Nebesne Strong as Mustangs win Back-to-Back Games

LITTLE EGG HARBOR  -- In a scoreless game, the Mustangs knew seniors would be playing an important role, and one in particular stood out when it mattered.

Mike Rytelewski blasted a triple to right center field with two outs in the top of the fifth to start a potential rally. Junior Kevin Nilsen smacked a two-run home-run in the next at-bat, as Brick Memorial (2-1) took a 2-0 lead and never looked back, eventually pulling away for a 3-0 win over Pinelands Regional on Thursday afternoon.

"We look to our seniors, especially Mike [Rytelewski]," Mustangs head coach Evan Rizitello said. "He's a leader and a captain and I don't expect anything different from him."

Senior pitcher Mike Nebesne gave the Mustangs another strong outing, going six innings without giving up a run, along with striking out eight and walking just two.

"Mike [Nebesne] has made huge improvements from last year," Rizzitello said. "He's able to throw multiple pitches for strikes and he throws the ball in there hard and gets strikeouts."

After defeating Toms River East at home, 5-0, on Wednesday afternoon, the Mustangs appeared to come out a little flat playing on the road.

Brick Memorial loaded the bases with one out in the third inning and were held to no runs, with freshman Kyle Cala stranded on third base to end the fourth inning.  Brick Memorial exploded in the fifth, however.

"It wasn't easy," Rizzitello said. "They are young kids, they need to be motivated."

Kyle Skoog started that third inning for the Mustangs by advancing to second on a throwing error.   Ray Triano singled and Rytelewski was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Skoog was called out at home plate when Nilsen grounded hard to third base and Ryan Shaughnessy was called out a first base on a close call to end the inning.

Brick Memorial loaded the bases in the seventh inning when Mike Matteo drew a pinch-hit walk to give the Mustangs a three-run advantage.

Sophomore pitcher Corey Zytko closed the game with a 1-2-3 seventh inning.

Freshman Kyle Cala had impressive day going 2-for-3, as well as leadoff man Triano, who went 2-for-3 with a stolen base.

"We will take a win anyway we can get it," Rizzitello said.