Brick Memorial Baseball: Welcome
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Location..............................Brick, NJ 08724
Opened...............................1980
Division...............................A-South
Conference..........................Shore
State Section/Group...Central Jersey Group IV
Nickname............................Mustangs
Colors..............Forest Green and Vegas Gold
Director of Athletics...............Bill Bruno
Wednesday, October 26
One-Year Wonder: Brick Memorial's Zach Santos
Brick Memorial head coach Walt Currie acknowledges that senior cornerback Zach Santos is an excellent athlete with good instincts in the secondary. Still, would Currie have thought that Santos would be second in the Shore Conference after Week Seven with six interceptions, including three that he has returned for touchdowns? “No, if you had told me in the spring time that Zach would have six interceptions at this point of the season, I hate to say I would have laughed at you,’’ Currie said. “But I would have laughed at you.’’ That’s not a knock on Santos, that’s just a reaction to the eye-opening impact that Santos has made in his one and only season with the Mustangs. Up until this year, Santos had never played organized football, instead focusing on playing baseball year round.
The Mustangs’ centerfielder now snatches up opposing passes like flyballs and has made some of the biggest plays of Brick Memorial’s season on defense. He is second only behind Manchester senior safety Joe Johnson, who has seven interceptions, for the most in the Shore Conference. “I would have never thought that it would be like this,’’ Santos said. “I just wanted a break from playing baseball all year, so I tried football. Now I love it as much as baseball.’’ During the offseason, Santos got the hard sell from his three good friends, senior wide receiver/defensive back Jack Phair, senior lineman Dan Cuccinello, and senior running back/cornerback Justin Mueller. They told him about the long walk to the Brick Memorial field as the butterflies build in pregame, the roaring of the crowd, and the adrenaline of the game. “My friends have been nagging me since sophomore year to play,’’ Santos said. “I figured it was my senior year, so why not give it a shot?’’ Before he could officially throw the pads on, he had to convince an important skeptic. “My dad didn’t want me playing at all,’’ Santos said. “I had to convince him. My dad’s a big baseball guy, but he loves football now. He’s always at every game, and he supports it 100 percent.’’ Currie and his staff immediately pegged Santos for a defensive back because of his athleticism and because learning Brick Memorial’s flexbone option offense can take more time than Santos really had to get it down. Santos also already had a good hip turn for a cornerback because of his experience as a centerfielder. In addition, it helped that the Mustangs graduated four of five starters in their secondary, which employs two strong safety/linebacker hybrid positions, from last year’s Central Jersey Group IV finalists. Spots were available, and Santos was part of the group auditioning for them. “We didn't have to simplify anything, specifically at corner, because his job is to just make sure nobody beats him deep,’’ Currie said. “All the skills and techniques are a lot to learn, but the reads are fairly straightforward, which is perfect for a kid like Zach. He has a nose for the football, and he understands where to be instinctively. You add a little technique, a little preparation and weight training, and that really can go far.’’ Secondary coach Ed Sarluca helped Santos get down the basics, and he was one of nine players competing for three spots in the offseason. He won the job as one of the starting cornerbacks along with senior Anthony Fontana and has flourished. It also helped that the position was up for grabs considering the potential bitterness that might have bloomed if a player who had been in the program for four years had his position taken by a kid who decided to play as a senior. “There was nothing like that,’’ Currie said. “Zach just performed the best at his position and won the job. He’s made the most of his opportunity.’’ “I was working my butt off,’’ Santos said. “I just wanted to get on the field. I had no clue I was going to have this kind of year. I just wanted to start and excel at my position.’’ That still doesn’t mean his heart wasn’t beating out of his chest in the season opener against cross-town rival Brick when he realized he had gone from watching the game in the stands a year earlier to right in the middle of a pressurized town rivalry. “I was really nervous,’’ he said. “I didn't know what to think. We’re playing for a town championship, it’s a big rivalry, all the fans are chanting, and all I could think was that I didn’t want to get beat. I didn’t want to be the person they pick on to lose the game for my team.’’ Santos was part of a defensive effort that kept the Green Dragons under wraps in a 17-10 victory for the Mustangs. A week later, Brick Memorial suffered what Santos considers its most gut-wrenching loss when Jackson Memorial beat the Mustangs 19-14 on a touchdown pass from senior quarterback Jimmy Celidonio to senior Johntel Thomas with just 50.9 seconds left in the game. “That’s when the secondary realized that we had to pick it up because we hated losing that last-second game because of a touchdown pass,’’ Santos said. A week later, the Mustangs held Toms River East to a field goal in a 7-3 win, and then suffered another heartbreaking loss with a 21-20 defeat at the hands of eventual Class A South champion Southern. Santos helped ease the sting of that defeat with two interception returns for touchdowns in a 42-0 wipeout of Toms River South, and then made a huge play in what turned out to be another narrow defeat. Santos had a 50-yard interception return for a touchdown that led to a game-tying, two-point conversion in the fourth quarter of what ended as a 17-14 overtime loss to Middletown South. His crucial pick showed how much of the game he has absorbed in a short time. Eagles receiver Matt LaMattina had been beating him with 3- and 5-yard hitch routes all game, and when LaMattina lined up in a trips formation, he correctly figured that LaMattina was going to now try to break inside for a slant pattern. He jumped the route, took it to the house and helped at least get Brick Memorial to overtime. “He's made some huge plays in huge spots, and to be honest, he didn't even realize how big of a spot it was most of the time,’’ Currie said. “When given the opportunity to make a big play, he makes it.’’ On Saturday night, his sixth interception of the season finally was paired with a big win. He snagged a pass from Toms River North’s Scott Buxbaum inside the final five minutes to help preserve a crucial, 27-21 victory that kept Brick Memorial in the playoff hunt in Central Jersey Group IV, where it has reached three straight finals. “We were devastated after those losses considering we are nine points away from being undefeated,’’ Santos said. “We would have a playoff spot right now, but we've become closer as a team from those losses. Come November and December, we're so close that I don't think anyone can beat us.’’ Santos has had experience covering some dangerous wideouts this season like LaMattina, Southern’s Alec Morris and Mike Gesicki, Toms River North’s Kyle Carrington, and more. In yet another huge game on Friday night, he may have to line up across Manalapan junior wide receiver Anthony Firkser, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound manchild who have overpowered pretty much every opposing cornerback he has faced this year. Brick Memorial can all but seal a state playoff berth with a win over the Braves, who are the Class A North champions and have won five straight. “I don’t let the names faze me,’’ Santos said. “It’s the whole defense as a unit that is the reason I have been able to get interceptions, so I just do my role. I can’t strategize for players like Firkser. He’s 6-4 and over 200 pounds, and I’m just a 5-8, 170-pounder, but this team has the heart and desire to get to the playoffs, which is all that matters. We don’t care who we face, as long as we get in.’’ For the first time in years, Santos has not even picked up a bat and a ball since August, and now he says he would welcome to the opportunity to play either baseball or football in college. His loose approach to just having fun and working hard at football is emblematic of a team that always seems to back itself into a corner before fighting its way out to wind up at Rutgers Stadium in the Central Jersey Group IV final. When everyone around them proclaims the sky is falling as their state playoff hopes are in jeopardy, the Mustangs just go play because they love being out there, and it usually results in their best football. “Zach is all about just getting out there, giving it all he’s got and whatever happens, happens,’’ Currie said. “That’s the way a lot of our guys play football. Our guys play loose, and Zack is the epitome of that. He’s been an amazing pickup for us.’’ He also is apparently only two interceptions away from tying the single-season school record. A player who is in the program for only one year might find his name at the top of the record book for a while if he continues at this pace. “Everybody’s been nagging me, saying ,’Are you going to get the record?’’’ he said. “I just play the game.’’ Of course, Santos’s success makes you wonder what kind of career he might have had if he had come out for the team earlier in high school. “Honestly, I think this was perfect timing,’’ Currie said. “Maybe if he played four years, he would be burned out right now. Instead, he’s having a blast, and we’re more than happy to have him here.’’ |
Sunday, August 7
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The Brick Memorial American Legion baseball team has finished undefeated, with a record of 9-0, for the first time in program history, clinching the Ocean County Legion Championship for the first time as well.
Behind a strong pitching staff, the Mustangs have been able to shut down opponents and take the crown, head coach Evan Rizzitello said.
Brian Cottrell has led the way on the mound, with a record of 3-0 and a 1.98 ERA, including 16 strikeouts over 18 innings pitched.
Corey Zytko has been a pleasant surprise as well, posting a 2-0 record with a 1.17 ERA.
"I am very proud of the boys and their accomplishments so far this summer," Rizzitello said. "They way they have all stepped up when needed shows a lot of character."
Brick Memorial clinched the Ocean County Championship with a 6-3 win over second-place Manchester on July 11. Cottrell struck out six batters over six innings in that game, and added three hits of his own on the offensive side of the ball.
Kyle Skoog closed the game out, striking out two batters in the seventh inning and Ryan Melia plated four runs in the big win.
