When it comes to talking about his team's strength, there was no doubt in the eyes of Don Ebinger.
With the Howell Spartans beginning a two-week stretch that will ultimatley decide the fate of their post-season dreams in 2011, Ebinger made it clear that his team's pitching staff has the ability to take them there.
"[We have] solid pitching," the head coach said, "Our losses come when we don't hit or make errors in the field."
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Ebinger also mentioned that Paul Lepore has been the most impressive player on the mound so far this season. According to the Spartans' roster on the Jersey Shore Baseball League roster Lepore has experience with the Canadian national team.
When Howell's offense comes alive, however, it has been behind Vinny Avella, who leads the Jersey Shore Baseball League with five home runs. Avella's spot on the roster says that he has experience playing at Wagner College in the highly competitive Northeast Conference.
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The Spartans toughest test of the year will come on Sunday, July 17, when they have a home double header against the Colts Neck Braves who are currently in second place in the National League, posting a record of 12-6.
Joe Quinones continued to prove his head coach right, in a decisive 6-1 win over the East Coast Connection, Friday night.
The tall right-hander fired 12 strikeouts, allowing just one hit and issuing just three walks throughout the game, allowing his Spartan team to strike for three runs in the fourth inning and two more in the fifth inning to pull away for the win.
Howell (9-7) will take on the East Coast Connection, Saturday, July 16 in a double header on the road. The first game will take place at 2 p.m.
"We need to win some games this weekend," Ebinger said.
The Spartans are currently in fourth place in the National League, sitting behind the Wall Angels (13-5), the Braves and the Monmouth Brewers (13-7).
As they have in previous years, the Spartans call Oak Glen Park their home and will look to represent their hometown for the rest of the season.
