South Plainfield’s baseball squad, the defending North 2 Group 3 champions, posted a 7‑0 shutout over North Plainfield on May 29, securing a spot in the sectional semifinals.
The victory was anchored by sophomore left‑hander Andrew Bena, who tossed six innings without allowing a run, surrendering just three hits and three walks while striking out ten batters.
South Plainfield’s defense was equally impressive, turning two double plays, highlighted by a crisp turn in the third inning that halted a potential rally, and the offense erupted for four runs in the second, with RBI singles from Joe Stanzione and Aiden McCarthy.
A Test Against the Top Seed
Next up, the Tigers will meet Chatham, the No. 1 seed, on June 3. The matchup pits the champions against a team that finished the regular season atop the league standings, promising a high‑stakes contest.
North Plainfield, despite a 18‑9 finish—their most wins since 1996—saw its postseason run end with the loss, marking their first playoff victory since 2011.