Offensivley, Cottrell has yet to be retired. He's gone five-for-five, with all of those hits being singles.
Kevin Corris has notched a .524 batting average, and has belted two home runs so far.
Corris and Mike D'Amato each recorded a save for the Mustangs on the mound.
Melia and Skoog have each added home runs of their own to the impressive chart, and Spencer Cohen and Zach Santos have both come up big at the plate with five and four RBI, respectivley.
Ray Triano, a varsity starter, also had a good summer, batting .417.
Mike O'Neill, Santos, Corris and Cohen all represented the National League in the Ocean County Legion All Star Game, with Cohen earning Most Valuable Player honors, going two-for-three with a triple and two RBI.
Rizzitello was the head coach for the National League Squad.
Brick Memorial will be playing in the state legion playoffs for the third time in the program's history.
"I hope we we do well in the playoffs," Rizzitello said. "Regardless, this season has had a tremendous benefit to our program."
The 'Stangs will take on a team from Middlesex County, which will take place on Wednesday night at Toms River High School East.
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Jaguars' four runs in second inning too much for Memorial to handle.
JACKSON – If there was ever a span of time that a given pitcher would like to have back, that would be the second inning for Mustangs pitcher Kevin Nilsen on Monday afternoon.
Nilsen was nearly perfect in Brick Memorial's first round NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV state playoff game against Jackson Memorial, but allowed five hits and all four of his earned run in the bottom of the second inning, most notably allowing a three-run home run down the right field line to give the Jaguars the comfortable 4-0 lead.
Jackson Memorial would eventually win, 4-1, at home.
Otherwise, however, Nilsen allowed no runs on nine total and retired the final eight Jaguars batters in order.
He also struck out four and walked two batters, for the 14-seeded Mustangs.
"Kevin [Nilsen] has been our best pitcher this year," Brick Memorial head coach Evan Rizzitello said. "He did a phenomonal job outside of that second inning."
Despite the pitching performance, Brick Memorial struggled to offer run support, although they did have several chances throughout the game to drive in runs.
In a scoreless game in the top of the second, the 'Stangs had runners at second and third base with one out but were unable to tally any runs.
Ray Triano and Ryan Civello each ripped singles to center, and after Joe Civello's sacrifice bunt moved the runners over to second and third, Mike Martone struck out and Kyle Cala grounded out to short stop to end the inning.
Joe Civello led off the top of the fifth inning by reaching first on a throwing error, which was followed by a walk from Zack Santos.
Cala then grounded into a fielder's choice at second base – where Santos appeared to be safe – and Mike Matteo struck out after a long at-bat and Mike Rytelewski flew out to left field to end the inning.
The 'Stangs were back at it in the sixth as Spencer Cohen and Kevin Nilsen opened the inning with back-to-back singles. Triano then grounded into a 1-6-3 double play to cut the rally short.
Cohen eventually scored as Ryan Civello beat out an infield single up the middle, accounting for Brick Memorial's only run.
"We had three innings were we had a rally started, guys in scoring position and we were just looking for that one hit," Rizzitello said. "We just couldn't get it done today."
The loss is Brick Memorial's third to Jackson Memorial this season. They were mercied on the road, 14-4 in the team's first match-up, but battled the Jaguars close, losing 7-6 at home two weeks ago.
"We really haven't been able to get over the hump this year," Rizzitello said. "I think the boys battled really hard today and we put the bat on the ball."
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Brick Township uses deep offensive game to drive past Memorial for ninth straight win.
LAKEWOOD -- With the resumption of the Ocean County Tournament still in question and not appearing to be picking up anytime soon, it was a simple decision for coach Jason Groschel as to who to send to the mound for his Brick Dragons, Sunday afternoon.
Taking on cross-town rival Brick Memorial (8-10), at First Energy Park in Lakewood -- an annual tradition of Brick Day -- the Brick coach sent his ace, Tim Carney, to the hill.
The decision paid off, as Carney led the Dragons (14-4) to their ninth straight win, giving up just one earned run on two hits through five innings, while striking out three batters.
"Tim Carney gives us the best shot to win," Groschel said. "To have your guy is great there, and it's a big win for the seniors."
The Dragons opened the scoring in the second inning, when they loaded the bases as Victor Wilenta led off the inning by reaching base after a fielding error by Brick Memorial short stop Mike Rytelewski. Dylan McDonnel then notched an infield single and would eventually beat out a play at second base on Tyler Iannarone's ground ball with one out.
