The MacArthur baseball team began this season right off where it left off in the 2024 regular season where the Generals marched to 14-2 record in Conference AA-1.
The Generals began the new campaign winning seven of their first eight games, including a perfect 5-0 conference record before being handed a 3-2 loss to East Meadow April 17. MacArthur entered the last full week of April at 5-1 in Conference AA-1 and 7-2 overall looking to set itself up for a deep postseason run that stretches into June.
“We have a solid team that is pretty good at all facets with a good lineup and good pitching,” longtime MacArthur coach Steve Costello said. “If we continue to improve we could do pretty well.”
Senior lefty Alex Darzano returned as the ace of the pitching staff after achieving a perfect 6-0 record last year with a 0.75 ERA. Darzano is off to a strong start again this spring and tossed a complete game four-hitter in MacArthur’s 4-2 win against East Meadow April 14 to open a three-game series.
Chris Lonergan has emerged as the number two pitcher this season for his senior season after earning some key wins as a junior in the rotation last season. Lonergan is off to a 3-0 start and recorded eight strikeouts in the Generals’ 9-4 victory against East Meadow on April 15.
“Like Alex, Chris mixes up his pitches and is a good competitor,” Costello said. “He’s doing very well.”
Senior lefthanded third baseman Nick Albert has become MacArthur’s most consistent hitter so far this season leading the team in all major offensive categories with an over .700 on-base percentage. The three-year varsity member also brings some power to the lineup with two home runs in league play.
The versatile Dylan Trippi, who can play catcher or infield, also adds some pop into the lineup after batting 4.00 with four home runs and 32 RBIs last season. The Barry University-bound Trippi went 3-for-3 in the 9-4 win against East Meadow in the second game of the three game series.
Prior to the East Meadow series, MacArthur swept Jericho in dominating fashion winning the three games by a combined score of 36-2. The series-opening 13-1 win on April 8 featured three hits from junior Ben Arreiaga and two by Michael Joyce.
The Generals opened the season with a commanding 11-1 non-league victory against Mepham that included a two-run RBI single by junior catcher Angelo Forthofer.
“The lineup has been pretty solid up and down,” Costello said. “There are a few guys who I think will get on track who haven't done so yet, but I think they'll get there and they'll hopefully improve as we move along.”
MacArthur faces crosstown rival Division in a three-game series this week that concludes on the road Thursday at 5 p.m. The Generals will then face Glen Cove for another three-game slate next week beginning at home Monday with a 5 p.m. first pitch.
