Metuchen juniors make a run at state playoffs
BY SHAWN LAYTON
Staff Writer

METUCHEN - The Metuchen Junior Legion team enters this week riding a three-game winning streak and looking to make a final push to crack the top five in the county standings.

"Right now we're 9-6-1 and currently seventh in the league," Metuchen head coach Walt Smolenski said. "We're right on the edge of the playoff mix, and with six games in five days, it should be a real test for us. I'm confident we can play well and make a run for the playoffs."

Smolenski and company should be feeling confident after watching Mike Jachim no-hit Middlesex last week in a 12-0 victory. Jachim walked only one batter in a five-inning mercy-rule win while striking out nine.

"It was a pretty dominant performance from Mike," Smolenski said. "His stuff has always been there, so the no-hitter wasn't a complete shock. He was consistently getting ahead of hitters and dictating the at-bats. After three or four pitchers, the batters were pretty much done."

Right fielder Bryant Riquelme turned in a prototypical leadoff hitter performance with four runs off four walks and a stolen base. Second baseman Zach Gotlib was another Metuchen hitter with great patience, scoring twice via a pair of walks. Chris Mosca went 3-for-5 with two RBIs in the victory.

Prior to Jachim's no-no, Metuchen tallied wins over Bishop Ahr Red and Colonia Gold last week. Some timely walks and sensational defense proved pivotal in the team's 2-1 win over Colonia Gold.

Holding onto a 1-0 lead in the seventh with two outs, Metuchen saw its lead erased after Colonia evened the score off an unearned run. With the score tied at 1-1, Colonia had the winning run on third before Metuchen center fielder Pete Strom sent the game into extra innings with a diving catch.

"It was a pretty dramatic play and it swung the momentum back in our favor," Smolenski said. "The catch saved the game and gave us a chance to salvage the win."

In the ninth inning Gotlib and Riquelme reached base via consecutive walks before David Redshaw's single plated Gotlib to score what would prove to be the winning run.

Mike Tagliaboschi, Lawrence Petrakakos and James Warren were all outstanding on the mound for Metuchen.

The team's first of three straight wins came in a 6-5 win over Bishop Ahr Red. Joey Champain was the winning pitcher with Warren notching the save.

"James did a nice job slamming the door," Smolenski said. "All of the pitchers have been solid this summer. It feels like we have three aces that can give us solid innings whenever needed."

First baseman Anthony Mosca drew three walks and scored once in the victory. Teammate Jimmy Lindsay collected two hits and an RBI as he filled in as shortstop from his normal position at second base.

The team will wrap up the regular season with four important games in the next three days. The action begins today at 7:30 p.m. when Colonia Blue pays a visit to Myrtle Field.

"Colonia Blue is ahead of us in the rankings, so this should have the feel of a playoff game," Smolenski said. "Every game is a big game from here on out."

Metuchen will travel to South Plainfield for a road game tomorrow before returning to Myrtle Field to take on St. Joe's at 5 p.m. and Old Bridge at 7:45 p.m. for a Friday double-header.