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Troasts Beat Pittsburgh 1-0 in Bottom of 7th in Final Game of Pool Play; Buffalo Takes NABF Title
August 13, 2011 —
HACKENSACK TROASTS 1 - PITTSBURGH RIVER BANDITS 0
In the final round of pool play in Louisville, KY, the Troasts scrapped their way to a 1-0 victory over Pittsburgh. Dennis Hulse (5 IP, 4 H) and Kevin Thompson (W) combined on a 5-hit shutout. Hackensack loaded the bases with 1 out in the bottom of the 7th, and after a strikeout, Fernando Fuentes, with 2 strikes, chopped a ball up the middle that could not be played, scoring Beau Buraus from 3rd for the game winning run and hit!
The Troasts finished the pool play portion of the NABF World Series in a 5-way tie at 2-2 for the advancement into the championship rounds. By virtue of the runs scored against tiebreaker, the Troasts were eliminated and Buffalo and Pittsburgh (the 2 teams Hackensack defeated in the tournament) moved on to the semi-finals.
After both winning their semi-final games, Buffalo defeated Pittsburgh in dramatic fashion in the championship with a walk-off, 3-run home run in the 12th inning in the NABF Championship game.
A bittersweet ending for the Troasts, as they had a respectable and valiant showing at the World Series, defeating both the Champion and Runner-up, but coming away without the National Title.
Troasts Drop Games 2 & 3 on Friday; National Title Hopes Hanging by a Thread
August 12, 2011 —
LA MARGARITA BLUES 8 - HACKENSACK TROASTS 1
Hackensack got behind early 3-0 in the first and couldn't rally against the Blues from Fort Wayne, Indiana. Kevin Montelbano drove in Mike Lang in the top of the 6th for the lone Troasts run, which made it 5-1. But the 2 runs in the 5th and 3 in the 6th by the Blues were too much to overcome.
CINCINNATI CHIEFS 5 - HACKENSACK TROASTS 3
In the afternoon game between the Troasts and the Chiefs, it was Cincinnati that got the last big hit went it counted in a see-saw game. The Troasts jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first when Butch Bellenger drove in Fernando Fuentes. Fuentes later delivered a game tying 2-out, 2-RBI single in the 6th. Justin Figart battled through 5 1/3 innings but took the loss even though leaving with the game tied and 2 on.
The Troasts now play Pittsburgh River Bandits Saturday morning. Hackensack's title hopes are still alive, though slim. With a win over Pitt and with some help, the Troasts can still advance to the championship round on Saturday night.
Troasts Grab Game 1 of Pool Play over Buffalo at World Series
August 11, 2011 —
HACKENSACK TROASTS 3 - BUFFALO WEST HERR 2
The Hackensack Troasts opened up pool play at the World Series in Louisville, KY with a 3-2 comeback win over Buffalo West Herr. Ron Gariano went the distance allowing only 4 hits, and 1 earned run while striking out 8. Down 2-0 in the 3rd, Mike Lang blasted a 2 run homer to tie it. In the 6th, Lang walked to lead off and stole 2nd. Kevin Montelbano delivered the RBI single which was the difference. The Troasts take on La Margarita Blues of Indiana and the Cincinnati Chiefs Friday.
Troasts Win Regional Championship; Going Back to Louisville for Another Run at an NABF Title
August 8, 2011 —
For the 6th straight year, the Hackensack Troasts advanced to the NABF Regional Championship game. And for the first time since 2007, the Troasts are headed back to Louisville, Kentucky to battle 9 other teams from around the country for the National Amateur Baseball Federation (NABF) World Series Title.
Hackensack defeated Met League rival Ramapo Valley Giants 6-1 Monday night to punch their ticket. The Giants were coming off 2 big semi finals wins on Saturday to advance to the championship game vs. the Troasts. Hackensack had defeated it's first 3 opponents in the tournament, including the Giants on Friday, before a loss in the semifinal round of the double-elimination tournament. It was a winner goes, loser stays final game.
The Troasts are hungry for a national title that has eluded them in the past. The franchise earned trips to the World Series in 01, 03, and most recently in 07, where the team went 1-3 in World Series pool play. Now, with the talent to do it and the momentum a team needs, the Troasts are eyeing its first World Series Championship.
