'Stangs Win 2, Then Drop 1 To Rebels

HOWELL -- Despite a late, seventh inning rally, the Mustangs (4-4) would not have enough offense to overcome pitching struggles Monday morning, breaking a two-game win streak.

Mike Rytelewski would slam back-to-back doubles with one out in the seventh inning to cut the lead to 8-4, but they would come up short in the 8-4 loss at Howell (3-8) at Howell High School.

Mike Nebesne made his second start in three games for Brick Memorial, and despite giving up a fifth inning, game-opening grand slam, did a solid job on the mound. He lasted 4 1/3 innings, surrendering six hits, six runs, with five of them being earned. He also struck out three Rebels batters and walked two.

"I feel like we came out a little flat today all-around," Brick Memorial head coach Evan Rizzitello said. "We have to be able to focus in a game, even when things aren't going our way."

After trailing 2-1 for much of the game, first basemen Ryan Civello belted a solo home run for the 'Stangs to even the game at two in the top of the fifth inning.

In the bottom half, the first three Rebels batters were able to reach base -- two by virtue of an attempted sacrifice bunt -- and senior Brian Blood cracked a grand slam to left field to break the game open at 6-2.

"We have to be able to get outs if they're giving us it," Rizzitello said. "The first bunt we should have had an out but I don't think we covered first in time, and on the second one we tried to run a wheel play and tried to get a force out at third base but we weren't able to get it done."

The Mustangs fell behind in the first inning when Howell sophomore Jordan Reizer drove in lead-off man Joe Raccuglia. Howell added to their lead when Brody High scored on a wild pitch from Nebesne in the second inning.

Brick Memorial came out strong. Ray Triano singled to right with one out, which was followed by Rytelewski drawing a walk and Nilsen singling to right but catcher Chris Austin grounded into a 4-6-3 double play to end the inning.

Rytelewski plated Memorial's first run in the third inning when Zack Santos scored on an infield single up the middle. Santos lead off with a leadoff double to left field to set up the run.

Mike Salerno came in relief for the final 2 2/3 innings, allowing three hits, two earned runs and walking one batter.

Brick Memorial will be on the road again Wednesday night against Toms River South a 7 p.m. and will play at home on Friday night, hosting Toms River North, also at 7 p.m.

"With the tournaments coming up and some big divisional games, we need to focus on getting wins and qualifying for the tournaments," Rizzitello said.