Sayreville wants to bomb the competition on the diamond
Baseball team wants to improve upon last year's GMC runner-up spot
BY WARREN RAPPLEYEA Staff Writer
The Sayreville High School baseball team brings a deep pitching staff and improved defense this spring as the Bombers look to upgrade last season's 10-7 record.

CoachMike Novak's squad took second place in the Greater Middlesex Conference White Division and also qualified for the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV playoffs, where the Bombers lost to Jackson in the opening round.

Novak stressed that he wants his team to get out of the gate quickly and Sayreville will have its first chance on April 1 at home against White Division rival North Brunswick. The Bombers will then meet another division rival, Monroe, the following day.

"We lost some offensive firepower to graduation, but I think we'll hit the ball pretty well," Novak said.

"The big differences for us will be pitching and infield defense. Last year we just made too many errors. That was really ourAchilles' heel. I don't see that happening this season, this year we're much better in the field."

TomBerardi and JakeCampbell give the Bombers a formidable one-two punch on the hill.Berardi pitched in tough luck a year ago and still managed to compile a 3-3 ledger. Campbell, a junior,was limited to 12 innings because of an injury but was impressive nonetheless, and Novak is counting on him this time around. Both players are solid at the plate and Berardi is expected to remain the team's cleanup hitter.

Joe Bongiorno, a junior transfer from South Amboy, is also expected to supply quality innings. Nick Ruszala,Alec Vuono and juniors Robert Stewart and Glenn Cannon round out the pitching staff. Kevin O'Connor will once again be behind the plate for the Bombers.

Cannon will play first most of the time with Berardi occasionally handling the job. Campbell at second and Bongiorno at shortstop comprise the Bombers double play combination, while Vuono and junior Brandon Cuom will split time at third base. Brian Bouthilette and freshman Blake Cuomo will also see infield duty.

Novak said he is likely to use Ruszala, a three-year starter, in center field. Last season, Ruszala played left field and led off, hitting .350 with 20 RBIs.

Mark Dobiszewski and juniors James DeMild, Mike Greco, Mike McLafferty and Ryan Vincent are competing for the other outfield positions.

Novak said he also expects solid offensive contributions from Bongiorno, South Amboy's lead-off man last season, and Vuono. Cannon, Greco and DeMild all hit well as members of the junior varsity a year ago.

"We have some spark plugs in Ruszala and Bongiorno who can get on base," the coach said. "Their speed will help us score some runs and we have the guys who can drive them home."