The Troasts open up Thursday at Bellarmine University at 2pm vs. the Buffalo West Herr. Friday, Hackensack takes on La Margarita Blue at 9:30am at Derby City Field and the Cincinnati Chiefs at 2pm at Bellarmine. Pool play closes out on Saturday at 9:30am at Derby City Field vs. the Pittsburgh River Bandits. The semi-finals will be played at 4:30pm and 8pm on Saturday, with the Championship game on Sunday at 12 noon at Derby City,
Troasts Capture Title and Complete Met League Championship 3-Peat!
July 31, 2011 —
The Hackensack Troasts won the 2011 Met League Championship Sunday night in Hackensack with a doubleheader sweep in the best of 3 finals vs. the Ramapo Valley Giants. The title completes a 3-peat for the Troasts in the Met League!
TROASTS 5 - GIANTS 3
Dennis Hulse, on in relief of starter Kevin Thompson (4 IP, 3 runs), fired 3 scoreless innings to shut down the Ramapo Valley offense to get the win for the Troasts in game 1. Rightfielder Beau Buraus had a huge game in the field, registering 9 put-outs and an assist. Buraus also doubled in the go-ahead run in the bottom of the 6th with the game tied at 3, which proved to be the difference.
TROASTS 18 - GIANTS 11
The Troasts scored 8 runs in the 1st and 6 in the 2nd to jump out to a 14-0 lead and cruised to a 18-11 win in the Met League Championship clinching game. The Troasts pounded out 19 hits on the night. Johnny Elia had 4 hits including a double and a triple. Fernando Fuentes registered 3 hits, as did Butch Bellenger, who belted a 2nd inning grand slam. John Digirolamo had 4 RBI. Mario Sencion won it in relief with 4 2/3 innings of work. The Giants didn't go quietly as they battled back and at one point cut the lead to 6 after being down by 14. The Palladino brothers, David and Anthony) collected 4 hits between them including 3 doubles for the Giants, who rallied for 7 runs in the 3rd to keep the game interesting.
Troasts Advance to Met League Finals With 2 Wins Over Reds!
August 30, 2011 —
TROASTS 10 - REDS 0
Hackensack jumped on a short-staffed North Haledon team early in game en-route to a 10-0 win. The Troasts, up 2-0, exploded for 8 runs in the 3rd highlighted by Angel Roman 3-run HR. Justin Figart went the 5-inning complete game for his 5th win.
TROASTS 2 - REDS 1
Reds starter Josh Greenstein and Hackensack's Rob Gariano squared off for the 3rd and decisive game of the series. Both were on point with dominant performances. Gariano went the distance for the Troasts and notched the win and the series when Fernando Fuentes blopped a single to center in the bottom of the 7th, driving in Nick Urbanovich from 3rd. Greenstein didn't factor in the decision as he left after 6 solid innings.
The Troasts will now face off in the Met League Championship against the the Ramapo Valley Giants. Games 1 & 2 will be in Hackensack Sunday night with game 1 starting at 5pm.
Reds Jump Out to 1-0 Series Lead on Troasts as Hackensack Stumbles in 7th
July 28, 2011 —
REDS 7 - TROASTS 1
VanEs pitches Reds to game 1 victory
After giving up 1 run in the first inning Scott VanEs settled in and threw 6 scoreless innings pitching the Reds to the win in the first game of the best of 3 series. VanEs, in picking up the complete game win, scattered 6 hits and had 7 strike outs. The Reds were held scoreless by Tom Crohan through 6 but he was replaced in the 7th after allowing the first two batters to reach. The Reds tied the game on a single by Roalnd Goodman. Other big hits in the 7 run 7th were a 2 RBI single by Michael Brito and a bases clearing 3 RBI double by Zac Rose. The second game of the series will be played in North Haledon Friday at 8 PM.
Troasts Open Met League Playoff Semis at Foschini on Thursday at 8:30pm
July 27, 2011 —
Due to rain on Tuesday night, the Troasts will play game 1 of the best of 3 semi-final series on Thursday night at 8:30pm in Hackensack at Foschini. Their opponent will be determined Wednesday night in North Haledon in the round 1 single game eliminator (postponed Tuesday) between the North Haledon Reds and the South Bergen Bullets.
Met League Playoffs Set; Round 1 Eliminator Games Tuesday Night in Newark and No. Haledon
July 26, 2011 —
FINAL MET LEAGUE STANDINGS
1. Hackensack Troasts–––32 pts. – 15-7-2-0*
2. Ramapo Valley Giants–-32 pts. – 16-8-0-0
3. Meadowlands A's–––––-31 pts. – 16-7-0-1
4. So. Bergen Bullets–––––29 pts. – 14-6-2-2**
5. No. Haldedon Reds––––26 pts. – 13-11-0-0
6. New Jersey Spartans––-20 pts. – 10-14-0-0*
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7. Teaneck Bruins–––––––-20 pts. – 10-13-0-1**
8. Wayne Wolfpack––––––-10 pts. – 5-19-0-0*
9. Belleville Rays–––––––--10 pts. – 5-19-0-0
*higher seed based on head to head tiebreaker.
