<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>John cruz, Author at Axcess Baseball</title> <atom:link href="https://www.axcessbaseball.com/author/john-cruz/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://www.axcessbaseball.com/author/john-cruz/</link> <description></description> <lastBuildDate>Mon, 27 Feb 2017 17:58:17 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <image> <url>https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/cropped-x-icon-32x32.jpg</url> <title>John cruz, Author at Axcess Baseball</title> <link>https://www.axcessbaseball.com/author/john-cruz/</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <item> <title>February 26 Recap</title> <link>https://www.axcessbaseball.com/2017/02/27/february-26-recap/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=february-26-recap</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[John cruz]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 27 Feb 2017 17:58:17 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Archive]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Game Recaps]]></category> <category><![CDATA[NEWS]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.axcessbaseball.com/?p=20171</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Div-I: St. Johns wins seventh straight, remain perfect: The Red Storm squared up with the UMBC Retrievers on Sunday and turned to starting pitcher Ryan McAuliffe who delivered 6.1 innings of scoreless work, striking out five while scattering only six hits. However, McAuliffe’s efforts were matched by UMBC’s starting pitcher Matt Chanin as both starters traded zeros on the scoreboard through the first four innings of play. The Johnnies were finally able to break the scoreless tie in the fifth thanks to three consecutive defensive miscues, the latter being a wild pitch that allowed Robbie Knightes to score from third base. After a walk of Mike Antico who finished 1-for-2 on the day with two runs scored, redshirt junior John Valente collected his second hit of the day via RBI single to left field. RBI’s from Michael Donadio in the sixth, Troy Dixon in the seventh, and three more from Jesse Berardi’s double in the eighth provided some extra offense to push the lead to 8-0. In relief, Gavin Hollowell pitched 1.2 scoreless innings in the seventh and turned the ball over to Turner French to close the game in the ninth. The Red Storm look to continue their early success against North Carolina in Chapel Hill on March 1st 3:00 pm. Fordham falls to Long Beach State 7-1 in the final game of the series: After a tough fought 8-4 loss against Long Beach State on Saturday, Fordham looked to rebound on Sunday to avoid the sweep and put a halt to a 1-4 start on the year. In the top of the very first frame, Fordham struck first with an RBI single to center field off the bat of catcher Justin Bardwell. The Dirtbags retaliated with their very own one run frame in the bottom of the first with a Luke Rasmussen RBI single. Long Beach State eventually tacked on six runs throughout the course of the game sparked by Jarren Duran’s 3-for-5 day at the plate with 3 RBI. Fordham would fail to push any more runs across as the Dirtbags pitching staff scattered eight Fordham hits through nine innings. Jimmy Murphy got the start for the Rams allowing four runs through five innings pitched. Following Murphy were pitchers David Wright and Anthony Zimmerman combining for three innings of work allowing two earned runs. On March 3rd Fordham will face Canisius in hopes to win the first of a four game series in Wilson North Carolina at 3:00 pm. Presbyterian outlasts Stony Brook in rubber match 2-1: If you like low scoring games and dominate pitching performances, Sunday’s game between the Stony Brook Sea Wolves and the Presbyterian Blue Hose had exactly that. On the mound for the Sea Wolves was freshman right handed hurler Brain Herrmann who dealt a solid 6.2 innings allowing two runs (one earned), five hits, while fanning five batters. His efforts were matched by Hayden Deal of the Blue Hose. Deal dealt a strong 6.2 innings of work as well while allowing just one run to cross the plate via solo home run in the second off the bat of Stony Brook’s Dylan Resk. The Blue Hose retook the lead in the third off an AJ Priaulx fielder’s choice scoring Andrew Bladt from third base…who earlier walked and advanced to second on a wild pitch. The 2-1 score would remain unchanged as