Jimmy Joyce stated that the reigning New York Class A champs wanted to send a message today. That message was sent with a seven-run first inning.
The hard-throwing Hofstra-commit struck out nine over four shutout innings in the season opener, while touching 92 MPH with his heater in the first inning.
Wantagh put up seven runs in the first inning highlighted by an RBI single by Joyce, two-run double by Anthony Fontana and two-run double by Trevor Fagan. They added five in the second, one in the third and four in the fourth.
Leadoff man Anthony D’Onofrio ripped a single, double and triple in the first two innings.
Joyce battled command issues in the first two innings, but settled down and found his groove. He allowed only a single in the third inning and made quick work of his final two innings.
“I definitely felt great and the nice weather amped up the team especially because it was a county championship rematch,” he said.
He also scored three runs on the afternoon.
Fagan had a huge day, also clearing the bases with a double in the fourth inning.
Wantagh, coming off a 25-win season, clearly means business this year. They are returning three All-State players and have a Div-I commit in Fontana. They will not be easy to beat this season, especially not with Joyce on the hill.
