Kole Once Again Delivers, Ridge Advances

The baseball team defeated Watchung Hills 5-2 in the NJSIAA North 2, Group 4 opening round at Watchung Hills Regional High School. Pitcher J.B. Kole continued to dominate the competition with his fifth victory in as many starts. 

IN SHORT

In a rematch of the Somerset County Tournament semifinals, the Red Devils, winners of 10 of their last 12 games after losing eight straight at one point earlier in the season, once again rode the arm of Kole. 

To open the game, leadoff hitter Dan Volpacchio (3-for-3 with a walk) took the first pitch of the game to the wall for a double. Volpacchio then moved to second on a wild pitch and scored on a sacrifice fly from Brett Matzen. Big contributors at the plate included Brad Halperin (2-for-3, 2 RBIs,  with a walk) and Dan Curcio (1-for-2 with an RBI double and a walk). Warrior starting pitcher Richard Hunt went 4 2/3 innings with five strikeouts, giving up six hits and three walks. Hunt contributed to the team's offense when he drove a ball over the fence for a home run in the second inning. Nick Rivera entered the game in relief for Watchung Hills giving up four hits, a walk and a run.

TOP PERFORMER

J.B. Kole pitched a complete game with eight strikeouts and gave up only six hits and two walks. In 101 pitches, Kole threw 62 strikes, was 1-for-3 and was hit by a pitch. In the inning following being beaned, Kole looked shaken when he gave up a double to the first batter, Chris Berry. But Kole showed his strength and concentration when he then struck out the next three batters to end the inning.

"When J.B. goes out there, we don't tell him much. He's locked in and we just let him go. When he has that curve ball going in for strikes with the velocity and the location he has, he is tough to hit" — Ridge head coach Tom Blackwell  

"The pitcher did a great job. The big thing was he got his curve ball over and it was a tough pitch to hit." — Watchung Hills head coach Mario Diaz

OTHER KEY PERFORMANCES

Dan Volpacchio -went 2-for-3 with a walk, 2 singles, a double and 2 runs; Brad Haperin was 2-for-3 with a walk and 2 RBIs; Dan Curcio - Curcio went 1-for-2 with an RBI double and a run scored.

COACHES TAKE

"JB (Kole) did a great job.  When he is making his pitches, we know they are not going to hit the ball a lot. We had some clutch hits with guys in scoring position and that is how you win games."—Blackwell

"It was a well played high school baseball game, not many errors.  They are hot and we don't look to hot. But we are moving along."—Diaz  

THEY SAID IT

(After being hit by a pitch and giving up a double to the first batter in the next inning): "I just kind of beared down and just tried to pump as many strike as I could and my curve ball started working in that inning.  When that is working and I have my fastball too, that's when I am at my best." — J.B. Kole

"It's been pretty easy (hitting) lately.  We have been playing in some pretty big games and I am used to coming up in the clutch.  Having opportunities to do that.  I look the ball straight in, swing the bat hard and I came out with some nice results today." — Brad Halperin

UP NEXT

Friday at Hunterdon Central, 4 p.m.