the pitching staffs for both teams put of zeros in each of the remaining frames. On March 3rd Stony Brook will face off with UCF in the first of a three game series at 6:30 PM. Div-II: Molloy swings its way to first win of the season: Molloy baseball picked up their first win of the year in a 9-2 win over Concordia at Ripkin Griffith field in Myrtle Beach South Carolina. The Lions got on the board first with a leadoff double from senior Brian Murphy followed by a sacrifice fly by junior Angelo Navetta. In the two next frames Concordia College answered back with a German Dilone RBI double and an Eric Roubal fielder’s choice. The Clippers offensive output stopped at two runs, and the Lions handled the bats well the rest of the way. In the top of the fourth inning with two runners on board Elijah Leerdam doubled to centerfield bringing two runners home to retake the lead. The Lions put up a four run fifth inning with an RBI single from Michael Rahn and two-run home run from Anthony Alberghina to cap the inning and the lead at 7-2. Ryan Hensley provided the final two insurance runs of the game with an RBI walk and scored himself in the ninth. Bobby Kelly recorded the Lions first win of the year retiring eight batters via strikeout in a strong seven inning performance. Molloy baseball will pursue their second win of the season on March 4th vs. Merrimack College at 3:00 pm. Pioneers Upset No. 12 Franklin Pierce in 6-2 upset Riding a four-game winning streak with an upset win over #6 Southern New Hampshire University in the mix, LIU Post turned to freshman standout pitcher Noah Lorenzo on Sunday. Lorenzo recorded his second straight complete game in as many tries allowing two runs on six hits, with a walk and four strikeouts. LIU Post got on the board early with an RBI double from Dave Brehm scoring Rob Andreoli putting the Pioneers up 1-0. The Ravens answered back in the second with two base hit RBI’s of their own, however their bats could not plate another runner to score. A pair of defensive miscues by the Ravens allowed Brehm to score on a wild pitch which gave the Pioneers and early 3-2 lead. Anthony Vaglica provided important insurance runs in the fifth and seventh with an RBI single and a two out RBI double to push the Pioneers to 6-2 over the Ravens which would be the final score of the ball game. LIU Post looks to continue their streak at home against Bloomfield College on March 4th at 12:00 pm. Queens College shuts out Stonehill 6-0 The Knights turned the ball over to freshman pitcher Nick Morena on the final day of their Myrtle Beach Baseball Challenge against Stonehill on Sunday. Morena was outstanding, throwing seven scoreless innings with twelve strikeouts, allowing just two hits and one walk. The Knights coaching staff then handed the ball to Yakov Trukhin, who allowed just one hit in his two innings of relief in the combined shut out win. Knights baseball scored three runs in the second inning with the help of a pair of errors by Stonehill to take the early lead. A base hit from Thomas Parish and a walk of Joe Morris got things going for the Knights, as two reach on errors would lead to Kevin Kolesar, Parish, and Morris to all score. The Final three runs would come in the ninth inning thanks to an RBI single from Andrew Navarez and a Thomas Parish two-run triple. The Knights head back home to host Goldey-Beacom College in a double header on March 4th at 12:00pm.       </p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.axcessbaseball.com/2017/02/27/february-26-recap/">February 26 Recap</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.axcessbaseball.com">Axcess Baseball</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Div-I:</strong></p> <p><strong>St. Johns wins seventh straight, remain perfect:</strong></p> <p>The Red Storm squared up with the UMBC Retrievers on Sunday and turned to starting pitcher <strong>Ryan McAuliffe</strong> who delivered 6.1 innings of scoreless work, striking out five while scattering only six hits.</p> <p>However,<strong> McAuliffe’s</strong> efforts were matched by UMBC’s starting pitcher <strong>Matt Chanin</strong> as both starters traded zeros on the scoreboard through the first four innings of play.