Thursday, October 1, 2026
Even with a 9-1 start, Clarke baseball coach Tom Abruscato knows his team has not yet reached its potential.
The Rams continued their winning ways last Friday, rallying for a 2-1 walk-off victory over Division to complete a three-game sweep and extend their winning streak to five games. The surge comes after their only loss of the season, a 3-0 setback at Bethpage on April 7.
Despite outscoring opponents 69-28 through 10 games and hitting six home runs, Abruscato has remained focused on improving consistency at the plate.
“They need to understand the way we're supposed to have an approach,” he said. “We’re playing great defensively, the pitching has been phenomenal, but our at-bats are poor."
Clarke’s latest win followed a familiar formula — strong pitching and timely execution. Trailing entering the bottom of the sixth inning, the Rams got a spark when senior center fielder Matt Kurz and junior third baseman Vinny Juliano led off with singles. After advancing on a wild pitch, Kurz scored on a fielder’s choice by sophomore Luke Walker to tie the game.
Kurz then took over in the seventh inning, tossing a scoreless frame before delivering the decisive blow. His single to center scored junior Nick Buffolino for the walk-off win, capping another standout performance in the series.
“Matty Kurz is a prospect,” Abruscato said. “We’ve had five or six major league scouts at every game for him, and he’s done a good job. It’s a lot of pressure for a kid in that spot. I don't think he's felt the pressure. He's been pretty cool with it.”
Kurz was dominant throughout the Division series, homering in each of the first two games. His biggest swing came in an April 15 win, when he launched a three-run homer in the sixth inning to break a 6-6 tie in what became a 9-8 victory.
Buffolino played a key role in both comeback wins, delivering a pinch-hit double that helped set up Kurz’s go-ahead homer on April 15 before scoring the winning run in the series finale.
“Like we always tell these kids, we don't make the lineup. You make the lineup,” Abruscato said. “He kind of forced his way in. He did a heck of a job this series.”
Sophomore Nico Burriesci also made an impact in the finale, earning praise after a strong varsity debut. He tossed three scoreless innings in relief, striking out three and keeping Clarke within striking distance.
While the offense continues to search for rhythm, Clarke’s pitching staff has been a steady force. Senior Richard Luke is 4-0, fellow senior James Beckworth has added a win and two saves, and senior Mike Iadevaia recorded the save in a 7-4 non-league win over Long Island Lutheran on March 31.
“All of the seniors that are starting right now were all starting as sophomores on the county championship team from two years ago,” Abruscato said. “They've all been lights out.”
Clarke will finish a three-game series against Jericho at home Friday before a non-league matchup at Calhoun on April 27.
