Father & Son seniors are loaded this summer
BY SHAWN LAYTON
Staff Writer

EDISON - The Father & Son Senior Legion team appears poised to make another run for the state title this summer as it heads into this week's action in second place with an 11-2 record.

Father & Son has suffered only one loss within county play, and 8-2 defeat to first-place and unbeaten South Amboy.

"We had our opportunities against them, but we left the bases loaded twice," Father & Son head coach Tim Banos said. "We were up against the premier Middlesex county pitcher in Brian Seres. Seres settled down when he had to and demonstrated why he's such a tough pitcher."

The team rebounded by doing some serious damage last week against the likes of Clara Barton, Middlesex, and New Brunswick. Alberto Ruiz spearheaded the offensive onslaught, falling just a hit short of batting for the cycle against both Clara Barton and Middlesex. Ruiz and company defeated Clara Barton, 13-3, before topping Middlesex, 14-9.

In the team's 9-3 win over New Brunswick, hurler Jared Shukis was the big story. Shukis went the distance for the complete-game victory and fanned 13 batters along the way. Designated hitter Shawn Renner belted his third home run in four games to pace the offense.

"Jared pitched really well for us," Banos said. "Our starting pitching has been absolutely phenomenal thus far. All of our starters have been getting into pitcher's counts and making life difficult for opposing batters."

Pitcher Julian Laguna recorded the win against Middlesex in a relief appearance for starter Nate Fabretti. Ruiz's two doubles sparked the offense.

"I think our hitters often get complacent because we have such good pitchers," Banos said. "We do put a lot of big innings together because we have good bats 1-9, but we have a tendency to fall asleep offensively."

Considering one of the team's aces, Gary Thompson, has seen limited mound time this summer, the performance of the starting pitchers has been impressive.

"We're being cautious with Gary because he pitched so much during the regular high school season," Banos said. "He's being limited to one appearance a week right now."

Last year's Father & Son team placed among the top six in the state, and this year's mix of newcomers and veterans appears strong enough for a repeat performance.

Shortstop Dave Zavistoski and first baseman Lee Cavico bring experience to the infield along with catcher Tim Rowe, while the trio of outfielders is brand new to the senior team. Outfielders Ruiz, Shukis, and Dylan Laguna have all played like veterans despite their inexperience on the senior level.

"It's a whole new outfield and they've all played great," Banos said. "This team has a lot of potential. Being good on paper doesn't always translate to the field, but this team is steadily improving. I think this is the best offensive lineup we've had since the state championship team of the late '90s."

Middle infielder Rob Rubenstein of Highland Park High School has bolstered the lineup with one of the deadliest bats in the county. An All-State player for the Owls, Rubenstein has been a nice addition to the Father & Son team.

"He's a big part of our lineup," Banos said. "He's one of the best players in the state and he makes our infield very strong."