</p> <p>The Johnnies were finally able to break the scoreless tie in the fifth thanks to three consecutive defensive miscues, the latter being a wild pitch that allowed <strong>Robbie Knightes</strong> to score from third base. After a walk of <strong>Mike Antico</strong> who finished 1-for-2 on the day with two runs scored, redshirt junior <strong>John Valente</strong> collected his second hit of the day via RBI single to left field. RBI’s from <strong>Michael Donadio</strong> in the sixth, <strong>Troy Dixon </strong>in the seventh, and three more from <strong>Jesse Berardi’s</strong> double in the eighth provided some extra offense to push the lead to 8-0.</p> <p>In relief,<strong> Gavin Hollowell </strong>pitched 1.2 scoreless innings in the seventh and turned the ball over to <strong>Turner French</strong> to close the game in the ninth. The Red Storm look to continue their early success against North Carolina in Chapel Hill on March 1<sup>st</sup> 3:00 pm.</p> <p><strong>Fordham falls to Long Beach State 7-1 in the final game of the series:</strong></p> <p>After a tough fought 8-4 loss against Long Beach State on Saturday, Fordham looked to rebound on Sunday to avoid the sweep and put a halt to a 1-4 start on the year.</p> <p>In the top of the very first frame, Fordham struck first with an RBI single to center field off the bat of catcher <strong>Justin Bardwell</strong>. The Dirtbags retaliated with their very own one run frame in the bottom of the first with a <strong>Luke Rasmussen</strong> RBI single. Long Beach State eventually tacked on six runs throughout the course of the game sparked by <strong>Jarren Duran’s </strong>3-for-5 day at the plate with 3 RBI<strong>.</strong> Fordham would fail to push any more runs across as the Dirtbags pitching staff scattered eight Fordham hits through nine innings.</p> <p><strong>Jimmy Murphy</strong> got the start for the Rams allowing four runs through five innings pitched. Following Murphy were pitchers <strong>David Wright</strong> and <strong>Anthony Zimmerman</strong> combining for three innings of work allowing two earned runs.</p> <p>On March 3<sup>rd</sup> Fordham will face Canisius in hopes to win the first of a four game series in Wilson North Carolina at 3:00 pm.</p> <p><strong>Presbyterian outlasts Stony Brook in rubber match 2-1:</strong></p> <p>If you like low scoring games and dominate pitching performances, Sunday’s game between the Stony Brook Sea Wolves and the Presbyterian Blue Hose had exactly that.</p> <p>On the mound for the Sea Wolves was freshman right handed hurler <strong>Brain Herrmann</strong> who dealt a solid 6.2 innings allowing two runs (one earned), five hits, while fanning five batters. His efforts were matched by <strong>Hayden Deal </strong>of the Blue Hose<strong>. </strong>Deal dealt a strong 6.2 innings of work as well while allowing just one run to cross the plate via solo home run in the second off the bat of Stony Brook’s <strong>Dylan Resk. </strong>The Blue Hose retook the lead in the third off an <strong>AJ Priaulx </strong>fielder’s choice scoring <strong>Andrew Bladt </strong>from third base…who earlier walked and advanced to second on a wild pitch. The 2-1 score would remain unchanged as the pitching staffs for both teams put of zeros in each of the remaining frames.</p> <p>On March 3<sup>rd</sup> Stony Brook will face off with UCF in the first of a three game series at 6:30 PM.</p> <p><strong>Div-II:</strong></p> <p><strong>Molloy swings its way to first win of the season:</strong></p> <p>Molloy baseball picked up their first win of the year in a 9-2 win over Concordia at Ripkin Griffith field in Myrtle Beach South Carolina.</p> <p>The Lions got on the board first with a leadoff double from senior <strong>Brian Murphy </strong>followed by a sacrifice fly by junior <strong>Angelo Navetta</strong>. In the two next frames Concordia College answered back with a <strong>German Dilone</strong> RBI double and an <strong>Eric Roubal</strong> fielder’s choice.</p> <p>The Clippers offensive output stopped at two runs, and the Lions handled the bats well the rest of the way. In the top of the fourth inning with two runners on board <strong>Elijah Leerdam </strong>doubled to centerfield bringing two runners home to retake the lead. The Lions put up a four run fifth inning with an RBI single from <strong>Michael Rahn </strong>and two-run home run from <strong>Anthony Alberghina</strong> to cap the inning and the lead at 7-2. <strong>Ryan Hensley</strong> provided the final two insurance runs of the game with an RBI walk and scored himself in the ninth.