For NJ Advance Media
Joey Castellanos, St. Mary (Ruth.), Sr.
Castellanos was stellar at the plate this week, going 10-for-12 with four RBI. And once he was on base, he was deadly – he notched one stolen base and scored seven times.
Larry Murphy | For NJ Advance Media
Max Dineen, Pennsville, Sr.
Max Dineen has slept well the last couple of nights. The scrappy senior has had five triples in his last two games. On Tuesday, in a 15-5 win over Schalick, Dineen was 3-for-4 with three triples and four RBI. On Wednesday, he was 4-for-4 with two triples and six RBI.
James Dolaghan, Rutherford, Sr.
Dolaghan turned in four near-perfect games, going 10-for-15 with a home run, three stolen bases, nine RBI and 10 runs.
Steve Hockstein | For NJ Advance Media
Anthony Giachin, Newark Academy, Sr.
Anthony Giachin picked up his first win of the year when he allowed two runs and struck out five in a 3-2 win over Montclair. At the plate, he went 3-for-10, including his 100th career hit.
Courtesy of Wayne Moore
Brayan Marmol, Barringer, Jr.
Marmol struck out 16 and allowed four hits when he threw a complete-game shutout in a 9-0 victory over Orange on May 1.
Courtesy of Nick Agoglia
Juan Nunez, Roselle Park, Jr.
Nunez hit for the cycle when Roselle Park took down Rahway, 13-11, on May 2. He hit a home run on the first pitch of the game and finished four-for-five with three runs and two RBI.
Alex Persichetti, Gloucester Catholic, Sr.
In one of the most potent one-to-nine lineups in the state, Persichetti has been one of the hottest Rams over the last week. Through Wednesday, Persichetti was 9 of his last 14 with four extra-base hits.
CJ Widger, Pennsville, Sr.
Widger has also been on a tear. Since April 28, Widger is 9-for-14 with six RBI, 7 runs scored and two extra-base hits. He’s another reason while Pennsville has scored 30 runs in its last two games (Tuesday and Wednesday).
Danny Wilkinson, Scotch Plains-Fanwood, So.
Wilkinson threw a five-inning no-hitter when Scotch Plains defeated Oratory, 10-0, in the first round of the Union County Tournament. Wilkinson struck out six and walked two.
RELATED: Rising or falling? Where N.J. prospects stand in MLB Draft
Scott Faytok | For NJ Advance Media
Fernando Zayas, Ferris, Sr.
Zayas threw a one-hitter when Ferris took down Kearny, 2-0, on April 28. He threw 101 pitches and struck out nine in the shutout.
HOT TEAMS
Saed Hindash | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Bernards (9-4)
Bernards has won six of seven to close within a half-game of Voorhees for first place in the Skyland Conference Valley Division, with one game still in hand. The Mountaineers’ lone loss in the last three weeks came in the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament quarterfinals.
Mary Iuvone | For NJ Advance Media
Chatham (12-3)
The Cougars have bounced back with two big wins since falling out of the Morris County Tournament last weekend. Chatham topped Delbarton, 4-3, on Monday to get back to its winning ways, then handed No. 17 Randolph a 6-0 loss on Wednesday. Chatham has now won six of seven.
David Gard | For NJ Advance Media
Cherokee (7-8)
Although it got off to a slow start, Cherokee has been playing great baseball of late. It has won three straight and seven of its last eight games. Bishop Eustace transfer Shayne Clowar, who pitched six stellar innings as Cherokee took down Washington Township, 4-3, in 11 innings. Zach Bernard drove in Matt Stil for the game-winning run in the top of the 11th inning.
Scott Faytok | For NJ Advance Media
Cranford (8-5)
Cranford has won three straight and five of its last six. It 10-run ruled Linden and Elizabeth in the first and quarterfinal rounds of the Union County Tournament to solidify its spot in the semis.
Dickinson (9-8)
The Rams have been one of the most dangerous team in Hudson County. After losing seven of its first 11 games, Dickinson has won five of its last six games. During the streak, it took down Memorial, Bayonne and Hudson Catholic.
George McNish | For NJ Advance Media
Dumont (15-1)
The Huskies just won’t stop winning and have now rattled off nine in a row, securing the Big North American Division title in the process. Daniel Raglievich continues to lead the state in strikeouts (76) and has allowed just two earned runs in 40 innings.
David Gard | For NJ Advance Media
Haddonfield (10-2)
Haddonfield has won four straight since falling to Audubon last week, which has helped the Bulldogs remain within a half-game of the Green Wave at the top of the Colonial Conference Liberty Division.
RELATED: Vote for the top junior catcher and pitcher in N.J. baseball
David Gard | For NJ Advance Media
Haddon Heights (10-6)
The Garnets currently lead the Colonial Conference Patriot Division, thanks to a big win over No. 20 Audubon on Wednesday. Haddon Heights handed Audubon its first loss since April 9 and its first loss against a non-Top 20 team this season.
Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Holy Spirit (14-3)
The Spartans have won six straight games, most recently knocking off No. 10 St. Augustine. It also took down Millville on Saturday to make another statement. Holy Spirit is outscoring opponents 64-19 during the stretch.
Larry Murphy | For The Times of Trenton
Hopewell Valley (11-5)
The Bulldogs are heading up with the post-season approaching. The Bulldogs have won five-of-six. Cameron Cane has been on a tear of late. Since April 22, Cane is 9-for-17 with six RBI. Liam Cleary is eight for his last 21 with nine RBI.
Steve Hockstein | For NJ Advance Media
Lyndhurst (13-4)
The Golden Bears rattled off three more wins this week to take a commanding two-game lead atop the NJIC Liberty Division. Lyndhurst got it done in explosive fashion, too, outscoring its opponents 47-4 in three games.
James Kratch | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Mainland (10-3)
Mainland has won fourth straight games and 10 of its last 11 games. Mainland's offense has been great this season and is outscoring opponents 113-41.
Larry Murphy | For the Times of Trenton
Monroe (10-5)
With the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament approaching as well as the state playoffs, a team to keep an eye on is Monroe. The Falcons were in the NJ.com Preseason Top 20 and got off to a horrible start. Monroe, however, has won five straight and its three-man pitching rotation has returned to formidable form. Since April 27, Nick Payero (Seton Hall commit), Eric Heatter (Rutgers commit) and Chris Perdoni have combined for 29.2 innings pitched with a combined 38 strikeouts, 14 walks and six earned runs.
Steve Hockstein | For NJ Advance Media
Newark Academy (5-8)
The Minutemen could be a very dangerous team to run into during the GNT. Newark Academy picked up wins over Bloomfield, Montclair and West Essex in the past week.
Matt Smith | For NJ Advance Media
Newton (11-1)
Newton is into the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament semifinals, where it will square off against No. 13 Pope John. The Braves may be underdogs in that game, but they shouldn’t be underestimated – they’re red-hot and have won seven in a row. They also know how to win a close game, having won three times by two runs or fewer this week.
Larry Murphy | For the Times of Trenton
Notre Dame (13-4)
Green may be the color of the Irish, but the Notre Dame baseball team is red — red hot. Through Wednesday, Notre Dame had won 10 straight games and shares first place in the Colonial Valley Conference Colonial Division with Hightstown. During the winning streak, Robbie Buecker is 11-for-29 with eight runs scored and nine batted in. Tatem Levins is 10-for-26 with six runs scored. On the mound, Brian Kane hasn’t allowed a run in his last 20.1 innings with 16 strikeouts and two walks.
Phillipsburg (9-5)
The Stateliners have won their last four games against New Jersey opponents, building a half-game lead atop the Skyland Conference Raritan Division and reaching the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament semifinals in the process. P’burg has been swinging hot bats in those games, averaging 8.5 runs.
Scott Faytok | For NJ Advance Media
Ridgewood (13-2)
Ridgewood won the Big North Freedom Division by a half-game, thanks in large measure to its current six-game winning streak. The Maroons outscored their opponents 24-4 in three divisional games this past week.
George McNish | For NJ Advance Media
River Dell (12-4)
Despite some stiff competition from two other teams with double-digit wins – Pascack Hills and Ramsey – River Dell managed to win the Big North Patriot Division by two games.
Rutherford (11-2)
Rutherford is quickly playing its way to the top of the NJIC, especially in the Colonial Division, where it now sits just a half-game behind Glen Rock for first place. The Bulldogs have won six straight and 10 of 11.
Andrew Miller | For NJ Advance Media
Scotch Plains-Fanwood (9-7)
After its offense struggled through most of 2017, it looks like the Raiders have found their scoring touch. It has won three straight and is outscoring opponents 37-8 during the stretch. Spencer Vaughn, Jake Canavan, Peter Yarem and George Mueller have been key in the offensive upswing.
David Gard | For NJ Advance Media
Seneca (11-6)
Seneca has won its last five games, including statement triumphs over Ocean City and Lenape. SJ Ott and Kevin Gsell sparked the win with three hits apiece.
Southern (8-4)
The Rams have flown beneath the radar all spring, but opened some eyes with another victory over Toms River North. Southern has won five straight. Southern has become a tight-game specialist scoring narrow victories over Toms River East (4-2), Jackson Memorial (2-1), Toms River East (4-3) and Toms River North (4-2). Southern defeated Toms River North on April 10, 5-3. The hottest Southern hitter of late has been Pat Barrett, who is 7 of his last 13 with three RBI.
David Gard | For NJ Advance Media
St. Joseph (Hamm.) (12-4)
St Joe's lost two games on April 22, but bounced back with wins over Cedar Creek, Pleasnatville, Cape May Tech and Wildwood Catholic. With Joe Marino, Josh Crowley and Eric Graziano leading the way, St. Joe's is outscoring opponents 44-2 during its latest winning streak.
George McNish | For NJ Advance Media
St. Peter's Prep (12-6)
St. Peter’s Prep got back to its winning ways as it snapped a three-game skid with four straight wins. It took down Marist, St. Joseph (Met.), Memorial and Dickinson during the stretch.
