into postseason
Sayreville baseball team expects to play well
into postseason
The Sayreville War Memorial High School baseball team is off to a 5-2 start this spring, but coach Mike Novak said the team is not yet playing at its best.
"We’ve been a little inconsistent and at times we’ve really struggled at the plate," the second-year coach said. "We’ve been fortunate to keep winning when we’re not playing our best. Once everything starts to gel, I think this team can go places."
One destination is the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV playoffs. Sayreville, currently second in the Greater Middlesex Conference White Division, has not qualified for the state tourney since 1998.
A key to getting to the tournament is pitching, and the Bombers have plenty of that.
Mark Poore is 2-2 with a 1.58 ERA, and Tim Ballard, 1-1, has pitched well. Bryan Laughery, 4-2 a year ago, is 0-1 with a no-decision, but Novak said the senior is coming around. In addition, Dan Louis, Dennis Larsen and Jason Ciak have thrown well in spot duty.
Sophomore catcher Rob Arvanites has made a strong impression handling the pitchers and has thrown out seven would-be base thieves.
At the plate, second baseman Rob Galante leads the team with a .357 mark, with right fielder Kyle Masterson at .333. Poore and Ballard are batting .313 and .305, respectively, and shortstop Jeff Toth is at .300 while center fielder Keith Simpkins is at .295.
Louis, the first baseman, is batting just .200 in the early going yet leads the Bombers with six RBIs.
Novak said Sayreville’s defense was superb in the five wins over Colonia, JFK, Manchester, Monroe and North Brunswick. In both losses, to Colonia and Carteret, the Bombers did not play well in the field.
"I’m happy with where we’re at, particularly because I know the team is going to get better," Novak said.
"This team has a lot of talent and potential. When we put it all together, we will be a tough opponent for anyone."
— Warren Rappleyea