</p> <p><strong>Bobby Kelly</strong> recorded the Lions first win of the year retiring eight batters via strikeout in a strong seven inning performance. Molloy baseball will pursue their second win of the season on March 4<sup>th</sup> vs. Merrimack College at 3:00 pm.</p> <p><strong>Pioneers Upset No. 12 Franklin Pierce in 6-2 upset</strong></p> <p>Riding a four-game winning streak with an upset win over #6 Southern New Hampshire University in the mix, LIU Post turned to freshman standout pitcher <strong>Noah Lorenzo </strong>on Sunday. Lorenzo recorded his second straight complete game in as many tries allowing two runs on six hits, with a walk and four strikeouts.</p> <p>LIU Post got on the board early with an RBI double from <strong>Dave Brehm</strong> scoring <strong>Rob Andreoli </strong>putting the Pioneers up 1-0. The Ravens answered back in the second with two base hit RBI’s of their own, however their bats could not plate another runner to score. A pair of defensive miscues by the Ravens allowed Brehm to score on a wild pitch which gave the Pioneers and early 3-2 lead. <strong>Anthony Vaglica</strong> provided important insurance runs in the fifth and seventh with an RBI single and a two out RBI double to push the Pioneers to 6-2 over the Ravens which would be the final score of the ball game.</p> <p>LIU Post looks to continue their streak at home against Bloomfield College on March 4<sup>th</sup> at 12:00 pm.</p> <p><strong>Queens College shuts out Stonehill 6-0</strong></p> <p>The Knights turned the ball over to freshman pitcher <strong>Nick Morena</strong> on the final day of their Myrtle Beach Baseball Challenge against Stonehill on Sunday.</p> <p>Morena was outstanding, throwing seven scoreless innings with twelve strikeouts, allowing just two hits and one walk. The Knights coaching staff then handed the ball to <strong>Yakov Trukhin, </strong>who allowed just one hit in his two innings of relief in the combined shut out win.</p> <p>Knights baseball scored three runs in the second inning with the help of a pair of errors by Stonehill to take the early lead. A base hit from <strong>Thomas Parish</strong> and a walk of <strong>Joe Morris</strong> got things going for the Knights, as two reach on errors would lead to <strong>Kevin Kolesar</strong>, Parish, and Morris to all score. The Final three runs would come in the ninth inning thanks to an RBI single from <strong>Andrew Navarez</strong> and a <strong>Thomas Parish</strong> two-run triple.</p> <p>The Knights head back home to host Goldey-Beacom College in a double header on March 4<sup>th</sup> at 12:00pm.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.axcessbaseball.com/2017/02/27/february-26-recap/">February 26 Recap</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.axcessbaseball.com">Axcess Baseball</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>LIU Post Ready to Take the Next Step</title> <link>https://www.axcessbaseball.com/2017/02/07/liu-post-ready-to-take-the-next-step/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=liu-post-ready-to-take-the-next-step</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[John cruz]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 07 Feb 2017 14:48:20 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Archive]]></category> <category><![CDATA[NEWS]]></category> <category><![CDATA[LIU Post]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.axcessbaseball.com/?p=17609</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Last year’s record: 23-20 Key roster losses: Joey Arena (P), David Groeneveld (1B) Key additions: Anthony Vaglica (C/1B), Zach Fritz (INF), Kurt Rissland (P), Julian Arcos (P), Noah Lorenzo (P), Pat McCabe (P), Mike Stiles (P) Key roster returners: Jake DeCarli (P), Dan Jagiello (P), Rob Andreoli (OF), Joe Spitaleri (INF), James Varela (P), Thomas Asbaty (C) Kenny Daley (OF), Kyle Fagan (C/OF) The Pioneers fell just short of an East Coast Conference (ECC) tournament appearance in 2016 despite winning nine out of their last 10 games to finish the year. With some key returners coming back and a roster filled with high-ceiling talent, however, Pioneer nation is confident that the 2017 campaign will yield better results. Strengths The Pioneers’ strength is the culture that was developed under the supervision of third year head coach Mike Gaffney. “The guys are all hungry this year, and everyone has bought in; nobody is afraid to hold each other accountable and the senior leadership