Rusbarsky, Hayes lead Cougars into SCT final Cougars best Ocean, 5-4, to reach title game for first time BY TIM MORRIS Staff Writer Colts Neck's baseball team will look to hang another banner in the school's gymnasium tonight. The Cougars, who have already won the program's first championship, Shore Conference A North Division, will play Christian Brothers Academy in the Shore Conference Tournament final at FirstEnergy Park in Lakewood, home of the Lakewood BlueClaws. It's the first-ever appearance in the SCT title game for the Cougars, who beat Ocean Township, 5-4, Saturday behind A.J. Rusbarsky's pair of home runs and the pitching of Dom Hayes. "It means a lot [getting to the final]," said Rusbarsky. "As a team, we've worked hard and battled through everything. It's been very memorable. We hope we can put a good ending on this." The Cougars certainly have to be feeling good about themselves after knocking off the Central Jersey Group III champions on their home field. Rusbarsky's two home runs were part of a 4-for-4 day from the senior shortstop. His first blast gave the Cougars a 1-0 lead in the first, and his second tied the game at 3-3. "I never try to hit a home run," said Rusbarsky. "It's the last thing on my mind. I just wanted to get a little spark going for the team. I guess I did." In addition to his two solo home runs, the shortstop scored the winning run in the fifth. "I'm glad I was able to help the team out and come through when we needed it," said Rusbarsky. "The whole team played well, and Dom pitched great." Hayes, a lefty, evened his record at 4-4 with 5.1 inning of superb relief in holding down a powerful Spartan lineup, which includes the Shore Conference's all-time career home run record holder Keith Weinkofsky. Hayes only allowed four hits. Colts Neck (21-7) will be taking on a very familiar opponent in CBA. The teams shared the A North title during the regular season, but the Colts won both of their games. Colts Neck will be looking for the third time to be the charm. The Colts (24-4) slipped past St. John Vianney, 2-1, in their semifinal Saturday. The Cougars will have a well-rested Anthony DeSclafani to throw at the Colts, another team with a stacked lineup. Game time at FirstEnergy Park is 7 p.m.