CESTERO KEY ON MOUND; DAVIS, TRAJKOVSKI ON ‘O’
Expectations may be even higher for theWestfieldHighSchoolbaseballteam this season and for a very good reason. The Blue Devils return their entire starting pitchers’ rotation, nearly their entire group of relievers and all but two of last year’s starting lineup.
Last year the Blue Devils’ expectations may have fallen a bit short but they did win two games in the Union County Tournament (UCT) to advance to the semifinal round and also reached the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 4 semifinals to finish with a 14-10 record.
The Blue Devils did graduate two key players with shortstop Leo Mangiamele, who finished with a .312 batting average (BA), going 24-for77 with 15 runs scored, a team-leading 22 RBI and team-tying four home runs, and steady hitter Owen Callahan (.264 BA, 10 RBI), who was solid behind the plate.
“We are looking to build and elevate upon our season last year. We have a nice mix of upperclassmen and underclassmen, which should help us keep players fresh throughout the year. We will lean on our pitching which is a strength and look for some solid defense and timely hitting,” Blue Devil Head Coach Jay Cook said.
The returning pitchers have some impressive credentials beginning with senior Tomas Cestero, who was also a threat offensively. Last year facing the toughest opponents, in 31.1 innings, Cestero allowed 29 hits, 30 runs (17 earned), 26 walks and hit five batters, while recording 50 strikeouts for a 3.80 ERA.
Cestero pitched the first six and two-thirds scoreless innings against the Cranford Cougars, who finished 26-1 last year. When he was relieved, Cestero had recorded 11 strikeouts but the Cougars would go on to score three runs to win. In the sectional win over Franklin, Cestero sat down 12 Warriors. Cestero also offers some clout at the plate, bringing a .333 BA with eight RBI, 15 runs scored, double, triple and a home run.
Kevin Downing, now a senior, showed up quite well on the mound last year. In 30.1 innings, he permitted 20 hits, 21 runs (16 earned), 15 walks and two hit batters, while striking out 29 for a 3.69 ERA. Dowling also possesses plenty of speed on the base paths and finished with a.344 BA with eight runs scored, four RBI and seven stolen bases.
Senior Jack Chavez had the ability to create sparks with his fastball. Last year in 28.2 innings, he yielded 23 hits, 27 runs (14 earned), 29 walks and five hit batters, while striking out 41 for a 3.42 ERA.
The Blue Devils’ experienced corps of relievers consist of seniors Tommy Hyland and Nic Labin, along with junior Grant Como. Last year, Hyland in 17.2 innings, allowed 15 hits, 13 runs (3 earned), 15 walks and five hit batters, while recording 14 strikeouts for a 1.19 ERA. Como in 13 innings, yielded 20 hits, 14 runs (9 earned), 13 walks and three hit batters, while recording 21 strikeouts for a 4.85 ERA. Labin in 6.2 innings, allowed five hits and two runs, while walking five and striking out seven.
Coach Cook added, “Some of our top returners this year are pitchers Tomas Cestero (Seton Hall commit) and Jack Chavez (Villanova Commit) as well as, Grant Como (Brown Commit) and Kevin Dowling. Our lineup will feature (outfield) Cestero, (outfield) Dowling as well as senior infielder Randy Davis (Rochester Commit), senior Kellene Edwards (outfield), juniors Jake Alfano (infield) and (first base) Brady Trajkovski.”
In addition to Cestero’s consistency and Dowling’s speed, the Blue Devils can expect some serious bat banging from Davis and big first baseman Trajkovski. Davis (17 RBI, 12 runs scored) led the team with a .354 BA and had a knack for the extra base hit. He rapped three doubles in a win over Governor Livingston and went 3-for-4 with a triple, double and single against Franklin. Trajkovski had a .312 BA with 22 RBI and a teamtying four home runs.
Alfano, last year, finished with a .333 BA with 13 runs scored, seven RBI, eight doubles and a triple while stealing five bases. Edwards, the “Chief Thief” with 14 stolen bases had a .311 BA with 18 runs scored and eight RBI.
Others with varsity plate time are seniors Chris Shinners (6 stolen bases), Mikey Lynch and Labin (.296 BA), along with juniors Charlie McCormack (10 stolen bases as a courtesy runner) and Logan Martel.
The Blue Devils open their season at home against the Elizabeth Minutemen on Monday, April 1, at 4 p.m. On Wednesday, April 3, at 4 p.m. they travel to Summit to face the Oratory Prep Rams then the next day, they will be on “The Hill” against the Governor Livingston Highlanders in Berkeley Heights.
