East Overpowered by Strong St Rose Squad

Despite a full-hearted effort, the Toms River East Raiders (1-5) fell to an up-beat St. Rose team, 14-6, Thursday night at Toms River High School East.

After falling behind 4-0 in the first inning, the Raiders fought back with a contraversial three-run home run by senior A.J Capone to draw Toms River East within a run.

The Purple Roses (8-0) would take over from that point-on, scoring six un-answered runs to put the game out of reach.

"We hit the ball and played good defense," Toms River East head coach William Frank said, "They're a good hitting team and they got to our pitching."

Senior Dan Wasilik drove in a run for East in the bottom of the sixth to make it a 10-5 game before St. Rose would add on four runs in the top of the seventh.

After a leadoff single by senior Joe Clarizio, the short-stop would later score with two outs on a wild pitch to mark the final tally of 14-6 on a chilly night.

M.J Popek made the start on the mound for East. He lasted 2 1/3 innings, giving up six runs with one of the being unearned on eight hits. He struck out three, walked two and was tagged with the loss.

Popek wasn't alone on the mound with his struggles tonight. The Raiders used five pitchers to allow 14 runs on 16 hits.

With the loss, the Raiders fall to 1-5, but Frank is certain the future is bright.

"We work hard everyday," Frank said, "It is what it is and we're trying. Hopefully it will click."

Toms River East will be back on the field tomorrow night, when they host Delsea Regional at 7 p.m.