The West Milford baseball team has put in a lot of hard work and dedication this season to end the spring with a 12-11 record. The team also went forward to defeat Passaic 4-3 in the semifinals of the Passaic County Tournament.
At the lead for West Milford was senior Sean Kelemen who surrendered only three hits and no earned runs in five innings while gaining the win.
Picking up the save for West Milford was Cal Egan who pitched into and out of trouble during the seventh inning.
After getting out the first five hitters that came to bat, Egan surrendered back-to- back singles and executed an intentional walk before helping his team to victory by forcing the Indians final hitter to ground out, which brough the game to an end.
While Kelemen and Egan as pitchers kept the Passaic batters from scoring too much in the game, it was truly the West Milford base runners who kept the team in the lead.
In the top of the second, courtesy runner, freshman Chris Gomez, who was in for Keleman on a walk, stole second and scored on a single by Zack Milko.
In the next inning One West Milford took the lead when Nick Szuszkowski hit a double and then ran to home to score when Jimmy Rauth’s single was bobbled.
In the fourth inning West Milford was able to solidify a nice lead. Kelemen hit a single and again Gomez was pinch runner and stole second base, then proceeded to score on a double by Miller.
Another pinch runner, Blaise Basket, in to run for Miller, advanced to third on a ground out to short stop.
Szuszkowski then walked and stole second on the first pitch to the next batter. Basket then ran home to clinch the game for the team.
A freshman, Mike Wis spoke of the sense of family the team possessed, “The whole team would cheer everyone on during games and practices” says Wis.
On top of varsity’s success, the JV team ended their season 11-4-1 and the freshman team with a record of 14-4.
As of press time, West Milford continues their time in the play offs and won a close game at DePaul where senior Andrew Kauf hit his 100th career hit. We wish them continued success!