is a big reason why.” Among those seniors include 2015 Baseball on the Island Cy Young Jake DeCarli, who actually took a slight step back in 2016. He posted a still-solid 3.08 ERA over 73 innings (up from 0.76 in ’15). Joining forces with him is senior workhorse Dan Jagiello, who compiled a record of 7-3 with a 3.64 ERA over 66.2 innings. His performance will garner the attention of the local scouts–as they have flocked to him the past two seasons. Sophomore Brian Kavanagh thew 55.2 last season and showed enough to warrant a rotation spot to begin the season. The East Meadow grad has the potential to take over for DeCarli and Jagiello when they graduate next year. Some notable newcomers that have potential to add depth to the Pioneers’ staff include freshmen pitchers Kurt Rissland, Julian Arcos, Noah Lorenzo, Mike Lazos, Mike Stiles and Pat McCabe . All are coming off successful high school careers and have the potential to step in and contribute quality innings. Stiles was the League VI MVP from Comsewogue. On the offensive side they will be counting on another big year from junior Rob Andreoli. He was named to our All-Long Island team–thanks to a .337/.399/.429 slash line and 55 hits. Seniors Kenny Daley, Thomas Asbaty, and Kyle Fagan are proven hitters in the league and will be relied on to provide veteran leadership. They will also be counting on some younger bats to lengthen the lineup. Joe Spitaleri, Dave Brehm and Jimmy Mendyk are returning players that have huge upside and showed last year that they are ready for this stage. They also have high hopes for sophomore transfer from USC Upstate, Anthony Vaglica, who is a Franklin Square native that will split time with Asbaty behind the plate. Last but not least is freshman Zach Fritz, who won the Nassau County Class AA title with East Meadow last year and has one of most powerful swings on the island. Look out for the Pioneers’ talented youth to have break out seasons under the wing of head coach Mike Gaffney and the battled tested senior leaders. Weaknesses LIU Post kicks off the 2017 season with a bevy of top-ranked regional and national Div-II teams. Their first nine games are against teams like Southern New Hampshire, Franklin Pierce, Limestone, and Gannon University. Getting off to a tough start could be a tough blow to the team’s psyche. They were a bit snake-bit when it came to close games in 2016. The Pioneers suffered nine tough luck losses last year that were decided by three runs or less. If they won just half of those games, they could’ve been one of the top seeds in the postseason. Overview The LIU Post Pioneers are a hungry, battled tested mix that are coming into the 2017 season with a chip on their shoulder. They have talent everywhere and this time they believe that the baseball culture and experience developed last year will be the foundation of a much more successful season. There is reason to believe they will make it happen.    </p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.axcessbaseball.com/2017/02/07/liu-post-ready-to-take-the-next-step/">LIU Post Ready to Take the Next Step</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.axcessbaseball.com">Axcess Baseball</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Last year’s record:</strong> 23-20</p> <p><strong>Key roster losses:</strong> Joey Arena (P), David Groeneveld (1B)</p> <p><strong>Key additions: </strong>Anthony Vaglica (C/1B), Zach Fritz (INF), Kurt Rissland (P), Julian Arcos (P), Noah Lorenzo (P), Pat McCabe (P), Mike Stiles (P)</p> <p><strong>Key roster returners:</strong> Jake DeCarli (P), Dan Jagiello (P), Rob Andreoli (OF), Joe Spitaleri (INF), James Varela (P), Thomas Asbaty (C) Kenny Daley (OF), Kyle Fagan (C/OF)</p> <p>The Pioneers fell just short of an East Coast Conference (ECC) tournament appearance in 2016 despite winning nine out of their last 10 games to finish the year. With some key returners coming back and a roster filled with high-ceiling talent, however, Pioneer nation is confident that the 2017 campaign will yield better results.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-12971 aligncenter" src="http://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/stcharlessportsmed-300x95.