The South Plainfield Tigers edged past Metuchen 7-6 in the GMCT quarterfinals, a game that swung in their favor with a four‑run burst in the sixth inning.
A Night Defined by Defense and Determination
Dom Massaro, the center‑fielder, was a constant presence at the plate, finishing 3‑for‑5 with two runs scored, while sophomore starter Andrew Bena limited Metuchen to four runs over 5 2/3 innings, striking out five.
Reliever Jayden Jimenez sealed the victory with a gritty seventh‑inning save, battling through a tight spot that kept the lead intact.
Three highlight‑reel defensive plays in the final inning showcased the team’s range and poise, turning potential rallies into outs and preserving the narrow margin.
Coach Scott Gleichenhaus praised the squad’s resilience, noting that a mindset of playing loose and having fun helped the players rise to the occasion.
The Tigers will now travel to East Brunswick Magnet on Saturday, May 16, to meet Monroe in the semifinals, a matchup that promises another test of their newfound depth.