LIONS TAKE GROUP 1 LEAP
Sunday, May 22, 2011
CNBNEWS.NET Staff Reporter
The Gloucester City High School Lions baseball team takes the field Monday in a
first round playoff game. The Lions (13 – 6) host Leap Academy of Camden (2 -8). First pitch 4 PM.
Two of the Lions 13 wins have come at the hands of #4 rank Highland High School and #8 Pitman High School.
Lions skipper Kevin Fahy has juggled his inexperience ballplayers into a team not to be taken lightly. The Lions are led by seniors 2B Brandon Blackiston, SS Kyle Greene, DH Dalton Dunn and 3B Tom Lindsay.
The Lions offense is provided by Blackiston who currently is tied for 4th in So. Jersey with 10 doubles and 20 runs scored, Jr. Kyle Gaff tied for 3rd with 22 RBI, 19 runs scored and Greene 20 runs scored.
Blackiston, Gaff, Greene and Lindsay set the table for power hitters Sr. Dunn and Jr. Joe Collins. Both Dunn and Collins have provided the locals timely hitting, which has power the Lions to the 13 wins and number 4 seed in the upcoming Group 1 playoffs.
Soph. catcher Thomas O’Donnell has been a mainstay both defensively and offensively. O’Donnell’s home run against Highland and bases loaded single against Pitman proved to be the difference between winning and losing.
The Lions defensive outfielders Fr. Ryan Ziegler Cf,, Jr. Pat Majeski Lf and Gaff RF have roamed the pasture backing up the senior infield and Jr. 1b Joe Dagostino.
To move on in the playoffs Coach Fahy will be relying on a pitching staff of Greene, Gaff, Soph. Steve Bobo and Fr. Austin Darrow. Greene a So. Jersey leader with a 4 – 0 record and 30 strike outs on the season, will be looked upon for his Senior leadership on the mound. Gaff has faced the challenge of the Tri-Co leaders when pitching and Bobo is coming off a no hit game against Clayton. Darrow #3 in top 10 with a 1.26 ERA and a 3 – 1 record is the newcomer to the staff. Darrow has wins over both #4 Highland and #8 Pitman along with a one hit game against Schalick.
Pitching is a key at any level and the Lions are not afraid to use many different arms, Madjeski, Lindsay, and Soph. Albe Carracino have provided much relief throughout the year.
The Lions have a busy week with Tri-co Delsea and Salem on the schedule next week and should the Lions prevail Monday they will host the winner of Pennsville – Woodbury on Friday afternoon.