Spring Preview: Raiders Baseball and Softball

Raiders Varsity Baseball

In his young, but experienced, core group of players, Raiders head coach Tony Frascogna sees many similarities between this year’s baseball team and his teams in ’04 and ’06.

That’s a good thing for Patchogue-Medford, considering 2004’s team went to the Final Four and 2006 started a run of three-consecutive League I titles.

“It’s veteran, but a lot of them are young so it’s a nice little mix,” said Frascogna.

Led by sophomore Matt Vogel, the Raiders will lean on their mix of solid starting pitchers to help them battle through the tough League I schedule to hopefully earn their tenth straight playoff appearance.

“The league is real tough, we’ve been lucky be in the playoffs nine years running, we’re looking to make this No. 10,” Frascogna said. “If we get off to a good start, and put some pressure on the teams, hopefully we can get a chance to win the league.”

Last Season’s Record: 10-8, 12-11

Offensive Weapons:

• Senior- Tyler Moston- RF/P
• Senior- Thomas Rubinstein- 1B/P

Opening Day: April 4 @ Commack 4:15 p.m.

Raiders Varsity Softball

Also on the diamond for Pat-Med this spring is the girls softball team, who much like the baseball team, have a strong veteran group of players returning for this season.

“I only lost three seniors from last year, so we pretty much have my whole starting lineup back on the field,” said head coach Dave Gervino.

With his veteran group of girls, he also two pitchers to rely on, as well.

Behind the arms of junior McKenna Rowland and sophomore Kim Fazio, Gervino hopes to make the postseason this year, a task his team came just three games short of accomplishing last season.

“We have a good mix of seniors right through to my freshman this year,” said Gervino. “Just like every other season, expectations are high, we’re looking to make the playoffs at least.”

Current Record: 0-2

Offensive Weapons:

• Megan Anderson
• Patricia Johnson
• McKenna Rowland

Next Game: April 4 vs. Longwood 4:00 p.m.