Clarke ready to defend latest title

Clarke’s defense of its Nassau Class A and Long Island Championships began much the same way it ended in 2009—with the Rams swinging telephone poles, rather than bats, at the plate. Clarke pounded out 15 hits in a season-opening 11-4 win over Herricks on March 27 with three different players racking up at least two.

“We played very well and had great at bats,” coach Tom Abruscato said.

The Rams have built up quite a legacy on the diamond over the last 10 seasons winning four county championships and capturing three Long Island titles and two New York State crowns during the run. This year’s team boasts the return of five starters and more than a dozen key players. “Over the last five or 10 years there’s always been a group back from a championship team,” Abruscato said. “That helps a lot just in attitude. They know how to go about their business and the expectations.”

The heart of the batting order is back, led by seniors John Radice, Tom Fusco and Ryan Sloane, with junior John Jarosz and senior Connor McCarthy the table-setters at the top. “We have pop in the middle and speed from top to bottom,” Abruscato said. “This year we can really run and we have a lot of [lefty-righty] balance.”

McCarthy, a righty, is a shortstop for most games but also doubles as the pitching rotation’s top arm. “He can get up to 90 [miles an hour] but is usually consistent at 85 or 86,” Abruscato said.

Jarosz and senior Sean Stewart, who missed all of last year with a knee injury, are battling for the No. 2 spot behind McCarthy. The bullpen will be led by Radice, Abanavas and junior Tim Ingram. While last year’s top two starters, both of whom graduated, combined for 17 wins, Abruscato is confident the new staff will produce similar results.

Behind the plate, junior Mike Alosio steps in as the starter with senior Matt Robinson also in the mix. “Our catchers are outstanding,” Abruscato said. “I’d take them pound for pound over anyone.”

Sloane moves from right field to his natural position, the hot corner, while senior John Chodkowski returns to center flanked by Fusco in left and a likely combination of Stewart and senior Alex Abanavas in right. “The outfield defense is one of the best we’ve ever had,” Abruscato said.

Junior Mark Cvitan and Jarosz are battling for time in the middle infield, while junior Rob Henderson is also vying for time in the field.

The Rams kick off their first two-game series of the Conference AA-I season this Friday with a home-and-home against Glen Cove. Clarke is on the road for the first game and returns home Monday. First pitch is scheduled for 4:45 p.m. for both games.