Rising Stars Light Up the Field
The latest round of high school baseball playoffs has produced a flurry of offensive fireworks and pitching masterclasses, and the excitement is spilling over into a fan‑driven award contest. Voters have until 5 p.m. Thursday to choose the Morris/Sussex Baseball Player of the Week, a title that reflects the region’s growing enthusiasm for the sport.
Jack Cartaina of Morristown Beard was a standout on the mound, fanning eight batters while surrendering just one hit and a single run over five innings. His effort helped the Beard secure a 4‑2 victory over Newark Academy, underscoring his poise under pressure.
Lorenzo Maselli of Delbarton turned heads with a 3‑for‑3 performance that included a double, a home run, three RBIs and four runs scored, propelling his team to a 16‑3 rout of Paramus Catholic. The display highlighted both his bat speed and his ability to drive the ball into extra‑base territory.
Ryan Mendez from Hanover Park added a different kind of spark, collecting four hits across two playoff wins while also scoring five runs and delivering five RBIs. His combination of contact hitting and disciplined plate discipline made him a central catalyst for his squad’s surge.
On the pitching side, Ryan Miller of Wallkill Valley delivered a complete‑game shutout, allowing only three hits and no walks while striking out ten opponents in a 4‑0 win over Hawthorne. The outing demonstrated a rare blend of durability and control for a young right‑hander.
Drew Speace of Chatham showcased his own brand of dominance, fanning eleven batters over six innings on just 97 pitches to steer Chatham to a 3‑0 state quarterfinal victory against Middletown North. The performance was a testament to his efficiency and composure on a big stage.
Matt Zisa of West Morris capped the weekend with a power surge, notching four hits, three RBIs, a run scored and a home run in two playoff wins. His all‑around contributions kept the team’s momentum alive as they eye a deeper run.