Nick Vitale would then drive in Wilenta and McDonnel on a two-RBI single to left field. Iannarone and Vitale advanced to third and second base, respectivley, on the throw to home plate, giving the Dragons the 2-0 lead.
Brick added to their lead in the third inning as Carney and Sean Henry got things going with leadoff singles to left field. After Wilenta grounded into a fielder's choice at second base, McDonnel brought in courtesy runner John Fuino with a suicide squeeze.
Wilenta would score in the next at-bat as John Kizzman reached base when Ray Triano made a fielding error at second base.
McDonnel scored in the next at-bat, as Iannarone drove him in with a sacrifice fly to left, giving Brick the prominent 5-0 lead.
"We wanted to go in on a high note, since the Shore Conference seeding is [Monday] night," Groschel said.
Kevin Nilsen made the start for Brick Memorial, going five innings and giving up six runs -- three earned -- on six hits and striking out four batters.
The Mustangs struck just once, in the fifth inning, as Ryan Civello led the inning off for Memorial's first hit, belting a double to right-center field.
Civello would be driven in later, with two outs as Zack Santos drilled an RBI single to center field.
The 'Stangs were plagued by mistakes, particularly in the field throughout the game, as they saw their three game win streak come to an end.
"We need to make plays, especially against a team who's top ten in the Shore," Brick Memorial head coach Evan Rizzitello said.
Nilsen had a strong game despite the errors, as well as reliever Rob Schmidt who pitched an inning in relief, and only yielded a two-out walk.
Henry led off the bottom of the sixth inning with a single, stole second and third base, and scored on an RBI single by Kizzman to finalize the score at 6-1.
Brandon Kieslor pitched a strong sixth inning and A.J. Esposito pitched a perfect seventh inning to close out the win.
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Brick Memorial scores four runs in the bottom of the sixth to run away with victory
As the game drew on, it became more and more apparent that the Lacey Lions were slowly climbing back into things.
After holding a 3-1 lead for the duration of their game against Lacey Township, Brick Memorial had surrendered the lead, allowing runs in the second and fourth innings, dead-locking the teams at three.
It would be in the bottom of the sixth when the Mustangs, headed by smart play from the bottom half of the lineup, would strike. The strike came in dominant form, with the 'Stangs scoring four runs and pulling away for the 7-3 win Thursday afternoon.
Zack Santos reached on an error and Ryan Civello drew a walk in a bunt-attempt situation to have the first two runners reach base.
Freshman Kyle Cala would attempt a sacrifice bunt as well. On his attempt, however, the Lions were able to throw Santos out at third. The throw back to first for the attempted double play would sail high, allowing Civello to advance to third.
Kyle Skoog would run for Cala, and after taking a lengthy lead, took off for second as Lacey pitcher Ryan Hanula still had the ball. Hanula would turn towards first frantically, and was called for a balk, allowing Civello to score and giving the 'Stangs the 4-3 lead.
Brick Memorial pitcher Mike Nebesne would drive Skoog in from second following the balk with an RBI single to center field.
Spencer Cohen would nail a single to right in the next at-bat, moving courtesy runner Rob Harzer to third base. Two batters later, Ray Triano would bring in two runs with a two-RBI double to deep left field, finalizing the score at 7-3.
"I knew sooner or later we'd get the job done," Brick Memorial head coach Evan Rizzitello said. "We do have confidence in the bottom of our lineup and it was good to see some production from down there."
Mike Nebesne had a terrific bounce-back performance, after going just 2/3 of an inning in his last start, in what ended up being an 8-5 loss to Toms River North in the first round of the Ocean County Tournament.
Nebesne, after a tough first inning, allowed just four hits, three runs – just one earned – walked three batters, hit one batter and struck out five, going all seven innings for the complete game win.
"We've had some struggles from our seniors lately on the mound," Rizzitello said. "Rob Schmidt, much like [Mike] Nebesne today, bounced back and gave us a lot of innings, which is something we need with the amount of games we have coming up."
Nebesne gave Lacey the lead in the top of the first, when he allowed an un-earned run without surrendering a hit. Nebesne walked the lead-off batter, hit another batter, and the Lions would eventually take the lead when catcher Ryan Shaughnessey's throw down to second base sailed into centerfield.
The 'Stangs avoided allowing another run when Civello made a beautiful diving play at first base, and flipped the ball to Nebesne, saving a run as a Lacey player was on third base.
Brick Memorial answered the Lions' run emphatically in the bottom of the first. Captain Mike Rytelewski blasted a lead-off double to left field, followed by a single to center from Triano, setting up and RBI double from Kevin Nilsen and a two RBI single to left by Mike Martone, giving the Mustangs the 3-1 advantage, early on.
