Sports
Brick Memorial Legion Heads to Playoffs Behind Undefeated Season
Mustangs finish undefeated for first time in program history
The Brick Memorial American Legion baseball team has finished undefeated, with a record of 9-0, for the first time in program history, clinching the Ocean County Legion Championship for the first time as well.
Behind a strong pitching staff, the Mustangs have been able to shut down opponents and take the crown, head coach Evan Rizzitello said.
Brian Cottrell has led the way on the mound, with a record of 3-0 and a 1.98 ERA, including 16 strikeouts over 18 innings pitched.
Find out what's happening in Brickfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Corey Zytko has been a pleasant surprise as well, posting a 2-0 record with a 1.17 ERA.
"I am very proud of the boys and their accomplishments so far this summer," Rizzitello said. "They way they have all stepped up when needed shows a lot of character."
Find out what's happening in Brickfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Brick Memorial clinched the Ocean County Championship with a 6-3 win over second-place Manchester on July 11. Cottrell struck out six batters over six innings in that game, and added three hits of his own on the offensive side of the ball.
Kyle Skoog closed the game out, striking out two batters in the seventh inning and Ryan Melia plated four runs in the big win.
Offensivley, Cottrell has yet to be retired. He's gone five-for-five, with all of those hits being singles.
Kevin Corris has notched a .524 batting average, and has belted two home runs so far.
Corris and Mike D'Amato each recorded a save for the Mustangs on the mound.
Melia and Skoog have each added home runs of their own to the impressive chart, and Spencher Cohen and Zack Santos have both come up big at the plate with five and four RBI, respectivley.
Ray Traino, a varsity starter, also had a good summer, batting .417.
Mike O'Neill, Santos, Corris and Cohen all represented the National League in the Ocean County Legion All Star Game, with Skoog earning Most Valuable Player honors, going two-for-three with a triple and two RBI.
Rizzitello was the head coach for the National League Squad.
Brick Memorial will be playing in the state legion playoffs for the third time in the program's history.
"I hope we we do well in the playoffs," Rizzitello said. "Regardless, this season has had a tremendous benefit to our program."
The 'Stangs will take on a team from Middlesex County, which will take place on Wednesday night at Toms River High School East.
