Brett Carroll
Staff Writer
Tournament time has arrived for the Saint John Vianney High School baseball team.
Saint John Vianney is zeroing in on winning the Non-Public A tournament championship and began its drive when it rolled past Bishop George Ahr High School, 11-1, in the opening round of the state playoffs.
The Lancers advanced with their dominating victory in the opening round of the South Jersey, Non-Public A state sectional tournament on May 24 in Holmdel.
The Lancers ended the state game in the fifth inning with the 10-run mercy rule off a single by senior third baseman Even Perette.
Perette, and junior catcher Luke Fabrizzi each boasted about the offense that day.
“We had trouble coming into this one hitting the ball,” Fabrizzi said. “We were just looking for pitches to drive, and we were able to do that today. Brandon [Martin] pitched really well today and we just wanted to support him with some runs and we were able to do that today.”
“The bats really caught stride today,” Perette said. “Excellent start by B-Mart. Just an overall good team win for us.”
The victory over the visitor from Edison that day improved Saint John Vianney’s record to 11-7 on the season.
The two key players for Saint John Vianney also believe that the Lancer offense will need to hit that extra gear in order to win.
“Definitely trying to get more runners in,” Fabrizzi said. “Especially when we have the bases loaded. We had 11 runs today, but we should have had more than that. Obviously, you can’t get them all, but getting more runs is important.”
“I agree,” Perette said. “Especially since it’s helping our pitchers out with run support. I know we’ve been swing the bats well, but who knows? That little extra might be the difference between a state title or not.”
The Lancers were scheduled to face Bishop Eustace Preparatory School in the state sectional quarterfinals this week.
“We’re just going to keep playing our game,” Fabrizzi said. “You never know what can happen. I mean, we’re the underdogs, so we’re just going in there ready to fight.”
“I mean, states is as far as we can go,” Perette said. “It’s all about us. It’s all about how we pitch. Throw the ball. Play defense. We got to do what we have to play great baseball and hope for the best.”