**one unplayed game did not result in -1 due to league ruling.
Round 1, single game eliminator playoffs will begin Tuesday night:
(6) NJ Spartans @ (3) Meadowlands A's - 6:30pm in Newark - A'S WIN 9-0
Round 1, single game eliminator playoffs will begin Wednesday night:
(5) NH Reds @ (4) SB Bullets - 8pm in No. Haledon
Semi-Finals begin Wednesday or Thursday:
The Hackensack Troasts (1) will host the lower remaining seed Thursday night in Hackensack at 8:30pm in game 1 of best of 3.
The RV Giants (2) will host the higher remaining seed Wednesday or Thursday night - time and location TBD in game 1 of best of 3.
Troasts Get 7th Straight Win, Clinch Regular Season Championship and Top Seed in Met League Playoffs
July 24, 2011 —
TROASTS 9 - SPARTANS 1
The Hackensack Troasts won the last 7 games on their schedule to capture the regular season title and top seed for the playoffs by upending the NJ Spartans 9-1 on Sunday night in Hackensack. Keith Montelbano drove in 3 runs while his brother Kevin knocked in 2, as did Johnny Elia and Fernando Fuentes. Mario Sencion (W) and Tommy Crohan (S) combined on the 3 hitter.
Troasts Cruise Past Spartans
July 22, 2011 —
TROASTS 14 - SPARTANS 4
Hackensack scored 4 runs in the 1st and 2nd, and 3 runs in the 3rd and 4th to coasts to their 6th straight win 14-4 Friday night in Hackensack. Johnny Elia had 5 RBI for the Troasts.
Hack Over Pack 7-1 for 5th Straight Win
July 21, 2011 —
TROASTS 7 - WOLFPACK 1
Rob Gariano threw 5 solid innings and stuck out 11 Wolves as the Hackensack Troasts topped Wayne 7-1. Beau Buraus led the offense with 3 basehits while Brian Del Guecio and Timmy Henault chipped in with 2 RBI each. Andrew D'Amico smashed 2 doubles as the offensive highlight for the Wolfpack.
Troasts Jump Rays
July 19, 2011 —
TROASTS 8 - RAYS 2
In Hackensack, the Troasts got 3 runs in each of the first 2 innings and cruised to a 8-2 win. Butch Bellenger had a triple in the 1st and a double in the 2nd and finished with 3 RBI. John Digirolamo and Tim Henault each had 2 hits including a double and and RBI apiece. Mike Wassong got the win for the Troasts allowing only 2 hits and striking out 6 over 4 innings.
Pitchers Duel Wednesday - Troasts Blank Giants
July 13, 2011 —
TROASTS 4 - GIANTS 0
In Hackensack, a pitchers duel was developing between the Troasts' Justin Figart and the Giants' David Palladino. Palladino was dominant early, striking out 6 of the first 11 batters he faced. With the game scoreless in the 4th, the Troasts broke through when RC Renshaw (1 RBI, 2 runs) and John Elia (2 RBI) hit back to back doubles to give Hackensack a 3-0 lead. That was all Figart needed as he was efficient and economical, backed by solid defense, in the complete game shutout. Figart struck out 4 and allowed only 5 singles. Beau Buraus threw out a RV runner at the plate in the 3rd with the game still scoreless. Palladino struck out 9 in his 4-plus innings of work and Patrick Reitmeyer had 2 hits for the Giants.
Hackensack Takes Two From Teaneck
July 12, 2011 —
TROASTS 10 - BRUINS 3
In the completion of a suspended game from a June 10th light malfunction, the Troasts picked up the 10-3 win. With the score 7-2 in the bottom of the 6th, the Bruins had bases loaded with 2 outs and 2 strikes when the game was resumed. Pinch hitter Mike Lang singled for the Bruins to cut the lead to 7-3, but Rob Gariano struck out the next batter, then 2 more in the 7th to get the save for Mario Sencion, who fired 2 scoreless in middle relief for the win. Tony Alonso blasted a solo homer, Kevin Montelbano drove in 2, and Angel Roman collected 2 hits for Hackensack.
