We continue to hit baseball diamonds all around the state as we near the end of the first week of the season. Check in later today for more highlights!
St. Augustine 8 Bishop Eustace 7 (11 innings)
In a game that lasted nearly four hours, Gabe Gillespie delivered a walk-off single for the Hermits in the bottom of the 11th inning. Ryan Williams had a pair of doubles and two RBIs in the victory, while Joe Erace went 3-5 with an RBI triple for St. Augustine (2-1). Alex Kay threw seven innings of relief and allowed just one earned run in the loss for Eustace (1-2).
JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights from a marathon in Richland:
Middletown North 3 Middletown South 2
The Lions showcased a bulletproof bullpen and even better defense in their upset win over the crosstown Eagles. Eddie Patrick threw 4.1 IP of scoreless relief and watched as his outfielders made a number of highlight reel plays to stymie Middletown South’s potent offense. Seton Hall commit Ryan Frontera hit a solo blast in the first inning in the win for Middletown North (1-2). Middletown South (1-2) had both of their runs come from two bases loaded walks in the second inning.
JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights and reaction from Middletown:
JSZ’s coverage of both Middletown North and Middletown South is made possible by Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch.
Ranney 12 Manasquan 0 (5 innings)
The Panthers erupted for six runs in the top of the first and AJ Gracia pitched four shutout innings allowing just one hit and striking out 8 to give Ranney a 3-0 start to the season outscoring opponents 41-0. The defending state champs opened the year with a no-hitter and perfect game against Red Bank Regional. Gracia pitched two more perfect innings before surrendering a hit in the third.
JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from Manasquan:
