Marlboro nine find winning formula
BY TIM MORRIS Staff Writer
When Paul Sessa got his first look at the Marlboro High School baseball team, he was convinced the Mustangs had what it took to play winning baseball.

"I saw kids that wanted to win, wanted to compete and loved baseball," he said. "They needed someone in their corner."

Through a number of coaching changes in the last few years, the program had fallen on hard times to say the least. But, Sessa believed there was more to theMustangs than met the eye and they have gone about proving it, becoming one of the most improved teams in the Shore.

At 1-4 through the first five games, it looked like the same oldMustangs. But, it wasn't, as the team has gone on a recent tear, and ion the process, has positioned itself for a run at the postseason.

Sessa, whose team combines the leadership of a large contingent of hungry-forsuccess seniors and talented underclassmen, was not fazed by the poor start. The players could see that things weren't the same.

"The difference early on is that they saw we were so close, we were playing good baseball," he said.

Eventually, the good baseball led to wins and confidence.

As Sessa expected, a deep pitching staff has been the key.

"We've been getting good consistency fromour pitchers," he said. "We have a deep staff. What I do is use my best rested pitcher."

From the eight-deep staff, Anthony Castelli has blossomed as the team's top starter. He's 3-2 and in his most recent start, went the distance on a six-hitter in a 5-2 win over Middletown South.

As a staff, Marlboro pitchers have thrown five complete games.

Anthony DeMarco and Matt Wekerley have been steady starters with Chris Lubin and Jason Taub among the others in the mix. Sessa is not hesitant about using any one of his pitchers.

DeMarco, leveled his record at 2-2, when Marlboro beat Freehold Township, 8-1, on April 30.

The consistency displayed by the pitching staff has been complemented by a steadily improving defense.

"We're learning to focus and play seven innings on defense," said Sessa. "Our pitching and defense are keeping us in games."

Add to that, an offense that is starting to click and the Mustangs are hitting on all cylinders.

"The kids are starting to hit," noted Sessa. "We have a balanced attack. We have speed at the top of the lineup.We can play a little small ball.

"We have players who will do what it takes to get the job done," he added. "These kids are team players."

Shortstop Jeremy Paster has been the Mustangs big run producer in the early going. He had a double and a triple and an RBI in the 5-2 win overMiddletown South.

"He's playing at an All-County level," said Sessa.

Jason Oritz and Jeff Pizzi are the tablesetters at the top of the lineup. They can make things happen stealing bases if needed, or, RBI material for the power hitters.

It's been Paster, Wekerley, Craig Bodizner and Tony Roegiers, who have been driving in the runs.

"We've been more aggressive on offense," Sessa remarked.

Pizzi, Wekerley, Roegiers and Woody McLaughlin each had an extra base hit in the win over Freehold Township.

Catcher Roegiers has been valuable on two fronts for the Mustangs. Besides his offense, he is a superb defensive catcher. He has limited the opposition's running game with his strong arm.

Baseball has become fun again for a group of players who are dedicated to the sport. With their confidence restored, no one in the Shore Conference A North Division can overlook them now.