Baseball wins opener

The Berlin baseball team rode Austin Barnes’ 1-hitter to beat RHAM 2-1 on opening day. But the fact was, Berlin could have easily lost the game despite Barnes throwing a one-hitter. He walked six and hit a batter to get himself into trouble but was also able to get out of trouble.

“You just can’t put that many people on base because you’re just asking for trouble, look at the Yankees last night,” Berlin coach Leo Veleas said. “He pitched good but he made it hard on himself.”

After Bobby Mozzicato tripled, Jamie Brancato knocked him in with a fielder’s choice. The winning run came in the bottom of the seventh inning after the Redcoats loaded the bases with one out. Will Matuszak hit a ball back up the middle, which deflected off the pitcher’s glove and the winning run scored.

“It’s early so I’m not sure what to expect from these guys,” Veleas said. “We have scrimmaged and done pretty well but those didn’t count. These games count now so it’s tough to tell where we are right now.”

Barnes had two hits on offense and will likely be the top starter on the pitching staff after the Redcoats lost Anthony Marzi to graduation and UConn. Matuszak and Brendan Germano will also see time on the mound for the Redcoats.

“Barnes is number one right now but if someone else steps up that will help,” Veleas said.

Also returning for Berlin are seniors Zach Zulkiewicz, Joe Dellaquila. Mozzicato is a junior.

“We are a senior-laden team,” Veleas said. “We are expecting a lot out of our seniors this year. They have been around for four years and we have high expectations to have great senior leadership. We only have seniors and juniors on the team.”

Berlin will have to play well every game, as the competition is tough.

“Not to say the Northwest Conference wasn’t a good conference because it was but the CCC has traditionally been very strong,” Veleas said. “There are no cupcakes on this schedule. The competition is very good.

“The Bristol schools and the Meriden schools are always good and Plainville is tough no matter if we’re good and they’re not or the other way around. We’re going to have to raise our game up a little bit.”