Dayton Baseball Rolls Over Plainfield

The Dayton baseball team literally had a total team effort in an easy 18-6 six-inning win over Plainfield.

The Bulldogs [9-10] used this non-conference matchup as a way to stay sharp and tune-up for their NJSIAA State Tournament matchup, Tuesday, while allowing seldom-used players get some well-deserved playing time. Their sixth-straight win was yet another 10-run mercy-rule conquest.

It's been a long time since this once-struggling program actually had the luxury to use such a game as a way to boost confidence and team morale but they certainly made the most of it, in perhaps the final home game for this senior class. Dayton is an 11^th-seed in the tournament and most likely will be on the road, Tuesday.

Head coach Mike Abbate treated this game as such, as he played nearly every dressed player.

"It was good that it worked out that way," he said of getting as many as players in the game as possible. "They played well."

Abbate was a little apprehensive going into the game because of the dramatic 6-2 state tournament win over Glen Ridge the previous day.

"It's tough coming off that emotional game [Thursday] but they did a good job," he said. "Baseball is every day, so if you want to be good you have to play every day consistently."

Dayton got consistent production at the plate – especially late -- as they registered four runs in the fourth and eight in the sixth. When the regular starters were relegated to being glorified cheerleaders, the sparsely-used bench got hot at the plate.

Senior first baseman Jonathan Lewis recorded his first hit in two seasons and received an ovation as loud as anything any starter did all season. Lewis, who sheepishly rounded first after lacing the single to rightfield, was just relieved his quest was finally over.   

"It was relief," said Lewis, who also added a bases-loaded RBI walk in the sixth. "It felt good. I hit really well in BP [batting practice]. It was a lot of weight off my back because it's been a struggle this year, my senior campaign…I think a lot when I'm up there. But this time I was able to relax [after] we got that big lead and I ripped that one to right."

Despite his moderate playing time, Lewis has played the role of veteran leader perfectly, according to Abbate.

"He hung in there all year and has been a leader to the younger kids, helping them with different situations," Abbate said. "He'll always come back and be a part of this. He's believed in everything we're doing and bought in. I'm really proud of him."

Another senior who overcome so much this season was pitcher Jordan Sack.

Sack, a standout soccer star, tore his ACL in the soccer team's season opener but fought hard to make his first appearance on the baseball team. His long and arduous journey was repaid with a start on the mound.

"He's another kid who's stuck with us this year and worked hard," said Abbate. "I felt terrible for him [when he first got injured]. I was glad to get him out in between innings so he could get the applause he deserved."

Sack certainly earned his ovation as he performed admirably in his 1 1/3 innings of work. He allowed one earned run on one hit, a walk, and a strikeout. The fanning was a détente of all the hard work that he put forth just to play again.

He was appreciative of Abbate's pulling following the apex of his appearance. As he soaked in the moment, Sack was happy to have added a small piece in the Bulldogs' success.

"It was a token of my hard work and everyone's guidance," he said. "It felt good to not just stand there and cheer everyone on for once and to be more a part of the team. But it's good to know we still have states Tuesday and we have more to play for."

The hurler also showed his comedic side when talking about his sustained stride off the mound.

"I wanted the standing O," he quipped.

Naturally, the final score was the biggest end-result but Abbate pointed out how important the game meant to the program in the grand scheme of things.

"This is what it's all a bout. This is what building a program is all about and we're getting there," he beamed.

Lewis agreed, saying that the success of this team – presently and going forward – is bigger than any nostalgic story of bench players doing well.

"I'm happy it's ending well and I hope we continue to win when we play states," he said. "The cohesiveness on this team is great. Every weekend we're hanging out and I love being a part of this team and helping any way I can."