Lakewood team is better than its record indicates

BY MIKE WHITE
Staff Writer

LAKEWOOD - Despite losing two of three games last week, the Lakewood High School baseball team proved to some of the elite teams in the state they are much better than its sub-.500 record.

The Piners started the week with a win over Pinelands. LHS followed that with a pair of one-run losses to Toms River East and Bayonne, two programs that are recognized statewide as elite.

"We put a scare into both of those teams," Lakewood assistant coach Vinnie Currao said. "The kids really played well and showed a lot of intensity. We had chances to win both games, but could not nail it down. Both of those clubs walked away knowing we gave them all they could handle on that particular day.

"I think we showed both teams just how could we can be when we are right. We got great pitching and timely hitting. Our fielding let us down at times, but every team is going to make mistakes. The coaching staff was glad to see that the kids were focused and played hard the entire game."

Charlie Cunliffe pitched another gem against TRE. The right-hander scattered seven hits and struck seven, including Casey Gaynor twice, in taking the loss.

"He gave us another stellar outing," Currao said. "His curve had them reaching and lunging. He'd sneak in the fastball and they were struggling to catch up with it. He did an outstanding job against a lineup that can be very dangerous."

TRE jumped out to a 2-0 lead by scoring a pair of unearned runs in the first inning.

Lakewood, however, responded with two runs in the third to cut the deficit to 3-2. Joe Primmer singled and eventually scored on an RBI single by Bert Cappas. Joe Curry also singled in the inning and scored on a two-out RBI single by Cunliffe.

"That got us right back in there," Currao said. "We gave ourselves a little boost with that inning."

Lakewood tied the game 6-6 in the sixth inning by scoring two runs. The Piners scored the first on a sacrifice fly, and then Cunliffe knocked in his second run with his second single of the game.

East showed its poise by scratching out a run in their last at bat. A two-out check swing hit just over the outstretched glove of the Lakewood second baseman scored the wining run from second base.

"It was a tough way to lose," Currao said.

Against Bayonne Saturday, Lakewood held a 1-0 lead through six innings. An error in the seventh led to a pair of runs for Bayonne, which improved to 19-2 overall.

Cappas had his best outing of the season in defeat. Cappas handcuffed the Bayonne lineup, which produced just two hits. He also struck out nine in going the distance.

"He was fantastic," Currao said. "His command was excellent and he was hitting his spots with his fastball. He really showed us just how good he can be. It was a great outing."

LHS finished with 11 hits, but could only scratch out a run. The Piners took a 1-0 lead in the third. Jimmy D'Aloia reached on an error and stole second. Primmer gave LHS a 1-0 lead with an RBI single.

"We hit the ball well in that game," Currao said. "But we left way too many runners stranded. Against a team like that, you have to cash in when you have runner in scoring position."