Sachem East Baseball On A Roll

The Sachem East Varsity Baseball team is back in action and have put together a strong start, unlike last year, when the team when 0-4 to start the season. Currently the team is 5-2, with an 8-0 win on Tuesday against Lindenhurst in which Nick Liegi pitched a shutout.

The coaching staff at Sachem East provided a preview of this season including the stars to look out for.

 
2012 Record- 11-10: lost playoff game vs Smithtown West

KEY LOSSES FROM 2012- Brian Castles SS, P (All-League selection, playing at Sacred Heart University) Mike Amato P, OF (All-League selection) 
KEY RETURNERS: Dan Hetzel, Selected as Newsday Player to Watch, All-League selection, Gold Glove winner for CF, committed to play at University of Rhode Island. Anthony Telesca P, 3B, All-League Selection, committed to Play at Bates College, Maine and will be our number one pitcher. Joe Deland starting leftfielder. Joe Messina 1B, batted .375 last year and is a great defensive first baseman. Nick Liegi P, SS, had four wins for Sachem East last year as a starting pitcher. Pitchers Rich Motta and Joe Pavlik will compete for innings throughout the year.

KEY NEWCOMERS: 

JUNIORS: Ryan Mero C, 3B, had a strong JV campaign last year and had a strong summer season. Should bat in the middle of the lineup and will compete with Senior Chris Vuturo for the starting Catching job.
Nick Russo, SS, is a strong defensive shortstop that will see quality innings, Tom Bashen and Ryan Cole are both pitchers that will see quality innings throughout this season and battle for the third starting pitcher role.

SOPHOMORES: Christian Steigerwald, 2B, SS: a strong JV campaign as well as a strong off season will have Christian competing against Senior Sal Giannino for the starting 2nd Base job. 

SENIORS: Tom Williams has worked very hard this off season to become a key player for the Arrows this year. Coach Schnupp says that he is one of the Biggest surprises from this off season and looks ready to compete. "He has already impacted our season in a positive manner," Schnupp stated. "His work ethic is top notch."

OUTLOOK: League II is one is going to be one of the toughest leagues this year with the addition of Sachem North to the league, who is loaded with pitching and they are very well coached.  Also the Connetquot is returning 8 of 9 starters with League II MVP Chris Baker and All League pitcher Brian McKean. Bayshore and Lindenhurst will also be ultra competitive this year. "Our goal is to make the playoffs and allow our seniors to battle there," Schnupp stated.