Lacey would answer with runs in the second and fourth innings to tie the game before Brick Memorial took over in the sixth.
After a five game losing streak – including a loss to Toms River North in the first round of the Ocean County tournament – the Mustangs have gone 2-1 in their last three games with a busy schedule ahead of them as they look to make a push towards the state playoffs.
"I feel like with the weather getting warmer, and guys getting more comfortable, seeing more at-bats and more pitches, we're starting to feel good about ourselves," Rizzitello said.
Brick Memorial will have games each day this weekend, first travelling to Manasquan on Friday, playing at the Wall municipal building. Memorial will then play at Monsignor Donovan Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. and will take on rival Brick Township at First Energy Park for Brick Day on Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m.
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Brick Memorial erases five-run deficit, but still does not have the offense to pull out the victory.
TOMS RIVER -- Despite arguably their most impressive comeback of the season, Brick Memorial (4-8) could not pull off an upset win over Toms River North in the first round of the Ocean County Tournament.
After falling behind 5-0 in the bottom of the first, the Mustangs battled their way back with three runs in the third inning and two more in the fourth to tie the game at 5.
The Mariners answered with three runs in the bottom of the fifth – all with two outs -- on back-to-back home runs to left field, winning the game, 8-5, on Saturday afternoon at Ryan Field at Toms River North High School.
"We were able to hang in there," Mustangs head coach Evan Rizzitello said. "We had a nice long talk after [our loss to Toms River] East and I think talking about failure and getting behind really helped us today."
Pitcher Mike Nebesne started for Brick Memorial, but lasted just 2/3 of an inning, allowing five runs – two earned – on two hits.
He walked three batters – including two with the bases loaded to bring in his two eanred runs – and hit another in the inning. He also threw a wild pitch and two more runs scored on a dropped fly ball in left field.
Joe Civello came on in relief of Nebesne and was outstanding, throwing four strong innings, striking out three batters, and allowing three runs on six hits.
All three runs were by home runs.
"He did an outstanding job coming in relief there," Rizzitello said. "As long as we're not walking guys, we're good with it."
Kevin Corris came in to pitch the final 1 1/3 innings, not allowing a hit, walking a batter and striking out another.
Joe Civello opened the third inning with a double to left center. After being lifted for pinch-runner Spencer Cohen, Ray Triano advanced the runner to third while safely arriving at third on an error at shortstop.
Kevin Nilsen drove in Joe Cohen two batters later with two outs to put the Mustangs on the scoreboard.
Mike Martone and Zack Santos hit RBI singles to right and center field, respectivley, putting Brick Memorial back into the game at 5-3.
Rob Harzer opened the fourth inning with a double, followed by a single by Joe Civello to continue the rally. After two consecutive outs, captain Mike Rytelewski hit a two RBI double to deep center field, tying the game at 5.
Nilsen was unable to drive Rytelewski home, grounding out to second base. Santos had a strong day at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two doubles.
The Mustangs rallied in the top of the seventh inning, but came up short.
After Santos rocketed a one-out double to right-center field, Ryan Civello drew a walk, but neither Chris Austin or Corris were able to plate a runner.
"We'll take any positives out of any game we can," Rizzitello said. "With the new rules in the state you don't have to be over .500 to qualify for the tournament and we have a lot of baseball next week. We'll see what happens."
Tuesday, May 3
Brick Memorial Falls to Spirited Raiders Squad
'Stangs scratch up two runs in loss to Toms River East
TOMS RIVER -- For the Mustangs boys baseball team, things seem to be going from bad to worse.
In the midst of one of the toughest stretches of the season, Memorial fell 10-2 to Toms River East, Monday afternoon.
Mike Nebesne started of the mound for the 'Stangs, lasting three innings, allowing two runs, one earned, and struck out three batters.
After pitching two scoreless innings, the Raiders loaded the bases without the ball leaving the infield – an infield single and two attempted sacrifice bunts that turned into hits – to fill the bases.
Nebesne would walk in a run and another would score on a passed ball to give East the 2-0 lead.
The Raiders would never look back, scoring all ten of their runs over the final four innings.
"I can't put my finger on one thing," Brick Memorial head coach Evan Rizzitello said. "A number of things did, we made a few errors. They [Toms River East] weren't really hitting the ball that well, but next thing you knew we were down a lot of runs."
Rob Harzer scored the first run for Brick Memorial in the top of the fifth inning. With the bases loaded and two outs, Harzer scored from third on a wild pitch to draw the Mustangs within four runs at 5-1. Harzer was the courtesy-runner for catcher Chris Austin, who nailed a one-out single to right field.
