Our @DigmiNation Player of the Game is Joey Savino who fired a 2-hit shutout over Newfield in a 3-0 victory. He needed only 75 pitches. They will face Bay Shore tomorrow #TipYourCap pic.twitter.com/kTvsHkthLo
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) May 14, 2018
After a loss in the county semifinals a year ago, Connetquot enters 2019 hungrier than ever, especially having their season end on their home turf, 3-2, to Eastport-South Manor.
Not only are they eager for a chance at revenge, but they come into the season loaded. They return arguably the top pitching staff on the island with a pair of Division-I commits and a couple others with scholarships in their future.
“The elimination to Eastport-South Manor still hurts and it is a rallying cry for a team that’s loaded with talent,” said Head Coach Robert Burger.
The strength of this stacked team will be the pitching staff.
The T-Birds clear cut ace will be Elon-commit Joe Savino. The 6’4″ righty finished 2018 with a ridiculous stat line. Over 47 innings pitched, he struck out 64 batters, surrendered only seven walks and posted a .69 ERA. He was named Axcess Baseball League II MVP. It’s safe to say he will be in the running for the Paul Gibson Award this season.
The factor that makes this Connetquot team so dangerous is their plethora of effective two-way players. This shows not only how talented this team is, but how special they can be if they play to their full potential.
Stony Brook commits Derek Yalon and Matt Brown-Eiring will seek to continue their success from a year ago. In 2018, Yalon posted a .357 average with 6 doubles and 16 RBI. Although Brown-Eiring didn’t start the season in the lineup, he definitely made his impact felt. Offensively, he recorded a .471 average with 5 doubles, 2 triples and 14 RBI. On the mound, he posted a 2-1 record with three saves. Expect both of these two-way players to be an all-around impact.
Another notable Stony Brook commit that returns to their lineup is (1B) Jared Yalon. He finished 2018 with a .355 average, 9 doubles and 17 RBI.
Alex Ungar and Coker-commit Trevor Adamo also possess the two-way threat. In 2018, Ungar batted .382 with 12 RBI and a .495 OBP. On the mound, he allowed only three earned runs over 33 innings and struck out 31 batters. He has garnered Division-I looks as well.
In addition to their returning players, Connetquot has newcomers that will look to make an impact right away. West-Virginia Wesleyan-commit Josh McGee, Anthony Amato and Anthony Raimondi are among their talented under-the-radar players.
Heading into the season, Connetquot has their eyes set at a league title and more. Their last league title came in 2015, and the T-Birds are hungry to end that streak. They won the Class AA championship that season led by current college players such as Dave Brehm, Travis Bruinsma, Brandon Morse and Silver Slugger Award winner Aaron Gagliano.
This group has four Division-I players and have been competing nationally against elite travel teams. Essentially, they have all been exposed to high-level baseball for years and excelled, a step up from any conference they could face in high school
“Expectations are high and everyone needs to have a role and embrace that role. Staying together as a team is essential,” stated Coach Burger.
Similar to every year, Connetquot will have their hands full with tough competition in League II. Their schedule consists of Commack, Sachem North, Bay Shore, Walt Whitman, Lindenhurst and Riverhead.
If everyone plays to their full potential, the T-Birds have a real shot at a county title. They are loaded and eager to begin their season.
They will open up their league schedule on April 1 at home against Whitman. Expect plenty of scouts to be in attendance with Savino on the hill.