TROASTS 10 - BRUINS 1
In the regularly scheduled make-up game, Hackensack completed the sweep on the night with a 10-1 win. Kevin Thompson and Mike Wassong combined on the 2-hitter while also contributing at the plate. Wassong was 2 for 2 and Thompson belted a 3-run double. Nick Urbanovich had 3 hits and John Elia collected 3 RBI on the night. Butch Bellenger and Beau Buraus also chipped in with 2 hits apiece.
Reds Sweep Troasts
July 10, 2011 —
REDS 6 - TROASTS 5 (8 innings)
Reds sneak by Hackensack in the 8th.
Kevin Olah led off the bottom of the 8th with a triple and scored a batter later to give the Reds the 6 to 5 win. Olah was 4 for 5 on the day with 3 runs scored and 1 RBI. David Cole was 3 for 4 with a double and 2 RBI's for the Reds. Derick Greensein picked up the win in relief of his brother Josh yielding 1 run on 1 hit in 3 innings of relief. The Troasts failed to hold a 4-3 lead in the 6th and a 5-4 lead in the 7th. John Elia and Fernando Fuentes both homered for Hackensack.
REDS 5 - TROASTS 2
Reds complete the sweep of Hackensack
Scott VanEs pitched a complete game for the Reds in the second game of the double header yielding 2 unearned runs on 7 hits. He had 3 strikeouts and no walk. He was helped by the Reds defense who turned 5 double plays. For the Reds at the plate Kevin Olah and Dan Limone were each 2 for 4 with Olah knocking in 2 runs. Olah had 6 hits in the doubleheader. Tommy Crohan's 4 scoreless innings were squandered by Hackensack, as he left with a 2-0 lead.
Troasts Beat Bruins
July 7, 2011 —
TROASTS 8 - BRUINS 2
Hackensack got excellent, no-hit, middle relief from Kevin Thompson who got the win with 3 innings of work. Every Troast starter had a hit in a balanced attack highlighted by Keith Montelbano's 2 RBI single and Nick Urbanovich's 3-run double in a 7-run 4th inning.
Splitsville in Hackensack
July 5, 2011 —
TROASTS 5 - GIANTS 4
John Elia had 2 hits and 3 RBI including the bases loaded, game winning gapper in walk-off fashion in the 7th. Justin Figart went 6 strong innings, striking out 9 and allowing only 1 earned run but did not factor in the decision while the win was vultured by Rob Gariano with a scoreless 7th inning. Anthony Mazzo had a booming RBI double for the Giants in the 4th and was plated by David Palladino's RBI single to give the Giants a 4-3 lead. The Troasts tied it in the 5th on Butch Bellenger's single that scored Johnny Digirolamo, who had 2 hits and 2 runs for Hack.
GIANTS 2 - TROASTS 0
Cerrutti fires complete game shutout
Fresh off his franchise crushing single, Billy Cerrutti fired a complete game 3 hit shutout with 7 strikeouts to beat Mike Wassong and a very good Hackensack Troasts team in game 2 of the double header. Nick Ramgali remained on fire with 2 more hits, Anthony Mazzo reached base all 3 times and Tom Callari, Ed Spitaletta and Anthony Palladino all had big 7th inning at bats to grab an insurance run. Wassong only allowed 4 hits and fanned 11 for the tough luck loss and Digirolamo doubled twice for the Troasts.
Wolfpack Steals One From Hack
June 30, 2011 —
Wayne Beats Hackensack
Wayne won its second game in a row, defeating Hackensack 8-7. Down 5-2 in the 6th, Wayne started a rally putting runners at 2nd and 3rd with two outs. Ray Gacita started the scoring with a 2 RBI single to left to cut the lead to 1. Rob Stern followed with his own RBI singe to tie it and Al Iannuzi capped the inning with a 2-run RBI double which gave the Pack a 7-5 lead going to the 7th. Hackensack battled back in the top of the 7th to tie the game at 7 and was poised to take the lead with bases load and no outs. Matt Jeniesch was able to stifle the rally with a 1-2-3 double play and strike out to keep the game locked at 7. In the bottom of the 7th, Ryan Gajdos led off the inning with a basehit. After a sac bunt and intentional walk, Pat Jennings grounded one to short that could not be turned and the winning run came around from 2nd to score on the errant throw on the double-play attempt. Matt Jeniesch picked up the complete game, gutsy win, striking out 6.
