Bergen County Baseball Final Set for a Classic Showdown
Ramapo, the fifth‑seeded squad, edged out St. Joseph 3‑2 in a tightly contested semifinal that swung in the fifth inning when Liam Hayward launched a decisive homer. The win kept the team’s hopes alive for a second county title, a quest that last succeeded in 1997.
Relief pitcher Brayden Resch sealed the victory by tossing two shutout innings, preserving the lead after St. Joseph had taken a 2‑0 advantage in the second frame on Kevin Foley’s two‑run blast. Ty and Brody Barber contributed the earlier runs that tied the game in the third.
Don Bosco, the second‑seeded defending champion, rolled past Bergen Catholic 9‑3, with Thomas Collins delivering a stellar six‑inning outing that yielded just two earned runs on two hits. The offense, anchored by a relentless grind, capitalized on multiple scoring chances to pull away.
The final is scheduled for May 23 at noon, pitting the resilient Ramapo squad against a Bosco team chasing its eleventh county crown. Both programs bring a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent, setting the stage for a narrative that could reshape the local baseball landscape.
The tournament has also spotlighted other standout athletes, including Alex Bellovich, Mike Esposito, Justin Olivo, Cody Herman, Jael Santos, Michael Hanna, Junzen Sarza and Victor Reynoso, whose contributions have added depth to the competition.
As the teams prepare, the anticipation reflects a deep‑rooted community rivalry that extends beyond the diamond, promising a finale that will be remembered for years to come.