When weather permits, Trojans look strong
BY SHAWN LAYTON
Staff Writer

JEFFGRANIT staff Bishop Ahr's Matt Rodriguez may have missed this pitch, but he hasn't missed many early on as the Trojans' cleanup hitter has helped lead what has been a potent punch at the top of the lineup this spring.

EDISON - A harsh spring has allowed the Bishop Ahr High School baseball team to get in only three games at this stage of the season.

The team is fresh off last week's 13-6 win over West Orange and is looking to carry some of the momentum from this victory into this week's meetings with South River and Spotswood.

"Some washouts seem to be inevitable this week," Bishop Ahr head coach Scott Runkel said. "It's not a good time for baseball coaches and players because it has been so tough to get going."

The Trojans seemed to have little problem getting going against West Orange. Leadoff man Steve Rossi went 2-for-4 with three runs and two RBIs. The senior shortstop started a back-to-back-to-back barrage of home runs with a two-run blast. His shot was followed by second baseman Dan Fitzpatrick's solo dinger and first baseman Lee Cavico's tater.

Fitzpatrick finished the game with three runs and a pair of RBIs off a 2-for-4 performance, while Cavico went 3-for-5 with three runs and five RBIs. Cavico has four homers through three games.

"Lee has developed in every way," Runkel said. "He's more consistent and he's getting underneath the ball more this year. He was primarily a doubles hitter in his first two seasons but now he's putting some balls over the fence."

As evident in the win over West Orange, the top of the Trojan lineup has had little problem providing offense. Through the first three games the top five hitters in the order are a collective 22-for-48.

"The top of the order continues to hit the ball well," Runkel said. "Our last four spots in the batting order are 5-for-36. That is one of my concerns right now, but it is not totally unexpected. We only have three returning full-time players from last year's team. The good thing is that the new players have great attitudes and they've worked diligently to improve."

In addition to Rossi and Cavico, cleanup hitter Matt Rodriguez is the only other player with significant varsity experience. Rodriguez went 2-for-3 with a run scored in the team's win at West Orange.

Batting behind Rodriguez is junior right fielder Mike Fallon. Fallon went 1-for-2 with a two-run double in last week's victory.

Senior right-hander Steve Godowski went six innings to get the win. Godowski allowed just one run while striking out seven and walking only two batters.

"All three of our pitchers have thrown very well," Runkel said. "I'm definitely pleased with their performance."

Joe Haumacher picked up the team's other win with a complete-game 7-3 victory over Highland Park. Haumacher walked none and fanned eight over seven innings.

Fallon suffered a tough-luck 5-4 loss to JFK. Fallon tossed five and two-thirds innings allowing three runs off six hits. He walked three and struck out six.

"I thought Mike pitched very well," Runkel said. "He was very effective, but just a bit unlucky."

Like all the area teams, Bishop Ahr is hoping for a stretch of nice weather to get into a rhythm.

"Hitters are still trying to get their timing down and coaches are still evaluating players and pitchers," Runkel said. "It's been tough to get things going, but I think we'll continue to improve and be where we want to be at the end of the season."