Troasts Win Decisively 13-1 Over Belleville
June 28, 2011 —
TROASTS 13 - RAYS 1
Kevin Montelbano (3 for 4, HR, 2B) and Butch Bellenger (2 for 3, 2B) combined for 10 RBIs as the Hackensack Troasts broke out offensively against the Belleville Rays. Johnny Digirolamo was 2 for 3 and scored four times and Nick Urbanovich added 3 runs scored. Rob Gariano made his Troasts debut with 4 strong innings, striking out 5. Danny Urbanovich and Mike Wolfe each pitched scoreless innings to mop up. Mark Alessio and Angel Gaud were both 2 for 2 for the Rays. The Troasts are now 6-3-2 on the season and play in Wayne on Thursday night at 8:15pm
Troasts Finally Figure Out A's
June 27, 2011 —
TROASTS 3 - A's 1
For the first time in 2 years, Hackensack finally had an answer for the feisty Meadowlands A's. The answer was Troasts' lefty Mike Wassong, who fired a complete game 3-hitter with 10 strikeouts. Hackensack's offense, as usual against the A's, was limited, with only 3 basehits. But Butch Bellenger (double and single) supplied a 2-run single in the 2nd inning that put the Troasts up 3-0. Rich Fagan drove in the A's lone run in the 6th with a single which put the tying runner on base. Fernando Fuentes then threw out a potential base-stealer to end the threat. Wassong then struck out the side in the 7th to seal the win.
Figart Shuts Down Bullets for Game 1 Win; Another Tie as Game 2 Goes 12 Innings
June 26, 2011 —
TROASTS 2 - BULLETS 0
Figart Outduels Warden in Game 1
The matchup between Hackensack's Justin Figart and South Bergen's Bryce Warden promised to be a low scoring pitching duel. It was just that with Figart tossing the complete game shutout (5 hits, 9 strikeouts) as the Troasts won game one 2-0. Kevin Montelbano provided the difference with a 4th inning 2-run double. It was Warden's only mistake on the day, as he also registered the 6-inning complete game while allowing only 3 hits.
TROASTS 5 - BULLETS 5 (12 innings)
Troasts and Bullets Go a Total of 21 Innings - Another Tie
Already with one, nine-inning tie between these two evenly matched teams, the Troasts and Bullets battled for 4 hours in a 12 inning marathon that ended deadlocked again just before midnight. Neither Hackensack's Mario Sencion (6.1 scoreless) nor the Bullets' Jose Sotomayor (5 IP, 1 unearned run) would give an each during the extra frames as both teams failed to push a deciding run across. Butch Bellenger had 3 hits including 2 doubles for Hackensack while Ryan Kiczek had 3 knocks for the Bullets. The Troasts win the season series, barely, 1-0-2.
Troasts End Skid, Get Back in W Column
June 20, 2011 —
TRAOSTS 7 - SPARTANS 4
After a sluggish offensive weekend and a 3 game losing streak, Hackensack got 6 straight hits to start the game and jumped out to a 5-0 1st inning lead and an eventual 7-4 win over the New Jersey Spartans at Foschini Park. Kevin Montelbano had 3 doubles and 3 RBI and Butch Bellenger added 3 hits and scored twice to pace the Troasts offensively. Mike Wolfe went 5 innings and got the win, which was preserved by Bob Klapisch, who recorded an impressive 6-out save.
Rough Weekend for Troasts as Losing Streak Reaches 3 Games
June 19, 2011 —
Thursday night the Hackensack Troasts fell to the North Haledon Reds 8-7 in 8 innings. Down 4-0 early, the Troasts tied it in the 5th. After fall behind by 4 again in the extra frame, the Troasts fell short, scoring only 3 in the bottom of the 8th to lose their first of the year.
On Sunday, the Troasts were swept by the Meadowlands A's 2-1 and 9-3. The A's continued their winning ways vs. Hackensack with a doubleheader sweep. The Troasts fell behind early in both games and had the winning run on in the bottom of the 7th in game 1 when a 4-6-3 double play ended it. In game 2, the A's outlasted and outslugged Hackensack after the game was tightened to 4-3 in the 5th.
The Troasts will try to right the ship Monday night at Foschini vs. the New Jersey Spartans.