Trenton Catholic (7-6)
With their win over Hun on Wednesday, the Ironmen have won four of five games and bulled their way to the top of the Burlington County Scholastic League Independent Division, with a 4-0 league record.
Vineland (12-2)
The Fighting Clan have won five straight games, most recently taking down Millville, Atlantic Tech and Cinnaminson. Jose Rodriguez, Jonathon Perez, Isiah Pacheco and Ervin Bogan leading the way, Vineland is averaging nine runs per game.
Wayne Hills (8-8)
The Patriots didn’t have their best week, winning just one of three, but the one win proved vital. A 16-3 victory over West Milford on Wednesday gave Wayne Hills the Big North Independence Division crown, which it won with a 7-3 mark.
Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Westfield (9-7)
The Blue Devils have won five straight games and are heading into the semifinals of the Union County Tournament. It is outscoring opponents 49-14 during the stretch. The surge has been sparked by Cory Hiltz, Alex Pansini and Connor Scanlon on the mound.
West Orange (7-7)
The Mountaineers have won four of their last five games picking up wins over Glen Ridge, West Essex, Bloomfield Tech and Newark East Side. Its only loss during the stretch came at the hands of Seton Hall Prep. Tyree Bradley leads a West Orange offense that is averaging 6.6 runs per game.
STAT CITY
No freebies
There isn’t a coach in New Jersey who wouldn’t love these guys. They are zone pounders, strike-throwers, members of the Anti-Free Pass Club. Based on results and statistics entered into njschoolsports.com through Wednesday, May 3, the pitchers below have allowed the fewest walks in the state based on at least 15 innings of work.
- Joe Mackell, Delran, 20 IP, 0 walks
- Sam Blanchard, Chatham, 17 IP, 0 walks
- Yan Sure, Buena, 16 IP, 0 walks
- Ben Hampson, Pequannock, 27.1 IP, 1 walk
- Matt Perine, Becton, 21 IP, 1 walk
- Hank Powers, Mendham, 20.2 IP, 1 walk
- Jake Wells, Pope John, 19.1 IP, 1 walk
- Carlos Aldama, North Bergen 19 IP, 1 walk
- Lorenza Geroso, Rutgers Prep, 18.2 IP 1 walk
- Joe DiBernardi, Paulsboro, 18.1, 1 walk
- Jacob Brennan, St. Joseph (Hamm.), 18.1 IP, 1 walk
- Tom Corragio, Lacey, 17.2 IP, 1 walk
- Joey DeChairo, Hunterdon Central, 17.2 IP, 1 walk
- Zach Johnson, Raritan, 17 IP, 1 walk
- Oscar Cosme, Science Park, 16.2 IP, 1 walk
- Ryan D'Alesandro, Delran, 16 IP, 1 walk
- Nick Dana, Roxbury, 15.2 IP, 1 walk
- Mike Miles, St. Augustine, 15 IP, 1 walk
George McNish | For NJ Advance Media
Walk, then run
Based on results and statistics entered into njschoolsports.com through Wednesday, May 3, the players listed below have drawn the most bases-on-balls in N.J.:
- Edward Mieles, Harrison, 19
- Brian Defektes, Belleville, 19
- Nick Pronti, Wood-Ridge, 18 (pictured above)
- Johnny Piacentino, Bishop Eustace, 18
- Ronaldo Espinal, Shabazz, 17
- Dave Backo, Wellington, 17
Saed Hindash | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Strikeouts/Walks leaders
Based on results and statistics entered into njschoolsports.com through Wednesday, May 3, below are the pitchers with the best strikeout to walk ration in New Jersey:
- Dan Raglievich, Dumont, 76K, 10 BB, +66
- Harry Rutkowski, Woodbridge, 59K, 7 BB, +52 (pictured above)
- Hunter DiPalma, North Warren, 51K, 4 BB, +47
- Bruce Weyand, North Plainfield, 51K, 4BB, +47
- Brennan O'Neill, Morristown, 51K 4BB, +47
- Sean Miller, Pope John, 50K, 6BB, +44
- Shine Tanaka, Wood-Ridge, 49K, 6BB, +43
- Chris Michael, Colonia, 46K, 4BB, +42
- Collin Kiernan, Verona, 52K, 11BB, +41
- Eric Heatter, Monroe, 48K, 8BB, +40
Torching the BCSL
Here are some of the hottest hitters in the BCSL between April 28 and May 3:
- David Lynch, Palmyra, 11-for-15, 9 runs, 11 RBI
- Brandon Acetti, Pennsauken, 7-for-10, 6 runs, 3 RBI
- Brian Coniglio, Westampton Tech, 6-for-8, 2 runs, 6 RBI
- Nick Bottino, Holy Cross, 6-for-9, 3 runs, 3 RBI
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Richard Greco may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @RichardGrecohs.
Matt Stypulkoski may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @M_Stypulkoski.
Joe Zedalis may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @josephzedalis.
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