by ANTHONY TAGLIAFERRO Staff Writer
The 2013 Monroe Township Baseball squad will advance to the Greater Middlesex County Championship against John F. Kennedy Iselin High School at TD Bank Ballpark on Thursday, May 30 at six o’clock P.M., after topping South Brunswick 1-0 in the semi-finals.
For the first time in many years, the Falcons have made it to the County Finals. In years prior, the baseball team has been stopped short with losses in either the semi or quarter-finals.
The Falcons had recently been eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Group IV State Tournament by higher seeded Marlboro High School in a 2-1 fight.
It was a great game, where both sides played exceptionally well on the defensive and offensive sides of the ball. Monroe threw their dominant, power right-hander Andrew Cohen, while Marlboro set up a combination of two lefties on the mound.
Unfortunately, the home team Marlboro topped the Falcons, scoring on an RBI ground ball and a wild pitch.
Cohen said, “We all played well, it’s the game of baseball. Anyone can win any day, at any time, at any place, that’s the beauty of the game. A few executed plays on their half had won them the game. Now, we worry about Thursday.”
The GMC Championship will be the Falcons’ last game of an “okay” 13 win and 12 loss season as described by head coach Pat Geroni.
“The boys are a great group. I’ve been with most of them since they were in grade 7. We have a tough obstacle ahead against JFK and their ace Adonis Hernandez, but I’m sure Danny Marsh will take care of their lineup,” said coach Geroni
Senior captain and ace pitcher Danny Marsh threw a two hit shut out in the GMC semi-finals against the tough opposing line-up of South Brunswick High School.
On the season, Marsh has let up seven earned runs in 40.2 innings pitched. He has four wins and a no decision in six starts, with 49 strike outs.
Marsh is committed to Division One ball club of Wagner College for his years post high school.
Marsh said,”I’m going to pitch to win the game. I’m going to try to throw a lot of strikes and get ahead. I trust the guys behind me and my catcher. We did it against South Brunswick. I have faith in doing it again, together.”
All year, the struggle for the Falcons has been beyond obvious. They are said to have the best pitching staff in the county, and the stats can prove it, but their Achilles heel has been their offensive production.
The games this season have been low scoring when the Falcons play because of their oppressive, talented pitching staff, and their low productive offensive line-up. The Falcons just have trouble driving in runs, and capitalizing in key opportunities.
Senoir shortstop Jeff Htam has one of the highest batting averages with a .305 and 18 hits. Htam has played exceptional defense and is a major leader for the squad.
He possesses the rare ability to be a passive, yet strong leader on the field, which is going to be key in winning the GMCs. The Falcons need to be calm and collected, and be sure not to get rattled or nervous.
“The combination of pitching and scoring a couple runs, while maintaining composure, will win the game on Thursday,” said Coach Geroni.
The game is to be played at six o’clock at TD Bank Ballpark on Thursday, May 30 against JFK. It is going to be an evenly matched duel, coming down to whoever makes the least mistakes.
Will you be there to support the Falcons?
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