Ray Triano drove in the second Memorial run with two outs in the top of the seventh. Triano belted an RBI double to score lead-off hitter Kyle Cala who singled with two outs, as well.
Pitching appeared to be the achilles heel for Brick Memorial, surrendering all of their runs in a four-inning span.
Joe Civello pitched two innings in relief, allowing six earned runs on nine hits over the span, and Mike O'Neill pitched the sixth inning, allowing two earned runs on two hits.
"We need to start putting up zeroes," Rizzitello said. "When you get down by a lot of runs, its hard to get back and stay focused."
Still, Rizzitello wasn't entirely disappointed in his squad's performance.
"Sometimes you throw your best out there and it just isn't good enough," he said.
The Raiders scored three runs in the third inning, followed by two in the fourth, three in the fifth and two in the sixth to pull away for the blowout win.
One of Civello's earned runs came by the virtue of a balk, much to the displeasure of Rizzitello, who argued for minutes with the umpire.
Brick Memorial will play at home Wednesday afternoon, hosting one of the state's elite teams in Jackson Memorial. The Jaguars mercied Memorial in their earlier match-up this year, 14-4.
On Saturday, the 'Stangs will play at Toms River North, looking to pull an upset in the first round of the Ocean County Tournament. The Mariners defeated the Mustangs in their earlier meeting this season, 11-3.
"There's no days off in this division," Rizzitello said. "We need to get up for Jackson on Wednesday and hope to make some noise in the OCT."
Tuesday, April 26
'Stangs Win 2, Then Drop 1 To Rebels
Brick Memorial's two-game win streak snapped in road loss to Howell
HOWELL -- Despite a late, seventh inning rally, the Mustangs (4-4) would not have enough offense to overcome pitching struggles Monday morning, breaking a two-game win streak.
Mike Rytelewski would slam back-to-back doubles with one out in the seventh inning to cut the lead to 8-4, but they would come up short in the 8-4 loss at Howell (3-8) at Howell High School.
Mike Nebesne made his second start in three games for Brick Memorial, and despite giving up a fifth inning, game-opening grand slam, did a solid job on the mound. He lasted 4 1/3 innings, surrendering six hits, six runs, with five of them being earned. He also struck out three Rebels batters and walked two.
"I feel like we came out a little flat today all-around," Brick Memorial head coach Evan Rizzitello said. "We have to be able to focus in a game, even when things aren't going our way."
After trailing 2-1 for much of the game, first basemen Ryan Civello belted a solo home run for the 'Stangs to even the game at two in the top of the fifth inning.
In the bottom half, the first three Rebels batters were able to reach base -- two by virtue of an attempted sacrifice bunt -- and senior Brian Blood cracked a grand slam to left field to break the game open at 6-2.
"We have to be able to get outs if they're giving us it," Rizzitello said. "The first bunt we should have had an out but I don't think we covered first in time, and on the second one we tried to run a wheel play and tried to get a force out at third base but we weren't able to get it done."
The Mustangs fell behind in the first inning when Howell sophomore Jordan Reizer drove in lead-off man Joe Raccuglia. Howell added to their lead when Brody High scored on a wild pitch from Nebesne in the second inning.
Brick Memorial came out strong. Ray Triano singled to right with one out, which was followed by Rytelewski drawing a walk and Nilsen singling to right but catcher Chris Austin grounded into a 4-6-3 double play to end the inning.
Rytelewski plated Memorial's first run in the third inning when Zack Santos scored on an infield single up the middle. Santos lead off with a leadoff double to left field to set up the run.
Mike Salerno came in relief for the final 2 2/3 innings, allowing three hits, two earned runs and walking one batter.
Brick Memorial will be on the road again Wednesday night against Toms River South a 7 p.m. and will play at home on Friday night, hosting Toms River North, also at 7 p.m.
"With the tournaments coming up and some big divisional games, we need to focus on getting wins and qualifying for the tournaments," Rizzitello said.
Thursday, April 21
Brick Memorial 12 Southern Regional 9
ALLSHORE MEDIA
The Mustangs scored eight runs in the top of the seventh inning to overcome a 2 run defecit and stuns the Rams. Ryan Civello tied the game at 6 with a bases-loaded single and Chris Austin followed with a pinch-hit, bases-clearing double to give Brick Memorial a 9-6 lead. Zack Santos singled home another run and Ray Triano added a 2 run Home Run later in the inning to cap the outburst.
