by Andy Smith
Locust Valley 3, Oyster Bay 2
WP: Matt Gallo (5 IP, 3 H, 5 Ks)
S: Jack BakerChristian Corey: 2 RBIs
Locust Valley will face Wheatley in the Nassau B Finals in a best of 3 series beginning on Monday at SUNY Farmingdale pic.twitter.com/SFVSq5cBfr
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) May 21, 2022
The Locust Valley Falcons are coming off a strong year in 2022. The Falcons finished with twelve wins and made a deep playoff run. However, their season was ultimately ended by Wheatley in the County Championship.
Locust Valley will be entering 2023 with a new skipper. Brian LoRusso, a former college baseball player at SUNY New Paltz and college coach in Maryland, looks to continue the success of the Locust Valley program.
The Falcons are starting their campaign without some key contributors. One potent force on the mound is Dominick Marone. Marone was a presence on the mound last season, posting an impressive 2.01 ERA across 31.1 innings pitched. A highlight last year was striking out nine and surrendering only three hits against the number two ranked Oyster Bay.
Another recent graduate, Ethan Vitale, will also be missed. Vitale had a major role on the mound last season by pitching 37.1 innings.
However, Locust Valley has a strong group of returning players who look to continue the success of the program. Leading this group is St. Peter’s commit Christian Corey. Corey is a dominant force on both sides of the ball. On the bump, Corey has been credited for increasing the velocity of his fastball during the offseason to over 90 mph and should serve as a vital piece of their rotation. In the batter’s box the current senior has shown power potential and hit .315 last season. In addition, Corey is also the quarterback of the football team, and those leadership skills certainly can translate on the diamond.
Locust Valley 11, Carle Place 1
WP: Christian Corey (CG, 0 ER, 10 Ks also 3-for-3 with 3 RBIs at plate) pic.twitter.com/xPwwzsjYZ6— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) April 13, 2022
Joining him is fellow senior and starting pitcher, Jack Baker. Baker had, “a strong season last year and also possesses upside in the batter’s box.” As a hitter, Baker registered a .277 batting average. Baker’s younger brother Luke, a freshman, will see time in the middle infield as well.
Another name to note is senior Matt Gallo. He should slot in as a potential starter and hitter. Last season, Gallo threw 26 innings to the tune of a 3.50 ERA. Gallo is, “A great strike thrower and a strong number three starter.”
Fellow seniors, Anthony Capozzi, Joey Borruso, and Sam Tini will also be featured as utility players throughout the 2023 campaign. A player who did not play last season, senior Aidan Domin is a “big lefty bat” and will see time as the backstop with Borruso.
LoRusso explained where he believes the current strengths of the lineup are. “Defense in the infield is really good. Starting pitching is also coming back with playoff experience. This is really good to build on.”
The Falcons will be in a league with Wheatley, Seaford, and Cold Spring Harbor with cross overs against Friends, East Rockaway, Oyster Bay, and Carle Place. Locust Valley begins their quest for another deep playoff run against Friends Academy on March 29th.
