Bombers should be in White Division mix
BY WARREN RAPPLEYEA
Staff Writer

With 10 seniors back, including the its entire pitching staff, the Sayreville High School baseball team is looking to make a run at the Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC) White Division title.

Last season the Bombers posted an 11-12 mark and finished tied for second in the division, narrowly missing a bid to the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV tourney.

"We're looking really forward to the season," said coach Mike Novak, whose team opens April 3 at division rival North Brunswick. "Our expectations are high.

"We're returning pitchers handled every inning for us last year and that's a great benefit. The staff is solid and deep. We can put a good pitcher on the mound every game. That's a big plus."

Tom Berardi is expected to be the Bombers' ace. He posted three victories a year ago and Novak generally called on him to take the mound in key games. Mike Rochford had a good year with four wins, sophomore Jake Campbell picked up a pair of victories, and Steve Witkowski and Eddie Goldman had a win apiece. Rick Osolinski and Jim Foley round out Sayreville's pitching corps.

Goldman, who led the team with a .410 batting average and also banged out three homers, will bat second for the Bombers. Novak noted that the four-year varsity veteran is very disciplined at the plate, often going deep into the count, and rarely swinging at balls out of the strike zone. Goldman will anchor the outfield from his center field post.

Left fielder Nick Ruszala is the lead-off hitter. Ruszala has speed can hit, as evidenced by his .400 average, and is good with the glove. Bobby Rinaldi, the right fielder, bats out of the number nine spot and Novak calls him "our second leadoff hitter." Rinaldi batted over .300, drew plenty of walks and generally finds ways to get on base. Goldman, Ruszala and Rinaldi serve as the Bombers tricaptains.

Other top hitters include shortstop Bobby Woods, who hit .400 last season while playing second base, and his brother, Billy, who batted .333. Billy Woods played first base a year ago, but has moved to the hot corner this time around.

Berardi, who plays first base when not pitching, bats cleanup and whacked a pair of round-trippers last season. Campbell and Foley will share the second base duties, and Novak expects both to contribute offensively. Junior Rhett Fischer showed prowess behind the plate and batted over .300.

Sayreville also has plenty of depth. Matt Bentley will see some time in the outfield, and Osolinski and Kevin O'Connor, the reserve catcher, are likely to serve as designated hitters. Infielder Robert Pearson will also see DH duty and be used in pinch-hitting situations.

Speedy Chris Lisa, an outfielder, gives the Bombers an able courtesy runner when needed.

"On paper we look very good and all the experience the guys got last year will certainly help," Novak said. "They still have to do it on the field and that's where I expect our captains, in particular, and our seniors, in general, to carry us. This team should be right up there in the White Division and our goal is to win it. I think it's also realistic to say that our team can go deep in the GMC Tournament. We also want to get back in the state tournament and do well there."

Following the North Brunswick game, the Bombers travel to Monroe for another divisional contest on April 4.