Troasts Go on Road for Weekend and Fall Victim to Light Issues
SUNDAY, JUNE 12th
TROASTS 3 - BULLETS 3 (FINAL - 9 innings)
A power failure at Westvale Field in Westwood forced the Bullets and Troasts to end in a 3-3 tie. Both teams had opportunities in the seventh inning and beyond, but outstanding relief pitching by Mike Wassong for the Troasts and Jose Sotomayor for the Bullets left the game knotted. Tony Alonso homered for the Troasts, his 2nd in two games, and Ryan Kiczek had three hits and an RBI double to tie the game in the sixth for the Bullets.
FRIDAY, JUNE 10th
TROASTS 7 - BRUINS 2 (SUSPENDED 6th inning)
In Teaneck on Friday, the Bruins trailed the Hackensack Troasts 7-2 in the 6th inning when the lights went out. Teaneck has the bases loaded and 2 outs in the bottom of the 6th.
Thursday's Game Rained Out, Rescheduled for 7/12; Three Games on Slate This Weekend
June 9, 2011 —
Tonight's game vs. the Teaneck Bruins was rained out. The game has been rescheduled for Tuesday, July 12th.
For the upcoming weekend, the Troasts play the Bruins Friday night at 8pm in Teaneck at Votee Park, and then a doubleheader in Westwood on Sunday at 5pm vs. the South Bergen Bullets.
Wolfpack Jump Out Early, But Hackensack Outlasts Wayne 6-4.
June 7, 2011 —
The Wayne Wolfpack scored 3 times in the top of the 1st to put the Hackensack Troasts on the ropes early but a balanced attack and good relief pitching enabled the Troasts to come away with a 6-4 win. Hackensack scored 1, 2, 2 & 1 in the first four innings and relied on a strong combined relief effort to snatch with victory. John Digirolamo led the way offensively going 3 for 3 with 2 runs and 2 RBI. Beau Buraus (1 run, 1 RBI) and Kevin Montelbano (1 run, 2 RBI) both had 2 hits. Justin Figart earned the win with 2 innings of relief, striking 3 out, while Ken Longernecker (hold) and Ryan Lobban (save, 3K's) kept the Pack off the board for the final 3 innings. Michael Rueger and Ryan Gajdos had 2 hits apiece for Wayne in support of a gutsy complete game effort by Pat Jennings, who took the loss. The Troasts are 2-0 and next up is the Teaneck Bruins Thursday night at 8pm at Foschini.
Troasts Open 2011 Season with 6-1 Win!
June 5, 2011 —
The Troasts welcomed back a couple familiar faces and also some newcomers for the start of the 2011 season in a 6-1 win at Foschini Park against the Belleville Rays. Kevin Montelbano (knee surgery) was 2 for 3 with 2 RBI and Tommy Crohan (broken ankle) struck out the 3 batters he faced. Both missed all of the 2010 season.
After 7 of the first 8 Troasts struck out to start the game, and with 2 outs in the bottom of the 3rd, newcomer Brian Del Guercio reached on an infield single for the Troasts first hit to start a 2-out, 4-run rally. Montelbano delivered the first blow with an 2-RBI single and Butch Bellenger followed with an RBI double. Bellenger also belted a 2-run double in the 5th to put the Troasts ahead 6-1.
Four Hackensack pitchers combined on the 3-hitter. Mike Wassong struck out 4 in 3 no-hit innings of work. Mike Wolfe earn the win allowing the only run in 2 innings, and Mario Sencion and Crohan both fired scoreless innings to seal it shut. Newly acquired backstop Fernando Fuentes did a solid job behind the plate and threw out a runner attempting to steal in the 4th.
The Troasts are back in action on Tuesday versus the Wayne Wolfpack at Foschini.
Congratulations to Don Bosco Prep and Mark DeMenna on the Bergen County Championship
Hackensack Troasts - 2011 Outlook - 3peat and Louisville in crosshairs
The defending Met League champions Hackensack Troasts return a core group of veterans and figure to be a slight Met League favorite under 1st year manager Butch Bellenger, taking over the full time managerial responsibilities from Mark Demenna who now leads a nationally ranked Don Bosco Prep powerhouse. The Troasts have company at the top though as the league continues to get more competitive. The aging Troasts will try to fight off the challengers as they've added some much needed youth to the roster this offseason.
The Troasts are hungry for a Met League three-peat. Also, Hackensack will again host the NABF Regional Tournament and look to get over the hump and return to the NABF World Series in Louisville, Kentucky for the first time since 2007. The Troasts finished as Regional Runners-Up the last 3 seasons.
The 2-time defending Met League champions and 5-time NABF Regional Finalists return with a re-tooled and re-habbed veteran-core roster. The Troasts also added some youth after losing a couple key players to retirement, family obligation and other responsibilities or collegiate summer teams.