Rob Schmidt earned the win with 2/3 of an inning in relief. Brick Memorial starter Kevin Nilsen allowed one earned run and struck out six in five innings. Nilsen helped his cause with two hits, including a double, and an RBI. Shortstop Mike Rytelewski went 2 for 2 with a double, 3 walks and three runs scored for Brick Memorial.
Tuesday, April 19
MANCHESTER -- For the duration of the top of the seventh inning, Brick Memorial's Mike Rytelewski stood, bat in hand, with a look of determination on his face.
His spot in the batting order was due up fifth in a dead-locked tie at one, and he had a feeling he would get a shot to play the hero role.
With runners on second and third and two outs, Rytelewski got his chance, drilling a two-strike fastball into right field, driving in two runs and giving Brick Memorial (3-3) the 3-1 lead over Manchester Township at Manchester Township high school, Monday afternoon.
"There is no one we would rather have in that spot," Brick Memorial head coach Evan Rizzitello said of Rytelewski. "Before the inning started, he said he wanted to be there and I knew if we could get to him, he would come through."
Kevin Nilsen would hammer the very next pitch for his second home-run of the season as the Mustangs extended their lead to 5-1, the final tally on the afternoon.
Mike Nebesne made the start for Memorial on the mound, and after battling through a tough first inning in which he walked two batters and allowed an un-earned run, finished strong in six innings, allowing just three hits and striking out eight batters.
"He did a hell of a job," Rizzitello said. "We're real proud of him. He worked hard in the off-season and he is showing it now. I think he got stronger as the game grew on."
After falling behind 1-0 in the first inning, Brick Memorial answered when Rytelewski walked with two outs in the top of the third. The captain would later steal second base, using his speed to beat out an attempted pick-off move. Nilsen would drive him in during the next at-bat when he laced a ball to right field.
"We have a lot of resilliency in this group," Rizzitello said. "When they get down a little bit we just need to re-focus."
The Mustangs had base-runners reach scoring position in the first four innings, but were unable to drive any of them in with the exception of their third inning run.
Nebesne ran into his biggest trouble in the bottom of the fifth. With runners on second and third and no outs, the senior battled tough managing one of his eight strikeouts, and a big ground out to second base to escape the trouble.
Zack Santos batted lead-off for the first time this season, going three-for-four, including a single in the seventh inning. He would eventually score on Rytelewski's base-knock.
Mike Martone had a strong day as well, knocking in his first two varsity hits of his career, both to left field.
'Stangs catcher Ryan Shaughnessey struggled early in the game, allowing two passed balls in the first inning, but rebounded nicely and played a very strong defensive game behind the plate. He also had two sacrifice bunts throughout the game.
Second basemen Ray Triano was solid defensivley as well.
Brick Memorial will be traveling to Southern Regional Wednesday morning to take on the Rams at 11 a.m.
Friday, April 15
Mariners offense too much for Memorial pitching in second straight loss.
'Stangs Did All They Could in Loss to T.R. North ...
Tuesday, April 12
Jaguars Pound Stangs
Monday, April 11
Mustangs Get Another Strong Pitching Performance
Nebesne Strong as Mustangs win Back-to-Back Games
Mike Nebesne threw six shutout inning in Brick Memorial road win.
Brick Memorial huddles before their game against Pinelands Regional LITTLE EGG HARBOR -- In a scoreless game, the Mustangs knew seniors would be playing an important role, and one in particular stood out when it mattered.
Mike Rytelewski blasted a triple to right center field with two outs in the top of the fifth to start a potential rally. Junior Kevin Nilsen smacked a two-run home-run in the next at-bat, as Brick Memorial (2-1) took a 2-0 lead and never looked back, eventually pulling away for a 3-0 win over Pinelands Regional on Thursday afternoon.
"We look to our seniors, especially Mike [Rytelewski]," Mustangs head coach Evan Rizitello said. "He's a leader and a captain and I don't expect anything different from him."
Senior pitcher Mike Nebesne gave the Mustangs another strong outing, going six innings without giving up a run, along with striking out eight and walking just two.
"Mike [Nebesne] has made huge improvements from last year," Rizzitello said. "He's able to throw multiple pitches for strikes and he throws the ball in there hard and gets strikeouts."
After defeating Toms River East at home, 5-0, on Wednesday afternoon, the Mustangs appeared to come out a little flat playing on the road.
Brick Memorial loaded the bases with one out in the third inning and were held to no runs, with freshman Kyle Cala stranded on third base to end the fourth inning. Brick Memorial exploded in the fifth, however.
"It wasn't easy," Rizzitello said. "They are young kids, they need to be motivated."
