By Warren Rappleyea
Sayreville War Memorial High School’s entry in the Greater Middlesex Coaches Summer Baseball League got off to a good start with a 10-0 win over neighboring South River High School June 13.
Sophomore Nick Miliano went 5.2 innings on the mound and allowed just one hit to earn the victory. At the plate, the Bombers chipped away throughout the game, taking advantage the wildness of South River’s pitchers.
“It was a good start,” said Sayreville coach Brian Truchan, who is also an assistant varsity coach. “Our guys had quality at-bats with runners in scoring position, and they were able to continue building the lead. I also saw our guys make good adjustment at the plate after poor at-bats.”
With Sayreville’s varsity squad losing eight players to graduation, the summer program gives younger players an opportunity to open eyes and impress the coaching staff. Truchan said he expects good competition for varsity jobs, as the Bombers’ junior varsity team is coming off a strong season that saw it reach the finals of the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament.
The team includes a pair of junior pitchers, hard-throwing Brian Cuadra and Dave Stolte, who will both see action in the outfield as well.
Nine sophomores are on the roster, including Brian Fernandez, who Truchan expects to be a good run producer next year following a strong junior varsity campaign. Fernandez, who saw some varsity action, is transitioning from a third baseman into an outfielder.
Speedy Tyler Barreiro gives the Blue and Gray a base-stealing threat who can also track down fly balls in center field. Brian Marra, a shortstop, is working at learning to play third base. Pitcher Cameron Carey is working on moving the ball around and is a top prospect for the varsity staff next season.
Hard-working Anthony Schiena is the second baseman. Infielders Tommy Ruck, Anthony Gamberdella and Drew Zimmerman, who also pitches, are also sophomores.
Freshmen Ethan Calcano and Dan McDonnell are splitting the catching duties this summer, and pitcher/first baseman Christian Aich is a solid all-around player. Versatile Vito Dorio is another solid pitcher, who can also catch and play the outfield.
“A lot of our guys have played together before in Little League, middle school and this spring on the JV,” Truchan said. “They know each other and they stick together. I’m very excited about this team because these players are the future of Sayreville baseball, and I think they will help our program.”