Returning in 2011, coming off missed 2010 with injury seasons are 1st baseman and lefty slugger Kevin Montelbano, Lefty ace Tommy Crohan and the versatile Dave Sica. All 3 were missed badly in 2010. Key additions joining the Troasts for the first time in 2011 include veteran catcher Fernando Fuentes, Lehigh University graduate and pitcher Ken Longernecker, Rhode Island College grad and C/OF Tim Henault. Freshman pitchers from St. Peter's Kevin Croucher and Erik Mozeika, as well as junior lefty Curtis Arsi from Rowan look to join the Troasts and contribute during the late season and playoff push.
These new and "welcomed-back" players join the solid core that has led the Troasts to the league's best record the past 2 seasons. Nick Urbanovich and player/manager Bellenger solidify the infield. The outfield is anchored by long-time star and team captain Johnny Digirolamo in center. Don Bosco Prep head coach, and right fielder Mark Demenna will be limited but will be a huge upgrade when in the Troast lineup and outfield. The outfield rounds out with returning starters John Elia and OF/DH Beau Buraus. Long-time Troast, and professional hitter Angel Roman figures to settle in at DH. Catcher RC Renshaw will be back in a limited role behind the plate helping to handle the deep pitching staff along with Fuentes and Henault.
Hard-throwing lefty Mike Wassong continues to lead the staff as the Troasts' workhorse. Returning Met League veterans Steve Livingstone, Bobby Khalil, Bob Klapisch and lefty Kevin Thompson all figure to continue to get outs by simply knowing how to pitch, using craft and smarts as well as their ageless abilities to throw the ball. Dennis Hulse and Mario Sencion add depth and grit while Crohan hopes to be back to form after missing last season. Young, live arms returning are the valuable and versatile Mike Wolfe, fireballer Justin Figart and lefty specialist Dan Urbanovich. Newcomer Longernecker is going to be thrown in the fire and depended upon right away. Mozeika and Arsi will join the team during the home stretch of the season.
2010 record - 26-8 (including regionals). Regular season best record and 2010 Met League Champions. NABF Regional Host and Regional runner-up.
2011 Hackensack Troasts Schedule
The 2011 Troast Baseball season will open up on Sunday, June 5th at 8pm at Foschini vs. the Belleville Rays.
The full schedule (link on left) consists of 24 regular season games and closes out on July 24th. The schedule consists mainly of Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday night games, with a few Sunday night twi-night doubleheaders and a few Friday night games sprinkled in. The post season schedule, including the Met League Playoffs as well as Regional and National Tournament dates are also posted.
The Troasts have also accepted the offer to again host the NABF Regional Tournament in Hackensack for the 2nd consecutive year. The tournament will run Thursday, August 4th - Sunday the 7th, with a NABF World Series berth again on the line.
The Troasts are looking forward to seeing everyone this summer as we look to defend our 2010 league championship.
TROAST SPOTLIGHT - Don Bosco Prep Coach Mark Demenna
April 4, 2011 —
Troast rightfielder Mark Demenna was named the Don Bosco High School varsity baseball coach last summer. His Ironmen team is in the spot light and has high expectations. They enter the 2011 season looking to validate a No. 1 ranking in North Jersey and a No. 14 national ranking. Demenna's squad began the season with a 7-6, come-from-behind victory in their opener vs. Bergen Catholic on April 1st, giving the coach the 1st win of his career in exciting walk-off fashion. Click on Coach Demenna's photo at left to read more about Mark and the Don Bosco season preview.
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Troasts' Regional Wrap-up, Come Up Short Again
August 9, 2010 —
The Met League Champion Hackensack Troasts looked to get back to the NABF World Series as they hosted the regional tournament but came up short after going 3-0 and advancing to the finals.
The Troasts busted out of the gate by beating their first three opponents by a combined score of 21-2 as they ripped the Paramus Pitbulls 14-0, nipped the Kings County (Brooklyn) Royals 3-2 and tripped up the Wyckoff Raiders 4-0 in the final winner's bracket. Sitting pretty, the Troasts came up short in their bid for a national championship on the weekend, losing back-to-back games to the Milford (Conn.) Hunters. Just one win away from advancing to the national finals in Louisville, the Troasts fell to the Hunters, 11-7, on Saturday afternoon and 4-2 on Sunday in the do-or-die championship.
