Group 3
Seneca (15-7) vs. Paramus (25-4) at Toms River East, 2 p.m. Seneca is seeking its second state title. The Golden Eagles offense has come alive in the tournament, led by senior IF Ryan Williams (.442, seven HRs), senior DH Gabe Santone (.459, six HRs), and senior C Mark Steen (.377). Senior RHP Kevin Comer (5-0, 56 Ks in 331/3 innings), the 57th pick in Monday's Major League Baseball draft by the Toronto Blue Jays, is likely to see limited action on the mound. Senior RHP Ty Lyons and senior RHP Chris DelleMonache also could see mound action. Paramus features Nick Henriquez (.591, 46 RBIs) and Chris Covello (,467, 12 doubles) at the plate and Frank Colasante (9-1, 73 Ks) and Joe Szorentini (8-1, 53 Ks) on the mound.
Non-Public B
Gloucester Catholic (30-2) vs. Newark Academy (16-12) at Toms River North, 2 p.m. Gloucester Catholic is seeking its second straight and 15th overall state title, by far the most in New Jersey. The Rams' offense is led by junior IF Joe Brooks (.446, eight triples), junior IF John Brue (.549, eight HRs), and senior OF Steve Wilgus (.461, 19 SB). Senior LHP Cody Brown (11-0) and sophomore RHP Mike Shawaryn (7-0) are the top pitchers. Newark Academy is led by David Webster (.625) and Matt Ratner (.500, 3-0 on mound).
Non-Public A
St. Augustine Prep (27-4) vs. Pope John XXIII (24-4) at Toms River South, 11 a.m. The Hermits are seeking their first state title. Senior OF Ed Charlton (.469, nine HRs) sparks the attack along with senior IF Carlo Randazzo (.455, five HRs), senior IF Anthony Cocuzza (.388), and sophomore C Barry Buchowski (.417, eight doubles). Senior RHP Matt Rakus (9-0, 71 Ks) is the ace. Pope John is led by two Rutgers recruits - senior OF Matt Ackerman (.489, 42 SB) and senior RHP Brendan Mayers (9-0, 71 Ks) - as well as a UConn recruit, senior C Alex DeBellis (.451, 34 RBIs).
- Phil Anastasia
