Chris Covello celebrated his 18th birthday by going 3-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored in a 12-2 Spartan win over Bergen Catholic in five innings.
“I’m seeing the ball well,” said the center fielder, who hit two doubles and a game-ending (due to the mercy rule) RBI triple. “It feels great to beat a good team.”
Paramus racked up 12 hits on the afternoon—six for extra bases—as the three-through-five hitters did most of the damage.
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Nick Henriquez went 3-for-4 at the plate with an RBI, and pitched a four-hitter. The senior co-captain walked four and struck out five. He allowed a solo home run to BC left fielder Ryan Kelly to begin the game, but settled down after that. The Crusaders had the bases loaded in the third inning, and scored their only other run on a passed ball. Henriquez (4-1) struck out BC cleanup hitter Eric Flanagan looking, and recorded two fly ball outs to end the threat.
First baseman Tony Billera went 3-for-3 with two RBI and a run scored.
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Paramus scored three runs in the second inning and four in the third before batting around and exploding for nine runs in the fourth inning.
“We’re on a pretty good roll right now,” Paramus head coach Joe Cervino said.
The Paramus lineup faced three pitchers and no Spartan struck out.
The Spartans matched their run total from the previous meeting with the Crusaders, a 12-9 win on April 19 at Overpeck Park.
In both matchups, Paramus squared off against freshman pitcher Anthony Apreda.
“They’re a solid team,” the Teaneck native said. “I tip my cap to them. They got the job done.”
Looking ahead, the Spartans must defeat Bergen Tech on Tuesday and Ridgewood on May 25 to earn a league title.
Before that, the Spartans begin Bergen County Tournament play Saturday versus Waldwick at Demarest High School at 3:30 p.m.
Pitchers Joe Szorentini and Frank Colasante will both be ready for the weekend game, as Cervino has not chosen his starter yet.
“We know how to compete under pressure in big games,” Henriquez said.
Henriquez added that the team would like to help Cervino win his first Bergen County Tournament in his final season.
When asked about the tournament, Covello responded “Can’t wait.”