The bats exploded in their opener vs Paramus, with both Johnny Bravette and Johnny DiGirolamo going 3 for 3. Four Troasts had 2 RBI each (Mark Demenna, Butch Bellenger, Nick Urbanovich and Angel Roman). Mike Wassong (win) and Bob Khalil combined on a 2 hitter over 5 innings.
Game 2 was a grind, down to the final out vs Kings County. Dennis Hulse started and gutted out 6 1/3 innings, allowing 9 hits, and would not give in, making big pitch after big pitch despite being in trouble in nearly every inning. He turned it over to closer Justin Figart who, after allowing 2 hits, blew away the final 2 batters with the go-ahead runner on 2nd to seal the win. The Troasts were out-hit 11-3 but were able to pull off the win with strong team defense and opportunistic offense, as well as Hulse's and Figart's efforts.
In the 2-0 winner's bracket game against Wyckoff, Brendan Lobban put together a dominating performance, going the distance with a complete game shutout 1-hitter with 6 strikeouts. Butch Bellenger put the Troasts up 1-0 with an RBI single in the 1st and the game was iced when Angel Roman delivered a 2-out, 2-RBI double in the 5th.
In the 2 games against Milford, the Troasts fell behind early, fought back, but couldn't overcome the deficits. 12 hits Saturday, including a HR by Josh Pinero wasn't enough. A few sloppy key plays and a tough sun put the Troasts down big 11-2. Still, Hackensack battled back and had the tying run on deck in the 9th. Sunday, Wassong battled and threw a gutty 8-inning complete game but the Troasts couldn't get the big hit or any breaks as they came up short. It's the 5th year in a row the Troasts advanced to the Regional finals only to lose 3 years running (Regional Champs in 2007).
DiGirolamo had an outstanding tournament going 10 for 16. Bravette finished 6 for 14. Bellenger and Roman each had 4 RBI and Demenna added 5 hits.
Hackensack finished the season with a 26-8 record, which included a Met League Title.
Hackensack Troasts - 2010 MET LEAGUE CHAMPIONS!
July 31, 2010 —
Lefty Brendan Lobban went all the way, pitching 9 strong innings to lead the Hackensack Troasts to a 3-1 victory over the resilient North Haledon Reds in extra innings, a series sweep, and the 2010 Met League Championship. Lobban was matched by Reds starter Jose Nunez for the first 8 innings. Nunez was effective by throwing stikes and keeping the Troast hitters off balance all day. The Troasts scored the go ahead run in the top of the 9th however off reliever Derek Greenstein when Johnny Bravette grounded a ball to short with runners on 1st and 2nd - the doubleplay ball was mis-played and Beau Buraus raced around third towards home. A bang-bang play at the plate and...SAFE... the Troasts had a 2-1 lead and eventually the game, series and championship. Butch Bellenger and Mark Demenna had 2 hits each for the Troasts. Nunez scattered 7 hits over his 8 innings and Bobby Sprague and Derek Rosenfeld had 2 hits each for the Reds.
Both teams will extend their seasons in NABF and AABC regional tournaments this week respectively. Joining them will be the South Bergen Bullets, Ramapo Valley Saints and Meadowlands A's, proudly representing the Met League in regional action.
Troasts Deeply Saddened by Passing of Friend and Longtime Umpire Chief Pete Amoruso
February 12, 2010 —
Umpire Chief Pete Amaruso passed away Friday morning in Florida. Jokingly known as "Three Feet Pete" for his pitcher-friendly strike zone, Pete was a staple throughout the New Jersey amateur, high school and college baseball communities. Pete also officiated high school football and basketball and umped Legion and Connie Mack baseball for many summers. Any ballplayer in North Jersey knew and had great respect for "Three Feet Pete". Pete has been a great friend through the years of the Hackensack Troasts and all amateur baseball since the days of the original Met League, as well as all of local New Jersey college baseball. Pete Amoruso will be sicerely missed by the North Jersey community, all of the local sports community and by the entire Troast baseball family.
Funeral and viewing arrangements were coordinated by Aloia Funeral Home on February 16, 17 & 18.
Please click Pete's picture for an article from Saturday's Bergen Record:
Hackensack Troasts Baseball featured in 201 Magazine!
August 1, 2008 —
A story on Troast Baseball is featured in 201 Magazine's August issue - Bergen County's premiere, and only, monthly magazine! Pick up the magazine at your nearest news stand or go to www.201.net to subscribe, find out where to get it, or order photos and/or pages from the magazine.
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