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="95" srcset="https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/stcharlessportsmed-300x95.jpg 300w, https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/stcharlessportsmed-768x243.jpg 768w, https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/stcharlessportsmed-1024x324.jpg 1024w, https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/stcharlessportsmed.jpg 1921w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p> <p><strong><em>Strengths</em></strong></p> <p>The Pioneers’ strength is the culture that was developed under the supervision of third year head coach <strong>Mike Gaffney.</strong> “The guys are all hungry this year, and everyone has bought in; nobody is afraid to hold each other accountable and the senior leadership is a big reason why.”</p> <p>Among those seniors include 2015<em> Baseball on the Island</em> Cy Young <strong>Jake DeCarli, </strong>who actually took a slight step back in 2016. He posted a still-solid 3.08 ERA over 73 innings (up from 0.76 in ’15). Joining forces with him is senior workhorse <strong>Dan Jagiello,</strong> who compiled a record of 7-3 with a 3.64 ERA over 66.2 innings. His performance will garner the attention of the local scouts–as they have flocked to him the past two seasons.</p> <p>Sophomore <strong>Brian Kavanagh</strong> thew 55.2 last season and showed enough to warrant a rotation spot to begin the season. The<strong> East Meadow</strong> grad has the potential to take over for DeCarli and Jagiello when they graduate next year.</p> <p>Some notable newcomers that have potential to add depth to the Pioneers’ staff include freshmen pitchers <strong>Kurt Rissland</strong>, <strong>Julian Arcos</strong>, <strong>Noah Lorenzo, Mike Lazos, Mike Stiles </strong>and <strong>Pat McCabe</strong> . All are coming off successful high school careers and have the potential to step in and contribute quality innings. Stiles was the League VI MVP from <strong>Comsewogue</strong>.</p> <p>On the offensive side they will be counting on another big year from junior <strong>Rob Andreoli</strong>. He was named to our <em>All-Long Island</em> team–thanks to a .337/.399/.429 slash line and 55 hits.</p> <p>Seniors<strong> Kenny Daley</strong>, <strong>Thomas Asbaty</strong>, and <strong>Kyle Fagan </strong>are proven hitters in the league and will be relied on to provide veteran leadership.</p> <p>They will also be counting on some younger bats to lengthen the lineup.</p> <p><strong>Joe Spitaleri, Dave Brehm and Jimmy Mendyk </strong>are returning players that have huge upside and showed last year that they are ready for this stage. They also have high hopes for sophomore transfer from USC Upstate, <strong>Anthony Vaglica</strong>, who is a Franklin Square native that will split time with Asbaty behind the plate. Last but not least is freshman<strong> Zach Fritz</strong>, who won the Nassau County Class AA title with <strong>East Meadow</strong> last year and has one of most powerful swings on the island.</p> <p>Look out for the Pioneers’ talented youth to have break out seasons under the wing of head coach Mike Gaffney and the battled tested senior leaders.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-12975 aligncenter" src="http://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/infiniti1-300x118.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="118" srcset="https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/infiniti1-300x118.jpg 300w, https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/infiniti1-768x303.jpg 768w, https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/infiniti1-1024x404.jpg 1024w, https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/infiniti1.jpg 1290w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p> <p><strong><em>Weaknesses </em></strong></p> <p>LIU Post kicks off the 2017 season with a bevy of top-ranked regional and national Div-II teams. Their first nine games are against teams like <strong>Southern New Hampshire, Franklin Pierce, Limestone</strong>, and <strong>Gannon University</strong>. Getting off to a tough start could be a tough blow to the team’s psyche.</p> <p>They were a bit snake-bit when it came to close games in 2016.</p> <p>The Pioneers suffered nine tough luck losses last year that were decided by three runs or less. If they won just half of those games, they could’ve been one of the top seeds in the postseason.</p> <div id="attachment_17633" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-17633" class="size-medium wp-image-17633" src="http://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/trout-1-300x180.