Three starting pitchers, who combined for eight wins, return to lead North Brunswick Township High School’s baseball team into the season as the Raiders look to better last year’s 12-10 mark.
“It’s kind of funny because in the past it seems like when I thought our hitting would carry us, it turned out to be our pitching,” North Brunswick coach Ryan Lillis said. “Now we’ll see what happens this time.”
Nate Facey and left-handers Steven Bloyed and junior Eric Reardon will spearhead the Raiders staff. Facey was quietly effective a year ago, winning three games without a loss and posting a 1.20 ERA in 23.1 innings of work.
Bloyed recorded a 1.09 ERA and did not receive a lot of run support when he was on the hill. He ended the 2014 season with a 2- 3 mark to go along with a save. Reardon went 3-3 with a 4.62 ERA and struck out 34 hitters in 36.1 innings. Senior Max Maranca and junior Jesse Scher are also expected to see plenty of work on the mound.
“Having experienced pitchers coming back is always a plus,” Lillis said. “Even more so this season because most of our positions are as wide open as they’ve ever been. We’re going to see what happens in the preseason, but I expect guys to earn they’re playing time all season long.”
Interestingly, Lillis’ pitchers are likely to have a say in how many runs they have to work with as they are among the team’s top returning batsmen. Reardon, who plays first base when not pitching, is coming off a monster .419 campaign, during which he belted a pair of home runs and led North Brunswick with 26 RBIs, while also scoring 13 times himself.
Facey, who plays third base, hit .324, drove home 18 runs and scored 12 runs. Bloyed, a first baseman/outfielder, crossed the plate 21 times, drive in nine runs and hitting .286. He displayed a good eye as well, drawing 11 bases on balls.
Maranca, who hit .250 in limited action; outfielder Bryan Tavares, who batted .222; and second baseman/ outfielder Anthony Lupo all saw some varsity time. Fellow seniors Brandon Koodish and Nick Maranca are contending for outfield spots.
Juniors Mike Dempsey and Dylan Martin are looking to take over the catching job following the graduation of Victor Konstantinovsky, who was a fixture behind the plate over the last three seasons.
Outfielder Tyler Petrillo has impressed and could end up being the leadoff man in the batting order. Neal Gaeta and Roger Gomez are vying for middle infield roles. Sophomore Justin Garcia, who played a bit at shortstop, returns and may play second base as well.
“If we hit, we’ll be OK,” Lillis said. “We have several guys who will have the chance to win regular spots this year, and I’m looking for them to step up.”
North Brunswick opens the season with three straight home games. The Raiders host Metuchen High School on April 1, and Edison comes to town on April 4. Two days later, Lillis’ team begins its Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC) White Division schedule against South Plainfield High School in the first of a home-and-home series.