Brick Memorial Did All It Could In Loss to Toms River North

TOMS RIVER — Brick Memorial did all it could.

Unfortunately,  it wasn't enough in an 11-3 loss -- their second straight loss by at least eight runs -- to Toms River North on  Thursday night at Toms River High School North's Ryan Field.

"Honestly, I thought we could have done a better job," Brick Memorial head coach Evan Rizzitello said. "The level that we are playing at right now isn't where it should be."

Kevin Nilsen pitched three innings, allowing eight runs -- six earned -- on eight hits and struck out two in the loss.

After falling behind 5-0 in the first inning, Mike Nebesne belted a two-run double to left-center field as the Mustangs made an effort to claw their way back after getting lit up.

That three-run deficit was as close as they would come to the Mariners (4-1).

Nilsen added an RBI single in the fifth inning to draw the Mustangs (2-3) within five runs at 8-3.

Rob Schmidt pitched the final three innings for Brick Memorial, allowing three earned runs -- all of which came in the sixth inning on three hits -- and struck out three batters.

"We have to limit the amount of outs we give away per inning," the coach said. "We keep giving teams more than three outs and that needs to change."

Zack Santos had a solid night at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two singles.

Freshman Kyle Cala continues to impress as he slapped a single to right field in the second inning and advanced on a throwing error.

Chris Austin was busy behind the plate, blocking pitches in the dirt.

"They're young so they'll get over it," Rizzitello said. "We'd like to go on a nice little run here and start winning some games. I know we can play better."

The Mustangs will look to halt their current losing skid on Monday, when they travel to Manchester Township for an 11 a.m. start.