Sports

Berlin Baseball Opens Tournament At Home Tuesday

A win in the opener could give the Redcoats another home game in the second round.


By Rick Volk

Pitching and defense should tell the story for the Berlin Redcoats in the Class L state tournament. Coming off a 13-7 season, the Berlin Redcoats’ will begin from the number 10 seed in Class L state championship tournament.

First up is a Southern Connecticut Conference opponent, Jonathan Law of Milford (10-10), seeded #23, Tuesday, at Sage Park, at 3:30 p.m.

All year the Redcoats have ridden the strong pitching of Connor Bennett (6-2, 2.04 ERA), Mike Veronesi (3-3, 1.29) and Jared Gallagher (3-2, 1.23, 1 save).

Seven one-run victories on the season stand as a tribute to the stingy pitchers. On the negative side of the ledger, the Berlin defense has struggled at times, contributing to a season total of 50 unearned runs allowed.

The low point may have been a nine-error performance in an April 22nd victory over Bristol Eastern. But other victories have seen crisp fielding, the likes of which will be needed for a strong tournament run.

The Redcoat hitting has been more timely than devastating this season. Junior Mitch Williams led Berlin hitters with .343 average and on-base percentage (.507). Other leading hitters for average were first baseman Dante Vasi (.319/.348), catcher Jordan Zima (.303/.364), and centerfielder Daren Grabowski (.294/.456). Grabowski led the team in runs (15) home runs (2), stolen bases (5) and slugging percentage (.500). Williams had 14 runs scored and a team-leading 12 RBIs, while senior Jeff Sylvester (.254/.390) had 10 RBI and Vasi 9.

Alec Norton (.230/.305), David Condon (.292/.458), Kyle Naples (.211/.421), and Greg Konowski (.231/.462) were the most frequent Berlin starters. Sophomores Anthony Sisti (.333, /.389) and Matt Rocco (.200/.200) started games late in the season and are possible playoff starters. Dan McLeod (.231/.385) saw limited duty.

Overall, the Berlin offense hit .277 on the season with a .402 on-base percentage. Berlin is coached by Leo Veleas in his 26th year as the Redcoats’ coach, a span which has seen five state championships. The Law lineup sports some higher batting averages than the home team.

Their hit parade is led by four juniors Kevin Johnson (.397/.435/.534), 2 HR, 15 RBI), Rich Dow Jr. (.351/.431), Jake Rouse (.327/.493) and Jim Palmer(.386/.491, 8 stolen bases). The Law football quarterback, junior Tim Maher (.241/.323), is a starting player as is his Berlin counterpart, third baseman Williams.

The Lawmen, of the Devon section of Milford, are coached by Greg Simler, in his third year. Season highlights include victories over cross-town rival Foran (11-6), St. Joseph (15-6) and Fairfield Prep (14-6). Jonathan Law’s starting pitchers are three right-handers - Johnson (3-3, 4.16), Dow (2-3, 3.05) and Kurt Holden (3-1, 2.75). Working in relief this year have been left-handers senior Dave DeRubeis (1-1, 1.05) and freshman Nick Catandella (0-1, 1.58). Holden was the winning pitcher against Fairfield Prep, while Dow defeated St. Joseph.

The 2012 Redcoats won one Class L playoff game against Wilcox Tech before falling to Sheehan High in game two. The 2012 Law team went 2-1, defeating Notre Dame of West Haven and Wilton, before losing to the eventual Class L champ Fitch.

The winning team plays the winner of the Wilcox Tech (14-6)- Darien (10-10) game. A Berlin victory will put the game at Sage Park on Wednesday afternoon.


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