Sports
Raiders Capture League Title, Advance to Second Round
The Raiders varsity baseball team continues their strong season, with a 6-2 victory over Bellport in the first round of the Suffolk County Class AA playoffs.
When Raiders head coach Tony Frascogna hinted that his team this season reminded him of his squad in 2006, his assessment was pretty accurate.
The Raiders (14-4, 14-6), captured its first League I Championship since 2008--the last of three consecutive championships which started with that '06 team.
"We had unbelievable pitching all year," said Frascogna of his team's success. "We got consistent pitching day in and day out, so we always had a chance to win."
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Led by sophomore Matt Vogel, who finished with a 5-0-2 record, the Raiders compiled a tremendous 2.25 team ERA in 2011.
"It was great, our young guys stepped up," Frascogna said of his consistent staff.
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In addition to the Raiders' consistent pitching, the offense was also timely throughout the season.
Senior Tyler Moston led the Raiders' offensive charge, hitting over .400 with runners in scoring position this season.
Along with Moston, juniors Justin Mercurio and shortstop Frankie Capraro also had strong offensive campaigns.
The Raiders also had timely hitting when it mattered, as second baseman Brian Cioffi had a stellar final week of the season, raising his average from .260 to .300 during Pat-Med's sweep of Ward Melville, clinching the League title.
Moston and Vogel continued their strong efforts in the postseason as well, as they helped Pat-Med defeat Bellport in the first round of the Suffolk County Class AA playoffs Tuesday afternoon.
Vogel pitched a stellar game, throwing a complete game, surrendering only two hits while fanning 12 Bellport batters, in the 6-2 victory.
Moston finished the game hitting 3-for-3, with two doubles and triple, scoring three runs.
The Raiders wont get much rest, however. Due to the recent stretch of bad weather, the schedule has been pretty hectic, as they were initially slated to open the playoffs on Monday. Now, on no-days rest, they host North Babylon this afternoon at 4 p.m., something coach Frascogna believes his team is prepared for.
"We're going to need pretty deep pitching with this weather," said Frascogna. "In the past you use to be able to get through the playoffs with two guys, now, you might have to go four or five deep. I'm confident rolling my fifth guy."
Should the Raiders advance, they'll host the winner of the Sachem North vs. Northport game, on Friday, May 27 at 4 p.m..
