It’s been an incredible start to the 2022 baseball season and yesterday was among the more action-packed days. Here’s a quick rundown of things to know.
- Chaminade LHP John Downing fired a perfect game with 11 strikeouts against St. Mary’s.
The lefty needed just 62 pitches to complete the task. It was the second perfect game in as many weeks on Long Island. Chaminade improved to 9-0 in the CHSAA. They are, of course, the two-time reigning champs and are the favorites once again this year.
2. St. Anthony’s continued to roll
We covered the game. Jason DeCaro has emerged as an ace for the Friars and he has thrown back-to-back CG shutouts. They are currently 8-1 and one game behind the Flyers in the CHSAA. They will get to face St. John’s-commit Kyle Chase today.
3. Sayville Took Game 1 of Crucial Series Against Miller Place
The two teams entered yesterday’s three-game series just one game apart in the standings, but Sayville took Game 1 of the series to improve to 13-0 on the season. They are one of the two remaining undefeated teams (Shoreham-Wading River) left in Suffolk County.
4. Dylan Banner Has Been On Fire
The Albany-commit has been on another level this season. He has yet to allow a run on the mound over 26 innings. He hit his second grand slam of the season yesterday. He has four home runs. He allowed just an infield single on Monday in what would’ve been another no-hitter. He’s the favorite for one of the Diamond Awards, it’s just not clear if he will get it as a pitcher or position player – similar to Tyler Cox last season. My prediction is he’ll get it as a position player which allows the pitcher award to go to one of Brian Chin, Ryan Degnan or Tyler Kregeloh. Tough competition yet again this season.
5. Josh Knoth Takes the Mound
Every start is must-see for the Pat-Med junior RHP. He has made mince meat of opposing batters this season. He fired a 20-K perfect game last week and had one into the 6th inning against Brentwood before reaching the pitch limit. He will face West Islip in a non-league road match up today. He is the favorite for the Yaz Award right now since his offensive numbers are through the roof as well. He has allowed one run this year (against William Floyd) and has struck out over 60 batters in 22 innings. Just ridiculous numbers. He certainly has a shot to become the third Pat-Med pitcher since 2009 to get drafted and first Yaz winner since Marcus Stroman in 2008.
