Sayreville sophomores strong in Legion league

The Sayreville War Memorial High School sophomore American Legion baseball team is sporting an 11-5 record, including four straight wins, and is sitting in third place in the league.

The top eight teams — out of 13 in the league — qualify for the playoffs, which start this weekend. With three games remaining, the Bombers still have a shot at one of the top two spots, which would en- able the coaching staff to select which American Legion district tournament it competes in.

Sayreville is coming off of a 7-3 triumph over Monroe on Monday. The Bombers' other victories have come against South Plainfield (twice), Holmdel (twice), New Brunswick (twice), East Brunswick, Colonia, Iselin and North Brunswick.

Coaches Brian Bielak and Jeff Campbell said that their team's deep pitching has been a key to its success. Ten times the Bombers have held the opposition to three runs or less. In all, Sayreville has allowed 62 runs, but 35 of those came in a streak that saw the team lose three of four games.

"The pitching has been strong throughout," Bielak said. "That's something we've really been able to count on."

The pitching staff is comprised of Brandon Bielak, Johnny Cabrera, Liam Campbell, Mike Kaefer, Peter Mellos and Sean Rappleyea. Mike Carey showed a strong arm and good defensive skills behind the plate, and Chris Ryan has also played well when called upon to catch.

Not to be outdone, Sayreville's hitters have produced 80 runs — an average of fire per game. Brandon Bielak, Liam Campbell, Vincent Gambardella, Carey and Mellos are among the Bombers top hitters and run producers.

"We've gotten timely hitting," Jeff Campbell said. "Right now most of the team is swinging the bat pretty well."

In the field, Mellos and Gambardella play first base; Matt Bouthillette, who has flashed the leather consistently, and Vincent Enea play second base; Brandon Bielak and Andrew Rifkin are the shortstops, with Liam Campbell and Josh Lowe at the hot corner.

Eric Hartigan, Ron Soporowski, Cabrera, Kaefer, Rappleyea and Rifkin patrol the outfield.

Coaches Bielak and Campbell are joined in the dugout by Bob Bouthillette.