Bishop Ahr Jr. Legion squad off to fast start in summer action
BY SHAWN LAYTON Staff Writer
After a 13-hit performance and a 12-0 lead after five innings, the Bishop Ahr Junior American Legion team defeated Fords VFW in an abbreviated contest to improve to 8-1 on the season. The team's victory over Colonia later in the day was Bishop Ahr's fifth straight.

In the first game of a Saturday doubleheader, Bishop Ahr got monster performances from first baseman Pat Widdoss, shortstop Rob Pepe, and catcher Nick Mc- Connell. Widdoss led the offensive onslaught against Fords with a 2-for-3 day at the dish with five RBIs. His three-run homer in the third inning put Bishop Ahr ahead 7-0.

"We've been hitting the ball well all summer," Bishop Ahr head coach Scott Runkel said. "We also played well defensively."

Starting pitcher Keith McGrath threw all five innings for Bishop Ahr and allowed just one hit and no walks. McGrath got plenty of defensive and offensive support from shortstop Pepe. Pepe went 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles and runs scored. McConnell contributed two hits and two RBIs.

"Keith only struck out two batters, but he consistently threw strikes all game," Runkel said. "He let the opposition put the ball in play, and his teammates played solid defense behind him. That's exactly what you want to see."

McConnell continued to swing the hot stick in the second half of Saturday's double bill with a 2-for-2 performance against Colonia in the team's 7-2 victory. McConnell drove in four runs off his two hits, a double and a triple.

"He's been our best hitter this summer," Runkel said. "He seems to finish every game with multiple hits."

Right fielder Tyler Rossiter also contributed two hits to Bishop Ahr's tally. Rossiter finished with a double and one RBI.

Perhaps the team's biggest win of the week came on Thursday when it defeated Middlesex, 5-3. Heading into the contest, Middlesex, like Bishop Ahr, had just one loss.

"Middlesex is having a really good summer, so this was a nice test for us," Runkel said. "We were up 3-2 before they tied the game in the bottom of the sixth. Rossiter pitched a great game for us and held them scoreless in the seventh to preserve the win."

Rossiter tossed all seven innings for Bishop Ahr and finished with eight punchouts. His team regained the lead in the top half of the seventh with center fielder Tim Hagarty's RBI single. Bishop Ahr's Dan La- Bella dove in an insurance run on a fielder's choice later in the inning.

"Rossiter and McGrath have really been leading the way for us on the mound," Runkel said. "They've also been good leaders for the younger players and the young guys have been very receptive. The fact that this group is committed and extremely coachable has been the best part for me."

Bishop Ahr will look to extend its winning streak with games against South Brunswick, Cardinal McCarrick, and South Plainfield this week. With just one loss, the team is in good standing as the playoffs approach.

"Our only loss came to Piscataway, but we saw their best pitcher and sometimes you get a tough match-up," Runkel said. "We're playing well right now and getting nice contributions from everyone."