LITTLE FALLS — John Mazzo knows that each year brings a different dynamic for any varsity baseball program. After a tremendous season in 2007, one in which the Hornets captured the Passaic County championship, the Passaic Valley head coach sees a different type of team this spring, but one that has been playing very well.
"We ran into a very good pitcher on Sunday against Clifton, but overall, I like what I've seen from our offense," Mazzo said. "Our pitching is solid and the defense is starting to come around after being a little sloppy in the first couple of games. Overall, I like what I've seen so far."
What Mazzo has seen is a 7-3 Hornets team through last Sunday, including the aforementioned 3-1 setback to Clifton at Yogi Berra Stadium on the campus of Montclair State University. The Hornets battled a very good Millburn team last Monday and hosted Wayne Valley yesterday afternoon. Tomorrow, West Orange comes to town for a 4 p.m. game. This Sunday, Passaic Valley travels to Cooperstown, New York to face Caldwell in the Hornets' every-other-year pilgrimage to baseball's shrine. Game time is 10 a.m.
Passaic Valley's veteran pitching staff has been led by seniors Dan Alcala and Steven Coral, each of whom were 3-0 entering this week.
"Both guys have been tremendous," Mazzo said. "Coral pitched a tremendous game against River Dell last Saturday (a 3-2, four-hit win). Our entire staff has experience, and that will be a big key for us."
Senior Craig Anderson might be 0-3, but Mazzo has a lot of confidence in the All-County pitcher.
"He's run into some tough luck in close games," Mazzo said of Anderson. "He threw a two-hitter against West Orange and lost, 3-1. He dropped a tough one to West Milford (9-7) and pitched well against Sunday, but their guy (Marc Ortiz) was even better. He's been a lot better than the record would indicate."
Mike Ardis has been an effective relief pitcher and will probably get the start tomorrow against West Orange.
The offense has been consistent, but it will be hard to match last year's output.
"We had a murderer's row last year, from one to nine," Mazzo said. "That was a unique team, defensively as well. But we have some good bats in the lineup this year, too, and we've been hitting pretty well."
Coral, a third baseman when he doesn't pitch, has been hitting well in the cleanup spot. Shortstop Chris Greco is a consistent batter in the number two slot, while junior catcher Mike DeLuccia has found his hitting groove of late. He drove in the Hornets' only run in last Sunday's game.
Charles Fletcher has been hitting exceptionally well. The versatile freshman can play first, or third base and can also DH. He was hitting over .600 through the first 10 games.
NOTES: The Hornets will make a weekend of it in Cooperstown. The team will leave Little Falls on Saturday morning and take in the Baseball Hall of Fame Museum later in the day. On Sunday morning, they play an early game against Caldwell on the legendary field, then head back home afterward.
The seedings for the Passaic County Tournament are due out next Monday.
"We're hoping for a good seed," Mazzo said. "We have lost to two Passaic County teams (West Milford and Clifton), so this week's games will be important."