Kyle Skoog started that third inning for the Mustangs by advancing to second on a throwing error. Ray Triano singled and Rytelewski was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Skoog was called out at home plate when Nilsen grounded hard to third base and Ryan Shaughnessy was called out a first base on a close call to end the inning.
Brick Memorial loaded the bases in the seventh inning when Mike Matteo drew a pinch-hit walk to give the Mustangs a three-run advantage.
Sophomore pitcher Corey Zytko closed the game with a 1-2-3 seventh inning.
Freshman Kyle Cala had impressive day going 2-for-3, as well as leadoff man Triano, who went 2-for-3 with a stolen base.
"We will take a win anyway we can get it," Rizzitello said.
Michael Nebesne
Junior Kevin Nilsen
Friday, April 8
Stangs Shut-Out Raiders
BRICK MEMORIAL 5, TR EAST 0:
Junior right-hander Kevin Nilsen pitched a complete-game five-hitter to pick up his first varsity win as the Mustangs (1-1, 1-1) defeated the Raiders (0-2, 0-2) in a Class A South game for head coach Evan Rizzitello's first win.
WP - Nilsen (1-0)
LP - Capoone (0-1)
TRE (0-2)/(0-2)
BM (1-1)/(1-1)
Nilsen - 7ip CG 5k 1bb 1hbp 99P. 29BF
Triano - 2 for 3 2RS SB
Santos - 1 for 2 2RS
Nilsen - HBP 2RBI
Austin - 1 for 2 2RBI BB
Corris - SAC RBI
Tuesday, April 5
Mustangs Grounded in Season Opener, Lose 10-2
Nebesne Strong as Mustangs win Back-to-Back Games
Mike Nebesne threw six shutout inning in Brick Memorial road win.
LITTLE EGG HARBOR -- In a scoreless game, the Mustangs knew seniors would be playing an important role, and one in particular stood out when it mattered.
Mike Rytelewski blasted a triple to right center field with two outs in the top of the fifth to start a potential rally. Junior Kevin Nilsen smacked a two-run home-run in the next at-bat, as Brick Memorial (2-1) took a 2-0 lead and never looked back, eventually pulling away for a 3-0 win over Pinelands Regional on Thursday afternoon.
"We look to our seniors, especially Mike [Rytelewski]," Mustangs head coach Evan Rizitello said. "He's a leader and a captain and I don't expect anything different from him."
Senior pitcher Mike Nebesne gave the Mustangs another strong outing, going six innings without giving up a run, along with striking out eight and walking just two.
"Mike [Nebesne] has made huge improvements from last year," Rizzitello said. "He's able to throw multiple pitches for strikes and he throws the ball in there hard and gets strikeouts."
After defeating Toms River East at home, 5-0, on Wednesday afternoon, the Mustangs appeared to come out a little flat playing on the road.
Brick Memorial loaded the bases with one out in the third inning and were held to no runs, with freshman Kyle Cala stranded on third base to end the fourth inning. Brick Memorial exploded in the fifth, however.
"It wasn't easy," Rizzitello said. "They are young kids, they need to be motivated."
Kyle Skoog started that third inning for the Mustangs by advancing to second on a throwing error. Ray Triano singled and Rytelewski was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Skoog was called out at home plate when Nilsen grounded hard to third base and Ryan Shaughnessy was called out a first base on a close call to end the inning.
Brick Memorial loaded the bases in the seventh inning when Mike Matteo drew a pinch-hit walk to give the Mustangs a three-run advantage.
Sophomore pitcher Corey Zytko closed the game with a 1-2-3 seventh inning.
Freshman Kyle Cala had impressive day going 2-for-3, as well as leadoff man Triano, who went 2-for-3 with a stolen base.
"We will take a win anyway we can get it," Rizzitello said.
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BRICK MEMORIAL 5, TR EAST 0:
Junior right-hander Kevin Nilsen pitched a complete-game five-hitter to pick up his first varsity win as the Mustangs (1-1, 1-1) defeated the Raiders (0-2, 0-2) in a Class A South game for head coach Evan Rizzitello's first win.
WP - Nilsen (1-0)
LP - Capoone (0-1)
TRE (0-2)/(0-2)
BM (1-1)/(1-1)
Nilsen - 7ip CG 5k 1bb 1hbp 99P. 29BF
Triano - 2 for 3 2RS SB
Santos - 1 for 2 2RS
Nilsen - HBP 2RBI
Austin - 1 for 2 2RBI BB
Corris - SAC RBI
Tuesday, April 5
Mustangs Grounded in Season Opener, Lose 10-2