South exits playoffs early

Valley Stream South was bounced early in the Nassau Class A baseball playoffs following a season that exceeded head coach Ken Ward’s expectations

The Falcons finished the regular season 10-6-1 in Conference A-III and returned to the postseason after a one-year absence. South’s run was ended in the double elimination tournament by Wantagh, 8-2, and Garden City, 6-2, but Ward is excited about the groundwork laid down this spring by a young team.

“It was a little better season than I thought it would be,” Ward said. “It was a surprise.”

In the playoff opener on May 14, Valley Stream South ran into a hot Wantagh team that went 16-4 in the regular season. In the elimination game two days later, the Falcons hung tough with Garden City before the Trojans got separation in the sixth inning with a three-run homer by Cole Sonner. Ward described South’s bracket, which also included Conference A-II winner Division, as one that posed a tremendous challenge. “Our four-team composite was very tough,” Ward said. “It was a tough bracket.”

Four sophomore starters who had big years paced the Falcons. Shortstop Nick Hernandez hit .375 in the leadoff spot and recorded 19 stolen bases.  Second baseman Chris Peralta followed Hernandez in the number two spot of the order and came up with a monster sophomore campaign hitting .318. Right fielder Andrew Lazzara also stepped up with some clutch hits on the season while pitcher Matt Doncell went 3-2 on the mound with a 3.32 ERA.

 Senior Brian Donnelly complemented Doncell on the pitching staff with a 4-2 record including nine strikeouts in a 10-3 win against Floral Park in April 8. Junior Michael Charles recorded three wins and also had solid offensive production with a .324 average. junior Chris Hess served as the team’s closer.

“The pitching did better than I expected,” Ward said.

Junior catcher Luis Dono anchored Valley Stream South’s offense with a .471 average and four home runs to earn league co-MVP honors.  He registered 33 hits with 19 accounting for extra bases. Ward was also impressed with Dono’s leadership of the pitching staff behind the plate.

“He calls a great game,” Ward said of his catcher. “He has a great arm.”

Ward was impressed with the overall chemistry his team displayed this year on and off the field. He was also pleased at the confidence throughout the spring and being able to clinch a playoff spot two weeks before the regular season closed.

“They were very confident,” Ward said. “They played like they belonged.”

Valley Stream South rebounded from a 4-15 2015 season and won its first seven games to open the new campaign. The Falcons finished just two games behind Lynbrook for second place and with many returning players, Ward feels his program is set up for a strong 2017 and beyond.

“We’re looking forward to the next few years,” he said. “We’re expecting very good things.”