Colts Break Out In Extras to Bounce Back

The baseball team bounced back from its preliminary-round loss in the Morris County tournament and got a key road win, exploading for six runs in extra innings against Whippany Park on Friday.

Kinnelon (6-3-1)

Whippany Pk. (1-8)

IN SHORT
Besides allowing an unearned run which came off a botched pickoff move in the second inning, Kinnelon starting pitcher Brandon LaRocca shined, allowing no runs and only five baserunners through five innings pitched. LaRocca displayed a nice breaking ball, which helped keep the Wildcats' lineup off balance and their bats silent.

After being held scoreless through the first three innings, the Colts finally got on the board after third baseman Jake Spenadel's sac fly brought catcher Chris Villante in to score, tying the game at one. The game would remained tied and go into extra innings, where the Colts took full advantage of Whippany Park starter Randy Nowark leaving the game. In the top of the eighth, after Colts Chris Villante and Dan Collins both drew walks, junior Brandon Schlette lined a basehit through the left side of the infield, giving the Colts a 2-1 lead as Villante came around to score. Whippany Park's bullpen struggled throughout the inning, as it allowed four walks, two hits and hit three batters. The Colts ended up scoring six runs in the inning and Billy O'Brien closed the game out in the bottom of the eighth with his third straight scoreless inning, as the Colts got victory. 

COLT OF THE GAME

Chris Villante—2-for-3 with a double and two runs scored. The catcher also threw out two baserunners trying to steal second. His first run tied the game in the second inning and his second run gave the Colts their first lead, which eventually gave them the win.

OTHER KEY PERFORMANCES
Brandon LaRocca (Kinnelon), five innings, allowing no runs and only five baserunners. Randy Nowark (Whippany Park), went six innings allowing just one run and four hits, while striking out four.

THEY SAID IT
"Brandon LaRocca has been doing a fantastic job for us, he throws strikes, he works at a very fast pace, which helps our defense get ready for him. He's just done a phenomenal job."–Kinnelon Head Coach John McDonald

"I thought I did a nice job of throwing strikes the whole game and if I started to throw the ball too far outside or throw too many balls, I would just calm myself down, get back on the mound and started throwing strikes again."–LaRocca

"The past couple of games I haven't been hitting to well, so I just tried to stay loose up there. Coach Mac's been doing a great job with me in the batting cage, loosening up my hands and it's definitely helping me."–Chris Villante

Up Next—Hillsborough Saturday at 11 a.m. at Kinnelon High School.