By Matthew Rocco
The first two weeks of the baseball season haven’t been kind to Keyport High School. The Red Raiders were thrown into the fire early, facing the likes of Freehold High School and division rival St. Rose High School. But thanks to their tough schedule, the Red Raiders expect to be stronger in the long run.
“We started slow but like a locomotive, I hope we will pick up speed,” head coach Kyle Keelen said. “I want them to be ready for the [NJSIAA] Central Jersey, Group I tournament. We’re playing bigger schools, so they will be used to it.”
Keyport’s cold bats came as a surprise. The Red Raiders were no-hit by Mater Dei Prep in a 3-0 loss to open the season. On April 16, Freehold held the Red Raiders hitless in a 7-0 shutout.
Keelen, now in his fifth year as Keyport’s head coach, didn’t want his team to get caught up in those losses.
“Your confidence gets beat up [when facing strong teams],” he said.
Still, the Red Raiders aren’t keeping their heads down. In fact, they are starting to play together as a team more than ever before.
“I’m kind of glad we got punched in the face early, not late in the season. It’s a wake-up call,” Keelen said.
Positive signs can be found in two Shore Conference Class A Central wins. The Red Raiders got plenty of offense to beat Ranney School, 13-5, as junior Kyle Johnson smashed a home run and drove in seven runs. Keyport put 10 hits on the board to beat Keansburg High School, 8-4, with RBIs spread up and down the lineup.
Johnson, who plays the corner infield positions, is one of several key players in a large group of returnees this season. Senior catcher Kyle Mitchell is batting cleanup. Junior Jackson Aumack, who had two hits, an RBI and two stolen bases against Keansburg, starts at second base. Keyport also has senior shortstop Steven Chandler in the lineup.
Senior Mike Russo, who hit two doubles in the Keansburg game, sophomore Colin Fernandez and junior Alex Staats are among the newcomers.
On the hill, junior Christian Smith is the workhouse of the pitching staff. After throwing to a 2.23 ERA in 2015, Smith has pitched well to open the new campaign. He pitched five innings against Mater Dei, holding the Seraphs to three runs — just one was earned — on four hits with seven strikeouts in the season opener.
“When [Smith is] on the mound, we’re the best defensive team that I’ve had at Keyport,” Keelen said.
Senior Kenneth Harrigan’s best weapon is a heavy fastball, according to Keelen. Evan Smutz, a senior, is a strike thrower. Shane Chandler, a junior, pitches in relief. He posted two hitless innings against Mater Dei, striking out five batters.
Keelen said Keyport’s veterans are a huge asset, especially for a team that wants to turn things around after a 2-4 start.
“Our guys haven’t gotten down,” the head coach said. “They know each other so well. Even if a sophomore says to do something, they listen. These last three games, something clicked. They are buying in, but we’re just getting the wrong end of the stick. We’re playing good baseball.”
The team’s recovery starts with locking up some wins as the second half gets underway. Keyport played its rematch against Mater Dei April 20, followed by matchups with Dunellen High School April 23 and Point Pleasant Beach High School April 25. The Red Raiders return home April 29 to face Ranney.