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="180" srcset="https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/trout-1-300x180.jpg 300w, https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/trout-1-768x461.jpg 768w, https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/trout-1-1024x614.jpg 1024w, https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/trout-1.jpg 1800w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><p id="caption-attachment-17633" class="wp-caption-text">Mike Trout photographed for BodyArmor sports drink by Monte Isom</p></div> <p><strong><em>Overview</em></strong></p> <p>The LIU Post Pioneers are a hungry, battled tested mix that are coming into the 2017 season with a chip on their shoulder. They have talent everywhere and this time they believe that the baseball culture and experience developed last year will be the foundation of a much more successful season. There is reason to believe they will make it happen.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.axcessbaseball.com/2017/02/07/liu-post-ready-to-take-the-next-step/">LIU Post Ready to Take the Next Step</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.axcessbaseball.com">Axcess Baseball</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Nassau CC Motivated by Regional Loss to Suffolk</title> <link>https://www.axcessbaseball.com/2017/02/03/nassau-cc-motivated-by-regional-loss-to-suffolk/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=nassau-cc-motivated-by-regional-loss-to-suffolk</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[John cruz]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2017 03:12:20 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Archive]]></category> <category><![CDATA[NEWS]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Nassau]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.axcessbaseball.com/?p=17311</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Last year’s record: 25-14 (.641) Key roster losses: Nicholas Soriano (SS) Michael McCormick (INF) Michael Tancredi (INF) Adam Waldhof (P) Key roster additions: Joseph Minnuchi (P) Michael Siklas (C), Brian Perez (SS) Key returners: Connor Hehir (P) James Murphy (P) Justin Grimes (OF) Nicholas Marino (OF) Nassau CC had a tremendous 2016. They were three outs away from forcing a winner-take-all game, but blew a ninth-inning lead and were forced to watch their Suffolk counterparts celebrate at Farmingdale State College. They are reloaded and motivated to reclaim the Region XV crown. Strengths The Lions are a talented team in all phases of the game, but their true strength comes in the depth of their roster. Gold Glover and All-Region player Justin Grimes (sophomore), All-American Nick Marino (sophomore), and CUNYAC Rookie of the Year transfer from City College of New York Michael Siklas are expected to be impact players in the middle of the line-up for the lions. The pitching is led by returning starters Connor Hehir and James Murphy. Hehir posted a 1.93 ERA with 12.86 K/9 and Murphy managed a 9.75 K/9 while battling some of Division III’s toughest competition in the regional tournament. Adding to the duo will be incoming freshman and All-State player Joseph Minnuchi from East Meadow. The Lions believe Minnuchi’s big game experience should allow for an easy transition to college level completion. Weaknesses If any, the Lions are lacking experience at the infield positions. The majority of their battle tested returners are in the outfield and in the bullpen, so the Lions will look like a brand new team across the diamond. Although the infield positions seem to be up for grabs, look for 2015 All-State player Brian Perez and sophomore Elijah Tavarez to step up and fill the void. Overview Most teams would consider a 25-14 season and a regional appearance a successful season. Assistant coach Alex Brosnan and his Nassau Lions think otherwise. Coach Brosnan stated, “The core guys are motivated by the feeling of losing to Suffolk, and that the kids are hungry for an appearance in this year’s DIII World Series”. Look for the Lions to be a competitive team this year in region XV, and with the core players returning they make a strong case for a possible World Series appearance.  </p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.axcessbaseball.com/2017/02/03/nassau-cc-motivated-by-regional-loss-to-suffolk/">Nassau CC Motivated by Regional Loss to Suffolk</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.axcessbaseball.com">Axcess Baseball</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Last year’s record:</strong> 25-14 (.641)</p> <p><strong>Key roster losses:</strong> Nicholas Soriano (SS) Michael McCormick (INF) Michael Tancredi (INF) Adam Waldhof (P)</p> <p><strong>Key roster additions: </strong>Joseph Minnuchi (P) Michael Siklas (C), Brian Perez (SS)</p> <p><strong>Key returners: </strong>Connor Hehir (P) James Murphy (P) Justin Grimes (OF) Nicholas Marino (OF)</p> <p>Nassau CC had a tremendous 2016. They were three outs away from forcing a winner-take-all game, but blew a ninth-inning lead and were forced to watch their Suffolk counterparts celebrate at Farmingdale State College.</p> <p>They are reloaded and motivated to reclaim the Region XV crown.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-12971 aligncenter" src="http://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/stcharlessportsmed-300x95.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="95" srcset="https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/stcharlessportsmed-300x95.jpg 300w, https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/stcharlessportsmed-768x243.jpg 768w, https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/stcharlessportsmed-1024x324.jpg 1024w, https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/stcharlessportsmed.jpg 1921w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p> <p><em><strong>Strengths</strong></em></p> <p>The Lions are a talented team in all phases of the game, but their true strength comes in the depth of their roster. Gold Glover and All-Region player <strong>Justin Grimes</strong> (sophomore), All-American <strong>Nick Marino</strong> (sophomore), and <em>CUNYAC Rookie of the Year</em> transfer from City College of New York <strong>Michael Siklas</strong> are expected to be impact players in the middle of the line-up for the lions.</p> <p>The pitching is led by returning starters <strong>Connor Hehir</strong> and<strong> James Murphy</strong>. Hehir posted a 1.93 ERA with 12.86 K/9 and Murphy managed a 9.75 K/9 while battling some of Division III’s toughest competition in the regional tournament. Adding to the duo will be incoming freshman and All-State player <strong>Joseph Minnuchi</strong> from East Meadow. The Lions believe Minnuchi’s big game experience should allow for an easy transition to college level completion.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-12975 aligncenter" src="http://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/infiniti1-300x118.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="118" srcset="https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/infiniti1-300x118.jpg 300w, https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/infiniti1-768x303.jpg 768w, https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/infiniti1-1024x404.jpg 1024w, https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/infiniti1.jpg 1290w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p> <p><em><strong>Weaknesses</strong></em></p> <p>If any, the Lions are lacking experience at the infield positions. The majority of their battle tested returners are in the outfield and in the bullpen, so the Lions will look like a brand new team across the diamond. Although the infield positions seem to be up for grabs, look for 2015 All-State player <strong>Brian Perez</strong> and sophomore Elijah Tavarez to step up and fill the void.</p> <p><em><strong>Overview</strong></em></p> <p>Most teams would consider a 25-14 season and a regional appearance a successful season. Assistant coach Alex Brosnan and his Nassau Lions think otherwise. Coach Brosnan stated, “The core guys are motivated by the feeling of losing to Suffolk, and that the kids are hungry for an appearance in this year’s DIII World Series”. Look for the Lions to be a competitive team this year in region XV, and with the core players returning they make a strong case for a possible World Series appearance.</p> <p> </p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.axcessbaseball.com/2017/02/03/nassau-cc-motivated-by-regional-loss-to-suffolk/">Nassau CC Motivated by Regional Loss to Suffolk</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.axcessbaseball.com">Axcess Baseball</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> </channel> </rss>