Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s season preview series.
Sachem East 17, William Floyd 8
WP: Joe RondinellaJake Acker: 4-for-5, 2 doubles, triple, HR, 4 RBIs
Patrick Krempasky: HR
Joe Riccheti: 3-for-4, 4 runs pic.twitter.com/4w62PZORXh— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) May 3, 2023
Sachem East is coming off a season in which they were Co-League Champs along with Pat-Med and Longwood as all three teams finished with a 14-6 league record.
The Arrows has the misfortune of facing a 1st round draft pick in the first round, however, and they lost 2-0 to Pat-Med.
“It was a cool experience but not something you want to face in the playoffs,” Kevin Schnupp said in regards to facing Josh Knoth. He put on quite a show for the scouts as he struck out 15 over 6 innings.
They went on to face Ward Melville, where they lost 7-3 to have their season end.
That group of seniors was very talented, as they had several players that went on to play in college. All-League OF Joe Richetti is now playing at SUNY New Paltz. All-County catcher Jake Acker is at Wesleyan University, he was a 2x All-League player. All-League infielder Patrick Krempasky is playing at the University of Bridgeport. All-League infielder Sam Leonard is playing at Alcorn State. First baseman Chris Bartnik is playing at the College of Staten Island. That’s five players that have moved onto the next level.
That’s why coach said they felt they felt they should’ve advanced further.
“We got knocked off much earlier than we thought,” said Schnupp.
Fortunately, they have a vast talent pool and they will be returning several high-end players.
Leading the charge is James Madison University-commit Alex Apicella. He is a three-year starter and is coming off a big season in which he was All-League.
Sachem East 4, Pat-Med 0
WP: Alex Apicella (CG shutout, 2 hits)Richetti 1-3 2 runs scored
Leonard 2-3 RBI
Antinoro 2-3 double pic.twitter.com/8AqsncglJD— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) April 27, 2023
“He is a dude. He’s a guy that will pitch and he’s a two-way guy. He’s smooth at shortstop. He will be one of the top players at the end of the year,” he said.
They also return uncommitted senior Austin Barrett. The 6’5 RHP was described as a “frontline starter” and pitches in the mid to upper 80s with his heater.
Uncommitted 2025 Austin Barrett last bullpen 87-88, topped 89! @mvpbaserecruits @alex21brosnan @coachgibby3514 @axcessbaseball pic.twitter.com/2w5bRD2fhr
— Pete Kritikos (@mvpnewyork) February 14, 2024
“This will be his second year on the bump for us and we are looking for his stick to be a big part of the team”. When he’s not pitching he will play corner infield or DH.
Those two will combine for a dynamic top of the rotation for the Arrows. They also have a sophomore named Jake King, who will round out the pitching staff.
“He came up last year and was helpful,” said Schnupp. The 6’3 RHP plays for the Body Armor Titans, and was up to 83 last summer.
A few other names he mentioned was Joe Rondinella, Ryan Schwabe and Jason Campbell. Coach Schnupp said, “They should really round out our pitching.”
“I really like the makeup of our team,” said Schnupp. “Between the fall and the winter, they’ve really been putting the work in. I’m really excited about the season. We are in a beast of a league with Ward Melville, Sachem North, Bay Shore, Commack, Connetquot and Lindenhurst. It’s going to be a true test to make the playoffs. The boys are excited to see some top-line pitching,” he added.
They will open up against Lindenhurst on March 26.
