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Fair Conference title on Clarke's radar
Clarke baseball won its eighth straight game on Monday, a winning streak that tightened its grip on first place and included seven conference wins as well as an exhibition game on the grand stage at Bethpage Ballpark in Central Islip, the home of the Long Island Ducks.
At 11-1-1 (15-1-1 overall), in Conference A-5, the Rams began their final three-game set this week against Mineola, taking the opener 12-1.
But coach Tom Abruscato, who has guided Clarke to 18 conference championships, six country championships and two state championships during his coaching tenure, said his squad still has some work to do to cut back on mistakes if they wish to seek the ultimate prize.
“We need to be more consistent with our at bats. Sometimes we haven’t done small things correct,” said Abruscato, before adding about his team whose starting lineup comprises mostly underclassmen: “We’ve been resilient.”
The winning streak began last month with three game sweeps of Island Trees and Locust Valley. Before that, they split a series with Seaford, their biggest competition in their conference, including an April 16 game that ended in a 1-1 tie. Seaford trails Clarke by a single game.
On the mound, Abruscato said senior Brendan Turten has performed as well as any pitcher on Long Island. The returning All-County hurler features a mid-80s mile-per-hour fastball, while mixing in a knuckle drop and changeup.
A big part of Turten’s – and the team’s – success is the guy catching him, junior Chris Giardino, also an All-County player last year. “I don’t think a ball has gotten by Chris all year,” his coach said. “Most teams don’t even attempt to run on him.”
Shortstop C.J. Cumbo has excelled in the leadoff spot, batting a cool .560 on the season. All-Conference centerfielder Tyler Cox is also hitting .400.
The coach credited his seniors, many of whom have seen limited playing time this season in deference to younger players. “The senior leadership, whether it’s on the field or on the bench, has been outstanding,” he said. “They understand that there’s a greater opportunity as a team than individually.”
Each senior got to touch the field in the May 1 game at Bethpage Park, a friendly exhibition against local rival East Meadow. Both teams emptied their benches for the game.
In the game, a 2-1 victory for Clarke, Steven Lee drove in Lucas Abbatiello with the go-ahead RBI single in the fifth inning. “It was a lot of fun,” said Abruscato. Good, clean game between both teams. A great experience.”
The Rams have their sights set on locking in another conference championship this week, but Abruscato noted that Mineola will present a challenge “We’ve got our work cut out for us,” he said. “If we do what we’re capable of doing, we’ll be OK.”
